HAGAR Amer desperately craves to win a continental title in her home city of Alexandria, Egypt and for the next eight days, she will be on a mission to achieve that goal.
From Monday (11-19 December), Amer, captain of Alexandria Sporting Club, will lead her team in defending their title in the new Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL). In Alexandria, Amer and her teammates will try to fend off the aspirations of nine other teams, aiming to usurp the trophy they won last year in Mozambique.
During an interview with The Big Tip-Off, Amer spoke about winning the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup last year. She also spoke about her expectations this year, the changes her team has made and the importance of winning the title on their home turf.
For Amer, whose club finished fourth in 2019, winning a first continental title was sweet, but winning a second on home soil may mean a little more.
The 30-year-old forward, MVP of their continental championship run in Maputo, expressed her desire to win in Egypt.
“I have been playing basketball for 26 years. I have never lifted a cup on our home court. It was always in other courts. That was great, but I want to experience winning at home. When I walk through our court alone, I try to imagine what it would be like to lift the cup,” said the Egyptian international.
Amer went down memory lane and reflected on their tournament success last year. She says they surprised themselves by winning the Champions Cup, especially facing the likes of Inter Clube (Angola) in the semi-final and eventually beating hosts Costa do Sol (Mozambique) in the final.
The Sporting captain also had a final to remember, scoring 18 points and crashing seven boards.
“It (last year) was our second participation in the tournament and honestly, our aim was not to win. When we went into last year’s tournament, we knew we would be facing excellent teams,” said the forward.
Amer is confident about their chances this year. The return of shooting guard Cierra Dillard, who was instrumental in their victory last year, has returned to the team. Dillard, who represents Senegal at the international level, was instrumental in last year’s Champions Cup, scoring 21 points and making three assists in the final.
Sporting captain Hagar Amer says it would mean a lot to win the AWBL at home. Picture: FIBA
In addition to Dillard, Yacine Diop and Fatou Diagne of Senegal have joined the team. American Destiny Pitts, a former guard for Texas A&M, has been with the team throughout the season. Amer believes that the recruits have improved the team.
“Our new signings have made our team much stronger. We are confident that we are better prepared for the upcoming tournament than last year. We have been practicing hard and have seen positive results,” said Amer.
Amer acknowledges they will face a challenge in defending their crown. She says playing at home should give them extra impetus against the continent’s best teams.
“It’s not going to be an easy tournament. There are a lot of great teams from Angola and Rwanda,” said Amer. “It is not going to be easy. But we are motivated because we are playing in our homeland. Winning this championship and going back-to-back in Egypt would be a tremendous honour.”
Sporting are in Group A alongside CNSS (Democratic Republic of Congo), Kenya Ports Authority, Université de Douala and Customs (Nigeria)
IN the final game of the Road To BAL Elite 16 Division East between the Cape Town Tigers and City Oilers (Uganda) – won by the Tigers last Sunday – the DJ played a familiar tune synonymous with victory in certain sporting quarters, Nkalakatha by Mandoza.
The popular Kwaito classic marked the national rugby team’s – the Springboks – Rugby World Cup triumph in October. Now courtesy of the Tigers’ third Basketball Africa League qualification, basketball got to enjoy Mandoza’s timeless banger.
Amidst the music and posing for team photos, Tigers’ star player Samkelo Cele went courtside to catch up with former teammates and friends.
He also took a few minutes to engage with some teenage fans before heading to the changeroom to take more team photos. Once there, they popped open and sprayed celebratory champagne. Whilst the celebrations continued in the changeroom, head coach Florsheim Ngwenya, his assistant Vincent Ntunja, team manager Elvis Ukpong, and other Tigers players sprinted to half-court.
As the changing room emptied, Cele was among the last few to leave. After freshening up, he caught up with The Big Tip Off to discuss his role at the Tigers, the support he got upon returning to South Africa, being a role model to younger players, his Elite 16 experience, and how the Tigers can improve their chances in Season 4 of The BAL.
Samkelo Cele has embraced his sixth-man role at the Tigers. Pictures: FIBA
Twenty-five-year-old, Cele was impactful at both ends of the court during BAL season 3 and the recently concluded Elite 16. He positively contributed every time he was on the floor, despite taking the sixth-man role – one he fulfilled at this year’s BAL Season 3.
