The Louisville Cardinals have made a significant addition to their roster by signing Senegalese power forward Mouhamed Camara ahead of the 2025/26 NCAA basketball season. Camara, currently showcasing his talents in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with South African team Made By Ball (MBB), brings a wealth of potential and international experience to the Cardinals.

Why Louisville?

Camara, standing at an impressive 6-foot-8, chose Louisville over other offers, citing his admiration for head coach Pat Kelsey as a key factor. "The coach is great - the coach is a winner - and it's a great program, so me going there is a great opportunity," Camara told ESPN. Kelsey, known for his winning mentality, has a decorated coaching history, including four Big South regular season titles and three tournament championships during his tenure at Winthrop.

Rising Through the Ranks

Camara’s journey to Louisville has been marked by significant milestones. He attended SEED Academy in Senegal before making waves at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp in Johannesburg, where he earned the Defensive MVP award. His performances at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly further solidified his reputation as a defensive stalwart with emerging offensive skills.

Impact in the BAL

Despite limited game time in recent seasons, Camara has made every minute count. His solid performances in the BAL, particularly with MBB, have drawn attention from multiple colleges. Camara’s immediate focus remains on helping MBB qualify for the BAL playoffs, a goal that eluded him last season due to diplomatic tensions affecting his former team, Burundi Dynamo BBC.

Future Prospects

Camara’s defensive prowess and improved offensive skills, honed under the guidance of Roland Houston at the NBA Academy Africa, make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals. As he transitions to NCAA basketball, Camara aims to leverage his international experience to make an immediate impact in Louisville.

Looking Ahead

The signing of Mouhamed Camara signals Louisville’s commitment to building a competitive team for the 2025/26 season. With Camara’s defensive acumen and Kelsey’s leadership, the Cardinals are poised to make a strong run in the NCAA.