Toumani’s interest in basketball was sparked by his brother.
Highlights
- Toumani Camara credits his success to the unwavering support of his single mother, Anne Le Docte, who raised him and his brother, Tidiane, in Brussels, Belgium.
- Despite growing up in a soccer-dominated city, Toumani’s interest in basketball was sparked by his brother, and he began playing the sport around the age of six.
- Toumani was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Draft and later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he made his NBA debut on October 25, 2023.
Toumani Camara, a professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers, attributes much of his journey to the unwavering support of his mother, Anne Le Docte.
Raised in Brussels, Belgium, Camara’s path to the NBA is a narrative shaped by family dedication, transcontinental moves, and athletic prowess.
2nd year wing Toumani Camara is an absolute menace defensively…
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 18, 2024
A+ effort, elite wing size, and just watch how he moves. Explosive but under control. Agile AND strong. Really cool player. Winner. pic.twitter.com/jcteJMUWIP
Family Background and Early Life
Born on May 8, 2000, in Brussels, Camara was brought up by his mother, Anne Le Docte, who has roots in Belgium and Haiti.
His father hails from Mali, West Africa.
Anne single-handedly raised Toumani and his older brother, Tidiane, since Toumani was five.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Camara remarked,
From the time I was 5, my mom raised me and my older brother (Tidiane) by herself. She did the best job ever with both of us.
daytondailynews.com
In a city where soccer dominated the sports scene, Camara’s interest in basketball was sparked by his brother, Tidiane.
He began playing the sport around the age of six, following in his brother’s footsteps.
Toumani said in an interview,
My brother started playing basketball first and I followed him. I was about six.
daytondailynews.com
There was a basketball court at a park about a two-minute walk from my house, but it was only free at night. Most of the time it was used by soccer players.
I couldn’t get on it until at least 8 at night. There weren’t any nets on the rims and the backboards were metal, but it was a place I could play.
He quickly developed into a talented player and was a member of Belgium’s U-16 national team, which competed in the European Championships held in Portugal.
Toumani’s earliest exposure to American basketball was the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, broadcast on Belgian television.
He then started watching the NBA and became a fan of Dwyane Wade.
Transition to the United States and High School Career
Consequently, at 16, Camara made a pivotal decision to move to the United States to pursue basketball more seriously.
He enrolled at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, with the help of his Belgian coach, who had a friend in Florida.
2019 Toumani Camara, Chaminade Madonna HS(FL) receives offer from the University of Georgia @toomany_buckets pic.twitter.com/hcLcYC2MtX
— Reg Burke ΦΒΣ🤘🏾 (@BayAreaHoopsfl) August 30, 2018
During his high school tenure, he was a four-year varsity player and team captain and earned First Team 5A All-Florida State honors as a senior.
Notably, he averaged a double-double in both his junior and senior years, showcasing his burgeoning talent on the court.
Collegiate Basketball Journey
Camara began his college basketball career with the Georgia Bulldogs at the University of Georgia.
During his sophomore season, he averaged 12.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Check out Toumani Camara’s story! #MyStoryMatters #NCAAInclusion @toomany_buckets @UGABasketball @NCAA @SEC pic.twitter.com/04CMf1dG1K
— The Georgia Way (@TheGeorgiaWay) October 30, 2020
Seeking new opportunities, he transferred to the University of Dayton, joining the Flyers.
In his junior season at Dayton, he improved his performance, averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Professional Career
The Phoenix Suns selected Toumani with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
After playing in the NBA summer league, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers before the start of his rookie season.
Truly 1 of 1.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 16, 2024
Take a deep dive on Toumani Camara’s ascension in PDX. pic.twitter.com/zjOGPPwNIG
He made his NBA debut on October 25, 2023, and averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in his rookie season.
Toumani has continued to improve in the 2024-25 season, averaging 8.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Additional Information
- Toumani has four butterflies tattooed on his right leg, each representing a member of his immediate family: his mother, his brother, his sister who passed away, and himself.
- Toumani is fluent in multiple languages, including French, Dutch, and English. This linguistic versatility has helped him adapt to different cultures and environments throughout his basketball career.