Prior to joining the team, the former Durban High School (DHS) student met with the coaching staff, who explained their expectation of him. He knew he had a much bigger role to play on the team. And even when he is having a bad game, Cele is still the go-to guy.
The electrifying small forward contributes to the bulk of the scoring in most of the games they play. He intimated that he was not concerned about not getting a starting role.
Cele, a former University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers player, knows he has to continue doing a good job on the court.
Playing in an arena where you could hear a pin drop on most days, Cele could not help but notice the cheers from a handful of fans who trickled in to watch the Tigers’ games. Whenever the former All-American made a steal, shot from deep, or even threw it down for an electrifying dunk, it drew cheers from the small crowd.
This energy reminded Cele of his DHS days and made him feel at home. However, this time around, the support was a little different.
“When I played here in high school, I never felt the support and now I see it, I feel it and I am trying to embrace it as best as I possibly can,” said Cele who averaged 23 points and three rebounds per game during the Elite 16.
He recognized familiar faces and voices from his days at DHS amongst the crowd. One, in particular, was Dali Dzingwa, the general manager of the Basketball National League (BNL). Dzingwa is also his high school best friend’s father.
Cele shared: “Sicelo (Dzingwa) is my best friend and was a teammate in high school. His dad used to be very involved in our games and would talk to us from the sidelines. For the first time in years, when we played the NBA Academy, he called my name from the side and was coaching me again. It felt like high school all over again.”
Cele appreciated the support he received and recognized the impact it had on aspiring basketball players. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the lack of role models for him to follow. Now he is grateful to be in a position where he can inspire and guide the next generation.
“I think that it is good for the kids coming up to see me being one of the main guys on the team. Them being able to interact with me has been cool,” said Cele.
In preparation for the Elite 16 competition, Cele and the Tigers faced a scarcity of scrimmage games, especially at the BAL level. Instead, they only played a few games against local clubs, which they won by a large margin. Although this seemed like a risky strategy, Cele believes it brought the team together.
“There is a saying that you’ve gotta stay ready to get ready, and I feel like all of us were always like that. We just had to adjust on the fly, and the more games we played, the better we became,” said Cele. Despite the lack of high-level competition, Cele doesn’t believe it impacted their readiness for the Elite 16.
The team’s reliance on each other and ability to adapt to different situations helped them bond. It ultimately made them one unit. As Cele put it, “I doubt it affected us, but it did force us to be a team. I don’t know if anyone noticed, but we moved the ball a little more than the previous times.”
Two days before the Elite 16 tournament, the Tigers faced off against the NBA Academy in an exhibition game. The young prospects surprised the Tigers with a win over the South African champions. However, Cele didn’t seem too concerned about the loss. He believes it wasn’t significant as they beat the Academy in their final group game later that week.
Samkelo Cele says winning rebounds will be key if the Tigers are to succeed at next year’s BAL.
According to Cele, “It was just an exhibition game, so we didn’t take it too seriously. We saw how they played in the first game and made the necessary adjustments in the second game (Elite 16), which we won.”
“We treated it as a game against the kids… To help them improve, because they represent the future of our continent.”
The Elite 16 final was a showdown between well-acquainted opponents. The Tigers and Oilers faced each other in last year’s (Elite 16) semi-finals and group stages of BAL Season 3. Having secured their tickets to next year’s BAL, the battle between the two teams was for bragging rights.
“When you play, you always wanna win so the final did matter. You always want to be able to say how many times you beat a team. When they had the chance to beat you – they couldn’t,” said the former Marist College Red Foxes player.
Regarding their victory, Cele recognizes its significance for setting the standard of preparation for the Kalahari Conference in South Africa.
Reflecting on the Tigers’ performance last season, he pointed out the team’s lack of rebounding as a major issue.
“I think that both times we lost, it was due to rebounding. The more we rebound, the better our chances are. I feel like we can play against any team on the continent,” said Cele.
