Strong family ties and hardwork put Marei in position for success
EGYPTIAN baller Assem Marei says family is one of the elements that has kept him grounded since he started playing basketball. His father, mother and brother all played their part in schooling him on the finer points of the game. Now, as a grown man and a professional, his wife is playing a key role in being the glue that holds his family together, and her presence has helped Marei achieve a thriving career.
Salgado, Kriol Star putting Cape Verde on the map in the BAL
KRIOL Star coach Hugo Salgado had taken time off from basketball for family reasons, but an SOS call from the team owner and player Joel Almeida led to the Portuguese coach doing a u-turn on his intended commitments. It seems to be a decision that has paid off for the Cape Verde team, which keeps scaling new heights.
Konaté itches for more success after historic season with JCA
DURING his illustrious playing career, El Jefe (The Chef) used to cook many an opponent on the basketball courts of Côte d’Ivoire and the rest of the African continent. The result was a plate peppered with domestic trophies and a sprinkling of continental success for the iconic Stéphane Konaté.
Putney to bring intensity for Hoopers in playoffs homecoming
THE gruelling conference stages of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) are done and dusted, and the teams to battle it out in the playoffs in Tshwane, South Africa (6-14 June) have been decided. One player looking forward to reconnecting with South Africa is forward Raphiael Putney, who has been preparing himself for the upcoming and intense duels of the playoff stages, which will determine the team that will claim the coveted BAL baobab-shaped trophy.
Vincent and Prinsloo get real about reason for MBB’s failures
SOUTH African basketball is rich in potential but trapped in a cycle of dysfunction. Despite having excellent infrastructure, South Africa lags due to deep-rooted leadership issues within basketball. These problems were evident during the 2024 BAL Nile Conference, where Made By Basketball (MBB) finished with a 2-4 record, missing the playoffs and raising familiar questions about the country’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
iTeam Yase Dladleni closing in on a playoff spot
MBB is beginning to find its rhythm in the Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Nile Conference, after registering a stunning upset over APR inside a nearly sold-out BK Arena on Thursday night. The team is growing, adapting, and earning its place in the Nile Conference. After a rocky start, the 94-88 win over the Rwandan club is a potential signal of growth, trust, and a team finally clicking into gear.
Which Nile Conference teams will set sail for the playoffs?
THE opening round of the BAL Nile Conference has provided a fascinating glimpse into the strengths, challenges, and potential of the four competing teams: Al Ahli Tripoli, APR, Made By Basketball (MBB), and Nairobi City Thunder. Each team’s performance has reflected distinct narratives shaped by leadership, injuries, and moments of brilliance, all setting the stage for an intense race toward the playoffs.
MBB’s Pfachi to break new ground for Zimbabwe at the BAL
THE Made By Basketball Club’s players were grinding and breaking a sweat on Monday afternoon at Mandeville Sports Complex. The scrimmage between the club’s first and second units was so intense and physical that it came as no surprise that there were a few bumps and bruises ahead of their historic Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda.
Billy ballin’ out and winning with the Bravehearts
THE Bravehearts Basketball Club, over time, has become a dominant force in Malawi’s basketball scene, and has slowly started making inroads on the continental scene. While success on the court has been pleasing, the 10-year-old club is more than just about the attainment of trophies – talent development and positively altering the lives of players who have come through the ranks is their hallmark.
