Cape Verde men's national basketball team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Cape Verde women's national basketball team.

Cape Verde
FIBA ranking45 Steady (25 February 2025)[1]
Joined FIBA1988
FIBA zoneFIBA Africa
National federationFederação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol
CoachEmanuel Trovoada
Nickname(s)Hammer Sharks
FIBA World Cup
Appearances1
AfroBasket
Appearances7
Medals Bronze: (2007)

The Cape Verde national basketball team represents Cape Verde in international basketball matches and is administered by the Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol.

Its greatest accomplishment was the bronze medal at the AfroBasket 2007, where Cape Verde beat Egypt in its last game.

On 26 February 2023, Cape Verde qualified for their first-ever World Cup when they claimed their ticket to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[2] The country became the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup, breaking a record that was held by Montenegro.[3]

History

Early development and FIBA affiliation

Basketball in Cape Verde gained structure following independence in 1975, but formal organization only began later with the establishment of the Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol. The federation joined FIBA in 1988.[4]

AfroBasket debut and rise through the ranks

Cape Verde debuted in the AfroBasket in 1997, finishing 7th in the nine-team tournament. They returned in 1999 and steadily improved in subsequent editions.[5]

Historic Bronze at AfroBasket 2007

At the 2007 AfroBasket in Angola, Cape Verde stunned Nigeria 62–53 in the quarterfinals, fell to host nation Angola in the semifinals, but recovered to defeat Egypt 53–51 in the third-place match. This secured Cape Verde’s first-ever medal at the continental championship.[6][7]

Key figure Edy "Walter" Tavares joins the team (2013)

In 2013, center Edy Tavares joined and later became the cornerstone of the national team. He was named to the All-Star Five at AfroBasket 2021 and averaged a double-double during World Cup qualifying, ensuring Cape Verde’s historic debut.[8][9]

World Cup qualification and historic milestone (2023)

On 26 February 2023, Cape Verde qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time by defeating Ivory Coast in the African qualifiers. With this, Cape Verde became the smallest nation by population ever to reach the World Cup, surpassing Montenegro’s record.[10][11]

World Cup debut and first global victory

At the 2023 World Cup in the Philippines, Cape Verde earned their first-ever win on the world stage by defeating Venezuela 81–75. Edy Tavares contributed 14 rebounds along with defensive dominance to secure the victory.[12][13]

AfroBasket 2025 performance

At AfroBasket 2025, Cape Verde continued to rely on Tavares, who set a new personal record with 19 rebounds in the group stage. Despite a narrow 81–82 loss to Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde remained in contention for a quarterfinal spot.[14][15]

Achievements

Competitive record

FIBA World Cup

Year Round Position GP W L
Argentina 1990 Did not qualify
Canada 1994
Greece 1998
United States 2002
Japan 2006
Turkey 2010
Spain 2014
China 2019
PhilippinesJapanIndonesia 2023 Classification round 28th 5 1 4
Qatar 2027 To be determined
Total 1/10 5 1 4

AfroBasket

  Third place    Fourth place  

Year Round Position GP W L
Angola 1989 Did not qualify
Egypt 1992
Kenya 1993
Algeria 1995
Senegal 1997 Classification stage 7th 4 1 3
Angola 1999 Preliminary round 9th 6 3 3
Morocco 2001 Did not qualify
Egypt 2003
Algeria 2005
Angola 2007 Third place 3rd 6 4 2
Libya 2009 Classification rounds 13th 5 3 2
Madagascar 2011 Did not qualify
Ivory Coast 2013 Quarter-finals 6th 7 4 3
Tunisia 2015 Round of 16 10th 5 3 2
Tunisia Senegal 2017 Did not qualify
Rwanda 2021 Fourth place 4th 6 3 3
Angola 2025 Qualified
Total 39 21 18

African Games

See also: Basketball at the African Games
  • 2011 – 6th

Lusophony Games

See also: Basketball at the Lusophony Games
  • 2006 – 3rd place, bronze medalist(s)
  • 2009 – 2nd place, silver medalist(s)
  • 2014 – 4th

Team

Current roster

Team for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.[16]