Cele recalls the experience of playing against Stade Malien, who eliminated the Tigers in the quarter-finals. “I feel like talent-wise, they did not match up to us, but they out-hustled us and won every 50/50 ball. They out-rebounded us on both ends of the floor, so it’s rebounding,” says Cele.
“Most of the games we won were where we were good at rebounding. We give ourselves a chance if we rebound the ball well.”
Cele and the Tigers have ample time to fix their deficiencies and by the time the Kalahari Conference begins next year, they should be ready to roar.
Group A features host Cape Town Tigers, NBA Academy (Senegal), Dynamo (Burundi), and Pazi Basketball Club (Tanzania). Meanwhile, Group B comprises formidable opponents: City Oilers (Uganda), Ferroviário da Beira (Mozambique), COSPN (Madagascar), and JBC (Zimbabwe).
As the tournament approaches, anticipation grows for the return of familiar faces and the emergence of new stars. While playing on home turf, Cape Town Tigers seek victory but face the historical challenge of overcoming Burundian opponents. Bolstered by international players Terrance Ferguson, Cartier Diarra, and Terry Larrier, along with the expertise of 2023 All-Defensive player Samkelo Bryan Cele and BNL MVP, Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, the Tigers should be a competitive team.
The City Oilers, playing in their third Elite 16, bring size and physicality, making them top contenders for the coveted tickets. The acquisition of Dane and the return of Germain Roebuck Jr ensures that the Oilers will bring their A-Game.
Ferroviário de Beira has bolstered their ranks with new talent. The team’s star point guard, Will Perry, has reunited with Jermel Kennedy and Bourouma Sidibe. Former FAP centre Michael Mendes will provide depth in the front court. With Beira’s impressive offensive prowess and ability to shoot the ball well from behind the arc, they are one of the favourites for the tournament.
COSPN will have to improve after finishing winless last year. The Malagasy club will, again, be led by Bishop Coulter and Livio Ratianarivo. The team can look to build on their success so far in this year’s qualifiers and take advantage of the extended preparation period that the delay of the Elite 16 has provided them.
Newcomers Dynamo JBC and Pazi Basketball Club make their Elite 16 debut, aiming to establish their presence. JBC, reinforced by notable signings, seeks to elevate Zimbabwean basketball to new heights. Dynamo, awarded a wild card by FIBA, aims to rectify their only loss in the qualifiers behind the strength of teen sensation Israel Otobo.
Pazi Basketball Club, led by Cleveland Thomas and former NBA pick Hasheem Thabeet, finished undefeated in pre-qualifiers. The last-minute additions of Cleveland Thomas jr and Mareng Gatkouth give Pazi a lot of depth aside from their giant centre. Thabeet’s paint protection poses a challenge. The Tigers could struggle as they are thin in that department.
Hasheem Thabeet will be a key player for Pazi. Picture: FIBA
The NBA Academy, here for participation only, are led by rising star Khaman Maluach. He will be the X-factor in the tournament in this qualifying tournament. The Dakar-based Academy players held their own against the Tigers in a friendly on Sunday, winning 70-64. This young group of players will be no pushovers in Group A.
The tournament promises a display of incredible basketball skills, combining past matchups with the introduction of new teams. Stay tuned for updates and witness the competition unfold!
JERMEL Kennedy wants a return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL). In his quest to achieve this desire, he has returned to Ferroviario da Beira. But before he can even dream of a second BAL appearance, Kennedy and Beira must navigate the Elite 16 Division East tipping-off in Johannesburg, South Africa (21 November – 26 November).
The veteran forward, who played for the Mozambican club in their BAL debut (2022), spent time overseas and in his home country, Canada. He spoke to the Big Tip Off about his return to Beira and the upcoming Elite 16. Kennedy also talked about his experience of the basketball scene in South Africa.
The 34-year-old’s decision to rejoin coach Luis Hernandez’s team results from a strong and positive relationship between the two. Despite having offers from elsewhere, the prospect of playing in the BAL swayed Kennedy’s decision.
The relationship between Kennedy and his Spanish coach begun a few years earlier. Although Kennedy couldn’t recall the exact year, he and Hernandez have stayed connected from around 2019. “We see basketball for the most part through the same lens, so we mesh well,” Kennedy recalled.
