Dabone, the standout to watch
Alongside the cup, the Endesa Mini Cup stands out as one of this week’s most captivating basketball events in the Spanish capital of Malaga, Costa del Sol. Beginning midweek, the tournament will draw the attention of European fans and scouts as the brightest 12- and 13-year-olds from Spanish clubs showcase their talent. The NBA’s eyes are increasingly turning toward this emerging group, keen to spot the next generation of stars as they start their ascent on a continental stage.
The player who may steal the show
Many talents who passed through this event went on to reach the top levels of professional basketball. Names like Ricky Rubio, Luka Dončić, and Domantas Sabonis serve as testament to the path traced by young competitors who cut their teeth in this tournament. This edition features a name that resonates loudly across the Malaga 2024 scene: Mohammed Dabone. Born in 2011 in Burkina Faso, he joined Barcelona’s youth academy last summer and quickly caught the attention of scouts from around the world, including those from the NBA.
Even at twelve, Dabone already stands out for his extraordinary reach. He measures 2.08 meters tall and has demonstrated the potential to become one of the sport’s future stars. In late 2023, he earned MVP honors at the Leukemia Foundation Tournament final, posting an efficiency rating of 40 in the decisive game against Real Madrid. He also claimed MVP honors in the final of the Spanish Youth Regional Team Championship, where Catalonia defeated Andalusia while still in pre-teen years.
What sets Dabone apart is a rare physical profile for his age, a gift that enables him to control games in his category with ease. It is this edge that has allowed him to compete confidently against peers who are larger or more experienced. The young player’s early exploits have already attracted attention from top academies and clubs, and his presence adds a layer of excitement to the Endesa Mini Cup 2024 as it unfolds. NBA scouts are well aware of the Burkinabe-born center, and their focus on his development is growing by the day.
The tournament promises to become a focal point of Malaga’s basketball calendar, especially with Dabone on the floor. If the stands fill up to witness these matches, the anticipation will peak when he steps onto the court. The event confirms the ongoing emergence of international talent in Spain and underscores how this competition acts as a launchpad for players aiming to reach the highest levels of the sport. The presence of such a promising youngster underscores the potential for this week to produce a new wave of professional prospects, drawing admiration from fans and evaluators alike.
The tournament bracket
When the senior draw determined the schedule, the Mini Cup teams learned their opponents. The eight qualified clubs were divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semifinals. The structure emphasizes a competitive format that rewards consistent performance and smart matchup decisions across the group stage.
Unicaja Andalusia was placed in Group A with Real Madrid, Joventut Badalona, and BAXI Manresa. Manolo Bazán’s squad opens with a match against Manresa on Wednesday at 15:00, followed by a challenging contest against Madrid on Thursday at 12:00, and they close the group phase with a clash against Joventut Badalona on Friday at 12:00. Group B features Valencia Basket, Barcelona, Basquet Girona, and Casademont Zaragoza, setting up a series of high-stakes games that promise an engaging weekend for fans and a valuable test for the teams involved.
The semifinals, along with the placement games for fifth through eighth places, are scheduled for Saturday. The third and fourth place decider and the grand final are set for Sunday, with kickoffs at 10:30 and 13:00 respectively. All games take place at the José Luis Pérez Canca de Carranque pavilion, except for the final, which will be played the following Sunday morning at Martín Carpena, ensuring a dramatic conclusion to a week of intense youth competition.