Hidden Gems of Nairobi: Scouting Profiles of Bol Bol and Wol Deng
Inside the Rise of Promising Prospects from the Nurturing Potential Program
In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, amidst the vibrant energy of the Nurturing Potential program, I encountered two young talents whose basketball journeys are just beginning. Bol Bol and Wol Deng, caught my eye with their raw potential and hunger for the game.
In December, I embarked on a scouting trip to Nairobi, drawn by the reputation of the Nurturing Potential program—a beacon of hope for young athletes seeking a pathway to success. This non-profit initiative not only provides academic scholarships but also nurtures basketball talents, paving the way for dreams to take flight.
Bol Bol
7’3” Post
2009
I was immediately blown away by a young, rail-thin, baby-faced, 7'3" 13-year-old (now 14) prospect named Bol Bol.
Bol is incredibly raw and just picked up a basketball for the first time in October 2023, but he was coordinated, with a soft touch and ball handling seemed natural despite his lack of experience.
Despite his current limitations, Bol's potential is boundless. His elite size and coordination are the foundations of a promising career. While he looked lost and was ineffective in 5-on-5 play, this merely reflects his need to understand the nuances of the game, where to be, and how to use his size. With time and guidance, Bol could soar to great heights in the basketball world.
Bol is the epitome of a long-term prospect. He'll need time to adjust to a new culture, as he spent most of his childhood as a goat herder in a remote part of South Sudan.
Wol Deng
6’4 Guard
2011
Another prospect that caught my eye was a Wol Deng. Deng was the camp's youngest player but ranked among the leading scorers in live-action play. At 6'4", he's a big guard for his generation and has the potential to develop into a really, really good shooter. His confidence is his greatest attribute at this stage of his development. Despite being five years younger than several campers, Deng has an advanced level of maturity and approach to the game. While other campers were intent on showcasing their athleticism in pre-game warmups, Deng was heavily focused on shooting game shots and working on his ball handling. His preparation and determination to be the best player on the floor reveal his character and maturity. While he wasn't the most efficient scorer, he showed glimpses of his shot-making and outside shooting. He carried himself like a professional, played like he belonged with the older and more athletic players, and scored with the best of them. Deng has the tools and mindset to develop into a 6'8 comb guard and plus shooter.