Jermel Kennedy says his bond with coach Luis Hernandez led him back to Beira. Pictures: The BTO
In their debut season, Beira failed to progress past the group stages, ending with a disappointing 1-4 record. Despite this, Kennedy viewed the experience as a valuable lesson. It taught him and the team the importance of making an impact within the short window that the BAL provides. He acknowledges that the team needs to improve rapidly to compete against other African clubs. Also, they cannot take their time for granted – whether on the court, watching film, or in the weight room. Unlike countries with longer leagues, they must progress quickly.
After that season, Kennedy had various options to consider, including playing in the United Kingdom’s British Basketball League (BBL). However, he ultimately decided to return to Canada to join The Saskatchewan Rattlers for his fourth season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
Kennedy has previously played in the CEBL during the offseason to stay active and improve, and he felt that playing at home would be a bonus, allowing his family and friends to see him in action. As he explains, “Although I had the option to play in the BBL, which was appealing at the time, it’s always great to have the opportunity to play at home.”
In an impressive Elite 16 Road to BAL performance last year, Beira proved their mettle as a serious contender, finishing second only to the Cape Town Tigers last year. Emboldened by their success, Beira set out to conquer the BAL Season 3 with renewed vigour.
Despite a valiant effort that took them to the playoffs, Beira was unfortunately eliminated by Senegal’s AS Douanes in the quarter-finals.
Kennedy’s initial visit to Beira left a lasting impression on him. The strong bond he had developed with Coach Hernandez and his team members left a lasting impact. This connection made his decision to return to Southern Africa an easy one.
“The coach approached me about the prospect of coming back, and I knew that my good friend Will Perry was also planning to return. I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside him, and our shared history of winning only made the decision more obvious.”
Kennedy, it seems, has found it easy to settle in with the team. He feels like he has never left Beira.
“I have built strong relationships with all my teammates and it’s as if I’ve seamlessly picked up where I left off,” said Kennedy. “We have great camaraderie. There are a few changes to the team… But I’m excited to see the impact we can make this time around”
Kennedy shared his thoughts on the growth of basketball on the African continent. His views come in light of the expanded BAL Season 4, which will see South Africa host the new Kalahari Conference early next year. He contrasted this with the CEBL, which is also in its early stages of development.
“Despite operating on different continents, both the CEBL and BAL share similar frameworks that have led to solid growth. They offer opportunities to players worldwide, fostering diversity and talent exchange. Innovative marketing, fan engagement, and partnerships contribute to their success,” said Kennedy.
Jermel Kennedy says Beira has to improve vastly if they qualify for the BAL.
Kennedy got a taste of the South African basketball culture when he participated in the 2022 Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial tournament alongside Beira teammate Will Perry. From that experience, Kennedy feels teams that will qualify for the Kalahari Conference are in for a treat.
“I think the energy and the passion of the fans in South Africa is underrated,” said the forward. “I think teams will be surprised by the number of fans that will be in attendance and their knowledge of basketball.”
With Kennedy’s versatility, a readiness to take on any role, and a winning mindset, he can make the team tick. The Canadian will be a key piece to Beira’s quest for a third BAL appearance.
* Beira are in Group B in the Elite 16 alongside COSPN (Madagascar) and City Oilers (Uganda), JBC (Zimbabwe).
EVANS Ganapamo has his eyes cast on playing in his third Basketball Africa League (BAL) and he has already suited up for a new team. He recently joined Bangui Sporting Club of the Central African Republic (CAR) club and stated his move was inspired by a sense of patriotism and a desire to connect with his roots.
Joining Bangui also brought an end to his successful spell with South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers.
Before talking to The Big Tip Off about Bangui’s Road to BAL 2024 aspirations, and their slight wobble at the start of the qualifiers, the 29-year-old reflected on his final season with the Tigers.
Ahead of the BAL’s third season, the Tigers retooled and made notable additions that included Zaire Wade, son of Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade and All-American Samkelo Cele. In the coaching department, former LA Lakers Assistant Coach Rasheed Hazard was brought in. The changes made Tigers a team to look out for in the third instalment of the BAL.
