The Cape Verde national basketball team, nicknamed the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), is one of the great success stories of modern African basketball. Competing in FIBA Africa zone, this island nation's team plays its home games at the Pavilhão Desportivo Vavá Duarte in the capital, Praia. The team's formation and rise are relatively recent, with the national federation being established in 1988. The blue shark nickname embodies the team's surprising ferocity and ability to thrive in deep waters against larger opponents. Cape Verde's key era is undoubtedly the present day. From being a minor basketball nation, they engineered a stunning qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, marking their debut on the global stage. This historic achievement was built on the backs of a talented diaspora, including stars like Walter "Eddy" Tavares, the Real Madrid center, and point guard Shane Da Rosa. Their defining moment was securing that World Cup berth, a victory that sent the entire archipelago into celebration. The modern era sees Cape Verde as a legitimate force. With Tavares anchoring the defense and a cadre of quick, skilled guards, they play a disciplined and physical style that can trouble any team. Their recent World Cup appearance, where they competed valiantly, has cemented their status. The fan base, both at home and in the vast Cape Verdean communities abroad, is incredibly passionate, creating a wave of support. In summary, Cape Verde's Blue Sharks are no longer underdogs; they are a respected, well-organized team that has rewritten the map of African basketball.