FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball incoming freshman forward Emmanuel Kanga will compete in the prestigious Capital Classic on April 26 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.
 
The annual high school all-star game, now in its 52^nd edition, features the top high school basketball talent from the capital region (DC, Maryland and Virginia) versus student-athletes from across the United States. The game has become a stepping stone for many collegiate All-Americans, NBA All-Stars and Basketball Hall of Fame recipients.
 
Throughout the years, the game has showcased notable NBA icons including Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Grant Hill, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Klay Thompson.
 
Kanga will compete for the Capital All-Stars in the event. He recently wrapped up a tremendous post-graduate season at Mt. Zion Prep in Lanham, Md. while garnering National Prep All-America accolades. The Elite Prep League Defensive Player of the Year, Kanga also earned First Team All-Conference honors at Mt. Zion this season. He led the league in rebounding (11.9 rpg) and also finished in the top-10 in scoring (15.6 ppg).
 
A 6-foot-9-inch forward from Libreville, Gabon, Kanga is a consensus 4-star prospect by the major recruiting services and Rivals.com lists him as the No. 20 power forward in the nation. He chose George Mason over offers from Maryland and Georgetown, among other local programs. He is ranked as a top-125 prospect by 247 Sports and the No. 4 Class of 2025 player in Maryland. Earlier this season, Slam Magazine listed him as the No. 93 incoming player in the nation.
 
Last summer, Kanga was named to the Commonwealth Basketball Group Juco Prep All-Showcase First Team, amongst some of the nation's other top prospects. He also competed with famed DC Premier on the AAU circuit and attended the NCAA's College Basketball Academy in July.
 
In summer 2023, Kanga earned Under Armour Association Top-60 Camp MVP honors. Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Armando Bacot and Jaden Springer.
 
On the global circuit, he competed for his native Gabon in a series of international events, including Africa Champions Clubs ROAD TO B.A.L. 2023, and suited up for FIBA 3x3 competition this past summer.
 
The Capital Classic will be played April 26 at 12 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.