Cape Verde national basketball team roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
0 Patrick Lima 30 – (1995-05-02)2 May 1995 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) CB Andujar Jaen Paraiso Interior Spain
1 Anim Delgado 26 – (1999-04-03)3 April 1999 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Jaen Paraiso Interior FS Baloncesto Spain
2 Will Tavares 30 – (1995-07-18)18 July 1995 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) KB Ylli Kosovo
3 Roesley Sanches 23 – (2002-03-11)11 March 2002 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Jaen Paraiso Interior FS Baloncesto Spain
4 Keven Gomes 29 – (1995-10-29)29 October 1995 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) CB Benicarlo Spain
6 Ivan Almeida 36 – (1989-05-10)10 May 1989 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) Kriol Star Cape Verde
8 Anderson Correia 27 – (1997-10-31)31 October 1997 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) Kriol Star Cape Verde
9 Joel Almeida 39 – (1985-10-11)11 October 1985 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) Kriol Star Cape Verde
10 Kenneti Mendes 34 – (1990-08-17)17 August 1990 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Kriol Star Cape Verde
12 Amarilson Lopes 29 – (1995-08-18)18 August 1995 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Estrela de Santo André Portugal
21 Betinho Gomes 40 – (1985-02-05)5 February 1985 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Sport Lisboa e Benfica Portugal
22 Edy Tavares 33 – (1992-03-22)22 March 1992 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) Real Madrid Spain
Head coach
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada
Assistant coach(es)
  • Cape Verde Edmilson Abreu
  • Cape Verde Manuel José Duarte Vieira
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • nat field describes country
    of last club before the tournament
  • Age field is age on 12 August 2025

Head coach position

  • Cape Verde Carlos Tavares – early 2000s
  • Cape Verde Manuel da Costa – early 2000s
  • Cape Verde Rui Silva – early 2000s
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada – 2007
  • Cape Verde Eric Silva – 2008
  • Nigeria Alex Nwora – 2009–2013[17]
  • Cape Verde Antonio Tavares – 2014
  • Portugal Luis Magalhães – 2015
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada – 2016–2022
  • Portugal Jorge Rito – 2023 (e.g., AfroCan 2023 & subsequent competitions)[18]
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada – 2024–present (returned after 2023 stint by Rito)[19]

Past rosters

Team for the 2013 FIBA Africa Championship.[20][21]

Cape Verde men's national basketball team roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
F 4 Dimitry Coronel 21 – (1992-08-13)13 August 1992 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Maine Univ. United States
G 5 Shane da Rosa 25 – (1988-04-23)23 April 1988 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Bristol Community College United States
G/F 6 Avey Oliver 29 – (1983-10-12)12 October 1983 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) TV Hohenlimburg Germany
G 7 Braima Freire 31 – (1982-01-19)19 January 1982 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) Seven Stars Cape Verde
G 8 Mário Correia 35 – (1978-03-17)17 March 1978 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) Promade Cabinda Angola
F 9 Flávio Gomes 24 – (1988-12-26)26 December 1988 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) AngraBasket Portugal
C 10 Kenneti Mendes 23 – (1990-08-17)17 August 1990 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Prédio SGL Cape Verde
C 11 Aldevino Lima 26 – (1986-08-25)25 August 1986 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Northeastern United States
C 12 Edy Tavares 21 – (1992-03-22)22 March 1992 2.20 m (7 ft 3 in) Atlanta Hawks United States
G 13 Brian Rudolph, Jr. 24 – (1988-09-17)17 September 1988 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) Loyola (MD) United States
F 14 Kevin Coronel 21 – (1991-09-03)3 September 1991 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Académica do Mindelo Cape Verde
F 15 Rodrigo Mascarenhas 33 – (1980-03-24)24 March 1980 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) Mindelo Vets Cape Verde
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • Club – describes last
    club before the tournament
  • Age – describes age
    on 20 August 2013

Roster for AfroBasket 2021.[22]

Cape Verde men's national basketball team roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
SF 0 Patrick Lima 26 – (1995-05-02)2 May 1995 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Prédio Basketball Cape Verde
PG 4 Jeff Xavier 35 – (1985-09-07)7 September 1985 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) Cáceres Spain
F 6 Ivan Almeida 32 – (1989-05-10)10 May 1989 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) Benfica Portugal
PG 7 Fidel Mendonça 37 – (1984-07-07)7 July 1984 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) Prédio Basketball Cape Verde
SG 8 Anderson Correia 23 – (1997-10-31)31 October 1997 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) Chamusca Portugal
SF 9 Joel Almeida 35 – (1985-10-11)11 October 1985 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) Kutaisi 2010 Georgia (country)
PF 10 Kenneti Mendes 31 – (1990-08-17)17 August 1990 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Galitos Portugal
SF 11 Patrick Abreu 30 – (1991-03-20)20 March 1991 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) Prédio Basketball Cape Verde
C 13 Sekouba Condé 31 – (1989-12-31)31 December 1989 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Viana Angola
C 14 Ailton Lopes 25 – (1995-09-18)18 September 1995 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) CB Clavijo Spain
PF 15 Kevin Coronel 29 – (1991-09-03)3 September 1991 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Tarragona Spain
C 22 Edy Tavares 29 – (1992-03-22)22 March 1992 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) Real Madrid Spain
Head coach
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada
Assistant coach(es)
  • Cape Verde Edmilson Abreu
  • Cape Verde Danielson Miranda
Legend
  • Club – describes last
    club before the competition
  • Age – describes age
    on 24 August 2021

Roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[23][24]

Cape Verde men's national basketball team – 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
SG 0 Nathan Pires 13 – (2010-07-15)15 July 2010 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) CB Almería Spain
PG 5 Shane Da Rosa 35 – (1988-04-23)23 April 1988 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) Providence Pirates United States
F 6 Ivan Almeida 34 – (1989-05-10)10 May 1989 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) Benfica Portugal
PG 7 Fidel Mendonça (C) 39 – (1984-07-07)7 July 1984 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) Prédio Basketball Cape Verde
SG 8 Anderson Correia 25 – (1997-10-31)31 October 1997 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) Sangalhos DC Portugal
SF 9 Joel Almeida 37 – (1985-10-11)11 October 1985 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) FAP Cameroon
PF 10 Kenneti Mendes 33 – (1990-08-17)17 August 1990 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) FAP Cameroon
F 13 Will Tavares 28 – (1995-07-18)18 July 1995 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) BC Yambol Bulgaria
SF 15 Kevin Coronel 31 – (1991-09-03)3 September 1991 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Portimonense Portugal
C 16 Keven Gomes 27 – (1995-10-29)29 October 1995 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) FC Porto Portugal
SF 21 João Gomes 38 – (1985-02-05)5 February 1985 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Benfica Portugal
C 22 Edy Tavares 31 – (1992-03-22)22 March 1992 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) Real Madrid Spain
Head coach
  • Angola Emanuel Trovoada
Assistant coach(es)
  • Cape Verde Manuel Duarte
  • Cape Verde Danielson Miranda
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Club – describes last
    club before the competition
  • Age – describes age
    on 25 August 2023

Kit

Manufacturer

2015 – Peak

2025 – Dhika

2015 – Zap

See also

References

  1. ^ "FIBA World Ranking Presented by Nike". FIBA. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Tavares, Cape Verde celebrate World Cup qualification finishing a historic run". basketnews.com. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Cape Verde become smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  4. ^ "Cape Verde Basketball Federation joins FIBA". FIBA. 1988. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  5. ^ "Memories of the 2007 AfroBasket still vivid for Cape Verde". FIBA. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Cape Verde stun Nigeria at AfroBasket 2007". Criolosports. 20 August 2007. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Team Profile: Memories of the 2007 AfroBasket still vivid for Cape Verde". FIBA. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  8. ^ "Walter 'Edy' Tavares headlines Cape Verde squad". FIBA. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Edy Tavares, giant of Cape Verde basketball, makes history at 2023 World Cup". International Olympic Committee. 27 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Cape Verde make history by qualifying for 2023 FIBA World Cup". Sport News Africa. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Tavares, Cape Verde celebrate World Cup qualification". BasketNews. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Edy Tavares and Cape Verde make history with win over Venezuela". Eurohoops. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Edy Tavares putting Cape Verde on the map at the World Cup". FIBA. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  14. ^ "Tavares breaks rebound record with Cape Verde". AS (in Spanish). 7 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  15. ^ "AfroBasket challenge for Tavares and Cape Verde". AS (in Spanish). 12 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  16. ^ Cape Verde | 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, FIBA. Retrieved August 2025.
  17. ^ Head coaches, fiba.com. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  18. ^ “Leading Cape Verde in Egypt was coach Jorge Rito, who took over the team in 2023…” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  19. ^ Cape Verde continues under coach Emanuel Trovoada as of the 2023 FIBA World Cup and beyond :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  20. ^ "Cabo Verde". Fcbb.cv. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  21. ^ "Cape Verde Roster". Fcbb.cv. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  22. ^ "Team Roster Cape Verde". fiba.basketball. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  23. ^ "La plantilla de Cabo Verde para el Mundial de baloncesto 2023: Lista de jugadores y datos del equipo de Edy Tavares". sportingnews.com. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  24. ^ "Team roster: Cape Verde" (PDF). FIBA. 25 August 2023.

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