“Last season, there was just a lot going on,” said the shooting guard. “I think we had the pieces to make things happen, but we were also a young team. Maybe a we could have kept some of the players.”
The Tigers made it to their second playoffs, but the injury bug bit – hampering the Cape team’s progress. Ganapamo was also among the casualties. He had hoped they would improve from their playoff position last year, but it was not to be. He could only watch from the sidelines as the Tigers fell to Mali’s Stade Malien.
“Overall, it definitely didn’t go the way I thought it would. I thought that we would have done better than the first season. So it was definitely bitter sweet,” said France-born Ganapamo.
Evans Ganapamo says joining Bangui has allowed him to connect with his roots. Pictures: FIBA Africa
By the end of the BAL season, Ganapamo worked his way back to game shape. His focus was on playing in the third season of the BAL. However, this off-season much like the previous one had something different to offer for him. He got a chance to play for Montreal Alliance in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
“I went through my workouts and started feeling a lot better. Naturally, I wanted to get some games in and the opportunity to play in Canada came along. I wanted to know what how my body felt and if I was ready for the following season,” said Ganapamo.
The guard played with the team during the summer months before returning to the continent, only this time, it was to the CAR. So far, things have been looking up for Ganapamo.
“I didn’t know that I would be leaving the Tigers because the move to Bangui happened at the last minute,” said Ganapamo, who has represented the CAR at the international level. “Initially, I just went to play in the country’s tournament.”
Ganapamo joined the team on his birthday in late August. He helped them win the national title, which punched their ticket to The Road To BAL 2024. The team ignited local fans as they rallied behind Ganapamo and Bangui.
“It was amazing. They said that it was the most amount of fans that venue had had in 16 years,” recalls Ganapamo. “It was a crazy experience and a very big moment. That made me want to play there even more. After seeing the type of support I had, I was inspired to come back home.”
Playing a part in Bangui’s success fuelled his decision to help them reach Season 4 of the BAL.
“Cape Town was a great situation, I have nothing bad to say about them,” said Ganapamo. “I just felt like I have to help my country – the country where both my parents were born, to make the BAL. That meant a lot to me at the end of the day.”
For Ganapamo, there was also another motivating factor superseding basketball. The opportunity to connect with family, who still reside in the CAR.
“It was actually my first time in the country. I went there with my mother who was born there and grew up there. It was very emotional for her,” recalls Ganapamo. “She showed me the house where she grew up. I also got to see my grandmother on my dad’s side for the first time.”
While making the most of his time in the CAR, things on the basketball front were also moving. For their Road To BAL campaign, Bangui signed the likes of Rolly Fula, who played for Espoir Fukash in Season 2 of the BAL. The experienced Liz Mills was also appointed as head coach for the qualifiers in Cameroon, which took place in the first week of October.
Ganapamo and Bangui got off to a bumpy start in an opening loss to the Gabonese side, Espoir Basket Club (EBC).
“I think we came in just way too confident. We got to the game thinking we had already won. We played a team that was aggressive and athletic. Before we knew it, we were down 15 and then down 20. It happened so fast,” said Ganapamo. “You can’t take any team for granted. On our end we took it too lightly. Maybe we thought it was the first round and it was going to be an easy game and it just does not work that way in basketball.”
Evans Ganapamo’s final season with the Tigers ended with him being injured.
Bangui were surprisingly down by 24 points at half time, but they did have their runs and they tried to cut the lead in the second half, unfortunately their fightback came a little too late and the final buzzer sounded with them losing 73-69. This was an uncharacteristic loss for a side deemed favourites in the group and for Ganapamo, the loss was a much needed wake up call.
“I want to say I am kind of glad that we lost. The defeat woke us up to the fact that from the jump, no matter what team you’re playing, you have to bring your best game. We were just too comfortable.”
The side bounced back, treating every game as if it were a final and this helped them to finish top of their group. The final game of Group E, against the undefeated hosts Forces, Armees et Police (FAP) , was a true nail biter. It came down to a pair of free-throws which crowned Bangui the winners. Both teams punched their tickets to the Elite 16 Division West. The game itself was an indicator of what Bangui and Mills need to work on to perform better in the next round.
