Player Bio

Capela was born in 1994 in Geneva, Switzerland. His parents are from Angola and Congo. He initially preferred soccer, but as a 6-foot-3 13-year-old, his brother suggested he switch to basketball. As a young teen, Capela met Swiss basketball icon Thabo Sefolosha and became fascinated with hoops. At age 15, Capela joined the Chalon-sur-SaA'ne training center, INSEP, in France. His work at the center, located just outside of Paris, led to Capela eventually playing in the professional French league, LNB Pro A, starting in 2012. Capela played two Pro A seasons before declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft. As a 16-year-old, Capela joined Elan Chalon in the French league LNB Pro A. He played sparingly in seven games and averaged 2.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per contest. He also played for the Swiss National Team in the FIBA EuroBasket 2015 qualification rounds. The team did not qualify for the tournament. In 2014, Capela was named Best Young Player and Most Improved Player in the French Pro A. The Swiss center provided 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in Pro A action and put up 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in the EuroCup. He played in the 2014 Nike Hoop Summit where he was praised for his combination of frame and athletic ability. Capela had five points and three rebounds in 14 minutes. He subsequently made himself available for the 2014 draft.