
YAOUNDE (AfroBasket 2015) - In the lead-up to AfroBasket 2015, we take a closer look at all 16 participating teams competing in the championship running from 19-30 August.
FIBA Ranking Men: 43rd
Last participation in the AfroBasket: 2013 (5 wins, 2 defeats; 5th place)
Best result in the history of the AfroBasket: Runners-up in 2007
Qualified for AfroBasket 2015 - Winner of Africa Zone 4 Group F. Double win over the Republic of Congo
History/Qualification: Since Cameroon returned to the AfroBasket in 2007 following a 15-year absence, they have become a powerhouse in African basketball, collecting a 19-10 win-loss record in the last four editions of the AfroBasket.
Two years ago, Cameroon reached the Quarter-Finals with 3-1 record, but a 71-56 loss against hosts Cote d'Ivoire destroyed their dream of moving forward in the tournament.
Eventually they finished fifth, still a two-place improvement comparing to their 2011 continental campaign in Madagascar.
They qualified for this year's AfroBasket by getting past the Republic of Congo in the two-team FIBA Africa Zone 4 Group F qualifier played at Palace Multi-purpose Sports in Yaounde in February.
Key Player: Although Gaston Essengue counts with four AfroBasket appearances - the most of selected players - Nana Harding and Parfait Bitee should play pivotal roles.
Sorely Missed: Two weeks before the AfroBasket 2015, Luc Mbah a Moute has yet to report to his national team due to pending issues with his NBA contract.
The 28-year-old reportedly failed his medical check-up with the Sacramento Kings due to a shoulder injury and as a result his contract was waved.
A tenacious defender as well as a good offensive player, Mbah a Moute played a key role in Cameroon's successful campaign at AfroBasket 2007.
If he makes to his national team, he could be an important piece for the Cameroonians.
Rising Star: Former Harvard University forward Steve Moundou-Missi and Arnaud Adala Moto, who sat out the 2014-15 season due to NCAA transfer rules, are the newcomers trying to build and find their places with Cameroon.
Earlier this year, Moundou-Missi told FIBA.com how representing his country had improved his game.
Outlook: Cameroon's second place accomplished in 2007 may have surprised some, but it was not accidental at all, considering the team's competitiveness.
Half of the players who represented the country over the course of the past few years have had USA basketball college experience, including the team’s head coach Lazare Adingono who played and coached stateside.
Usually they show up in Africa scene with athletic and ambitious teams, and this year, surely, it won’t be different.
But they are yet to maximise their abundant talent.
Despite being Africa's seventh highest ranked team, Cameroon have big chances of reaching the podium at Tunisia 2015 where they will take on Egypt, Gabon and Mali in Group C.
In just six words: Compete for the best possible place.