As for Ganapamo, he plans on bringing on more intensity to the Elite 16, which begins on Tuesday (31 October). Bangui are in Group B of the Elite 16 and open against Guinea club Seydou Legacy Athlétique Club (SLAC). Their next group fixture (November 1) is a clash against ABC Fighters (Cote d’Ivoire). The final group game for Bangui is on Thursday (November 2), against FUS Rabat (Morocco).
With the rapid growth of basketball in Africa, Ganapamo hopes to lead by example. He wants to show that professional athletes can have successful careers on this continent.
“I have a duty as a role model to lead as an example… To show the younger generation that you can play in Africa and do very well,” said Ganapamo. “I hope that I am giving them hope. If I can do it, they can do it too. It is just how I approach the game and life.”
IN 2020 when the world had come to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Reatlegile Taukobong discovered her love for basketball. Hailing from the platinum rich mining town of Rustenburg in the North West Province, South Africa, the multifaceted athlete, has since made huge strides in the sport.
The 16-year-old reflected on the past year and how she has managed to find balance as a student athlete, while pursuing her goals in the game.
Taukobong grew up watching her sister Tlhogi, a player for the 2023 USSA finalists University of Pretoria (UP Tuks), and her father play the sport. So, it was natural that she gravitated towards the game. The grade 10 Fields College pupil, also had to find an alternative way of developing her game as her school does not offer the sport.
Luckily for Taukobong, she found the Kitsong School’s basketball program. The school also plays in the Royal Bafokeng Jr NBA league.
Reatlegile Taukobong flew in to South Africa on the day of the Jr NBA finals. Picture: Supplied
Despite living a significant distance from her team, Taukubong finds a way to practice every day. With the support of her father, who has become her trainer and coach, she is able to put in the necessary work to improve her skills and achieve her goals.
In addition to her basketball talents, Taukobong takes part in netball as well as athletics. She competes in the 100m, 200m, long jump, high jump, shot put as well as discus. These disciplines have helped improve her speed, acceleration, explosive power, coordination, strength, balance, and mental toughness, which are essential for success in basketball.
In a Q&A with The Big Tip Off, she reflected on her glowing achievements and where she sees herself in life and basketball.
The BTO: You were invited to the NBA Academy Women’s camp as well as the NBA Academy Games. How did you experience that entire process?
RT: The [NBA Academy Women’s] camp was really good. We had several WNBA players at the camp who coached us every day. I learned a lot and made friends from different parts of the world. It was one of the best things ever. They scout and pick the best players from all over the world.
The BTO: You were chosen to take part in the NBA Academy Games. How did you find the experience?
RT: I went to the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta in July. Players from all over the world competed against each other. There were four players from Africa, including myself, and everyone else was from other countries.
The BTO: How did you experience the scouting process?
RT: I was scouted at the games I played at the RBS program. The scouts do a good job of watching all the games. If you’re a great player, you’ll get the opportunity you deserve, whether it’s going to camps or getting scholarships. You just have to put in the work.
The BTO: How do you balance your time with all your sports interests and academics?
RT: Time management! It’s a skill I had to develop. I had to write all my exams in five days before I went to Rwanda. So, I would write a three-hour paper and do double sessions to make sure I wrote all my exams. It’s all about determination, hard work, and planning. Once I planned, everything went accordingly.
The BTO: Have you ever played for South Africa, or is it something you aspire to?
RT: I’ve never played for South Africa. I got into the Gauteng team this year, but the games were at the same time as my trip to Atlanta, so unfortunately, I had to drop the team.
The BTO: Tell us about your experience at the Regional Youth Camp in Rwanda.
RT: We had drill sessions and games in the afternoon and many workshops to help us become better, both on and off the court. I got a selection for the All-Star team. I feel it was a blessing and a step toward what I aim to achieve.
Reatlegile Taukobong’s team Kitsong School celebrate winning the JR NBA Championship. Picture: Supplied
The BTO: Did you know anyone at the Regional Youth Camp? How did you navigate the language barrier, if there was one?
RT: No, I was the only South African girl there. Most of the people spoke French. They provided interpretation services so that we could communicate better. Basketball brought us together, it’s the same language wherever you go.
