The Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) has not only become a breeding ground for some of Canada’s top basketball prospects. It has also provided a springboard for rising African basketball talent to realize their dreams of playing NCAA college basketball.
Case scenario, and exhibit A: Ibrahima Sacko.
A six-foot-seven, 200-pound, class of 2023, do it all guard/forward from Conakry, Guinea. Sacko is the latest high rising basketball star from the French speaking, capital and port city to make the move to Canada.
Announced as an incoming recruit on April 20th, 2022, Sacko participated in the inaugural Ball Don’t Stop Pro Am All Star game. Featuring the Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes and Malachi Flynn, the Guinean import immediately caught the attention of many, when he threw down this eye-popping dunk (first-one) in the warm-up line.
Now with several official Canadian basketball games under his belt, we are starting to see what could potentially be the top 2023 prospect in the OSBA.
A bold statement indeed, specially in a league filled with household names and rising stars such as Vasean Allette (2023), Matai Baptiste (2023), Efeosa Oliogu (2025), Spencer Ahrens (2025), Jalik Dunkley-Distant (2024), Christian Nitu (2024), Michael Evbagharu (2023) to name just a few.
A freakish two-player with a chiselled frame and abundance of raw athleticism, Sacko is a nightmare for opposing teams in transition and in the paint.
A menace on the defensive side of the ball. Sacko’s wingspan affects passing lanes, closeouts which lead to plenty of impressive steals, blocks and highlight fast break opportunities.
In a re-match against Orangeville Prep, Sacko scored 21 points in the first-half on 10-of-15 shooting, and was equally outstanding on the defensive end in a match-up against both Dunkley-Distant and Baptiste.
J. Addison avenged their 80-71 early season loss to Orangeville and walked away with an impressive 104-83 road win over a stacked and talented Bears squad.
Sacko finished with a game-high 35 points on 15-of-24 shot attempts, 0-of-2 from three-pointers and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also added eight rebounds, one steal and a massive block in 36 minutes.
Displaying his quick hands and defensive appetite against Royal Crown he stole the ball on the opening possession of the game and raced-in for a two hand dunk on the opposite end. Two possessions later, Sacko anticipated and jumped the passing lane for another steal, took two dribbles and smashed another ferocious dunk through the mesh.
Ibrahima Sacko leads J Addison to 2022 Beach Ball Classic title
Adding to his impressive season, the Cornarky import led J Addison to a thrilling 54-50 overtime championship win over Central Pointe (FL) at the 2022 Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Sacko took home the Most Valuable Player award in the prep division after scoring 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting and 7-of-14 from the foul-line. He also contributed with 7 rebounds, two steals and one block in 33 minutes.
Earlier in the tournament, Sacko lit-up The Skills Factory Prep (GA) for a massive double-double, finishing with 30 points, 14 rebounds, 12-of-18 shooting, 3-of-5 three-pointers, 3-of-7 from the foul-line and 68-67 victory.
Following in the footsteps of fellow country mates Mambourou Mara and Thierno Sylla (Central Florida), Sacko should be a lock for a first-team OSBA all-star. A leading nominee and front-runner for one of the coveted 24 spots in the upcoming 2023 Biosteel All-Canadian game and a potential spot on the World Team at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit.
A surefire, NCAA college basketball division I impact player, Sacko is drawing interest from about five or so mid-major schools such as Coastal Carolina and others.
As the 2023 recruiting season gets under way, expect Sacko’s name to pop-up and enter high major conversation, more often than foreign objects flying across North American airspace.