The BTO: Just hours after you arrived back from Rwanda, you played in and won the Royal Bafokeng JRNBA finals. Can you talk about the process you went through to get ready for the game?
RT: My flight was at 4pm, and I landed in South Africa at 5:30 am. The drive from the airport to my house is about two hours, so we arrived at 7:30 am. I was tired from the camp and the travel back to South Africa. But I wanted to be there for my team and leave the court with a win. And this is exactly what we did… It was amazing. We’ve been working so hard to win for three years, so it was a huge sigh of relief. I especially want to dedicate the win to our coach, who has been putting in the work. This win was for him.
The BTO: How do you envision yourself in the future?
RT: My goal is to get a scholarship from a school or college in Europe or the USA. I plan to study property development. I also dream of playing in the Euroleague.
STANDING at 2.11m (6ft11), Ulrich Chomche towers over almost everyone on the basketball court. But it’s not just his statuesque figure that makes him a rising star in the game. His incredible talent, dedication to his craft, and humility has seen him grace some of the biggest stages.
Last year, he scooped the Defensive Player Award at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders camp in Cairo, Egypt. At home has his talent has not gone unnoticed, as he suited up for Cameroon in major qualifying tournaments.
In this interview with The Big Tip Off, Chomche talks about his journey to the NBA Academy, his goals, and wearing the red, green and gold of Cameroon.
Ulrich Chomche has played in two seasons of the BAL. Picture: The BTO
Mentorship and Coaching
Chomche’s basketball story started in the small village of Bafang, situated in the West of Cameroon. Like many youngsters on the continent, he enjoyed playing soccer with his friends, a sport he still enjoys. But the shift to basketball occurred when one of his coaches saw that his height would be more valuable on the court than the soccer field.
This brought about the opportunity to join the NBA Africa Academy, which had recently opened in Saly, Senegal. Chomche was thrilled to be selected for the academy, as it offered him an opportunity to reach his full potential as a basketball player.
Of course the opportunity to leave home for Senegal initially excited Chomche. He was taking a step to realising his dreams. However, this excitement was tempered by the realisation that he would be leaving his mother as well as his siblings. “Leaving my family to join the NBA academy was a mix of excitement and difficulty because it was my first time leaving my village to go somewhere else and I was very young.”
Fortunately, the weight of the huge decision did not deter him. He promptly continued to work with his two coaches, Jordan Atangana and Goodlove Cham, until he left for the Academy in Senegal. Under their guidance, he developed his skills and honing his game in all aspects in preparation for what was still to come.
The value of international competition
Chomche’s experience at the NBA Academy has been nothing short of transformative. He has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and trainers in the world, and he has also had the chance to showcase his skills on multiple stages across the continent and abroad.
“Competition in Africa is different,” he said. “The rules are not the same. In Africa we play at a faster pace, as compared to the US where the game is a lot calmer. There is a lot of 1-on-1 or Iso Play in the US whereas in Africa there is a lot more team play. Both have contributed to my growth as a basketball player.”
In addition to his work at the NBA Academy, Chomche has also benefited from his participation in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camps. At the BWB Global camp in Utah, he had the opportunity to learn from and compete against some of the best young players in the world.
Chomche’s experience in the BAL Elevate Program has been another important step in his development as a basketball player. This past season, he played for the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), which was also the host team of the Playoffs. REG fought hard, but they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the eventual champions, Egypt’s Al Ahly. However, this outcome did not damper the teen’s spirits too much as he used the games as a litmus test for his abilities.
“It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from those games. For me, it was more about learning how basketball is played at that level and understanding how the skill set that I developed at the academy can transfer into the game with experienced players.”
Chomche’s performance during the BAL season was impressive. He averaged 4.5 points, 1 steal, and 1 block in 19 minutes per game. His performances on the court garnered attention from former NBA star, Joakim Noah. He is also on the radar of some NCAA Division I colleges.
Chomche roaring with the Indomitable Lions
Chomche’s journey is just beginning, but it has already led him back to where it all began: Cameroon. He recently received his second national team call-up for the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers, held in Nigeria in August.
“Representing Cameroon on the stage of the Olympic qualifiers was an incredible honour,” Chomche said. “It was a moment of immense pride for me to wear my country’s jersey. The experience was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking as we faced strong teams, all vying for a spot at the Olympics.”
Ulrich Chomche playing for the NBA Academy during the BAL Elite 16 Qualifiers. Picture: The BTO
Cameroon punched their ticket to the qualifiers after beating Senegal. Next year (February) in Paris, Chomche and his teammates have to overcome another Olympic qualifying hurdle. It’s a challenge he looks forward to as he is always proud represent the Indomitable Lions.
“Being part of the national team allowed me to showcase my skills at an international level. I have also competed against some of the best basketball players in the world,” Chomche said. “The atmosphere, the pressure, and the sense of national pride were all incredibly motivating.
Cameroon has produced a few big names in the game. So, a path has been set for Chomche to follow. He has a good structural support and with his country rooting for him, it could be a matter of time before Ulrich Chomche ascends to the pinnacle of basketball, the NBA.
“My first ambition is to continue to grow as a player. I am always working with my coaches at the NBA Academy. The work I put in will show every time step on the floor. My big brothers Joel [Embiid], Pascal [Siakam], and [Christian] Koloko have shown us young Cameroonians that it is possible. I believe in hard work and I’m ready to follow in their footsteps and make it to the NBA,” concluded Chomche.
IN the realm of South African basketball, where the sport often takes a backseat to more traditional pursuits, one player is rising through the ranks and in the process, blazing her own trail.
Meet Suzannah Whall, a Grade 12 student from Herschel Girls School, who took up basketball in Grade 8 – a time when many of her peers were just getting acquainted with the sport.
What started as an exploration prompted by her Cape Town-based school’s offering, quickly transformed into an immediate passion. As she dedicated herself to the game, Whall realised that there was more to the game than just the thrill of competition. It offered a strong sense of community.
“I fell in love with it from day one,” said Whall. “I just love the community part of the game. Also, everyone plays because they love the game and want to teach the game to others.”
Whall’s passion has propelled her to many successes, which included the U17 National Team selection to represent South Africa in 2021.
This year another international door opened when she got the chance to participate in the prestigious Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp, where her talent and determination caught global attention.
With an unwavering commitment and a string of triumphs, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, defying adversity and embodying the spirit of a true student of the game.
Suzannah Whall, second from left, takes pointers from former NBA player Hashim Thabeet. Pictures: Supplied
Experiencing both victory and adversity
This year kicked off with her participating in a tournament at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ). Her high school (Hershel) team finished third after losing to Sacred Heart College in the semi-finals by one point. The team met a similar fate at the St Peter’s Tournament where they struggled in the semi-finals after losing by three points and clinched the third position.
Reflecting on the two adversities she faced, Whall says the losses brought about a tenacity and grit, which allowed them to show up and play.
“We know how losing feels and we’ve learnt from it even though it hurts”, she explained.
Following these two losses, Whall competed against the top schools in the Western Cape alongside her teammates where they won the tournament and Whall won the MVP award. She then went on to compete alongside her club team, the Hot Shots in the African Grassroot Hoops Tournament held in Cape Town where they too won.
Whall credits the support structure in the form of her teammates, who also play similar sports.
“It helps that a lot of my teammates on the school team are part of the same club team too. So we helped each other out. The club makes sure that practices and matches do not clash. I also have an awesome support system at home.”
Valuable lessons picked up from BWB
The 19th edition of the Basketball Without Borders camp (BWB) was a much-anticipated event by everyone in the South Africa. Like many other hopefuls, Whall had heard about the camp and inquired how she could secure an invite.
Whall recalled the moment when she found out that she was selected as one of the top 80 prospects who would be participating in the camp that was held at AISJ.
A day prior to the start of camp, which took place at the end of July, Whall received 10 unexpected missed calls from her former high school coach. “Coach Theslin (Davids) never calls me. I was like what’s going on?”, she recalls. After returning her calls within the next three hours, Whall was on a flight to Johannesburg to attend BWB.
Despite the crazy turn of events, Whall had an understanding of what she could expect during the camp.
“I was expecting fast paced games, talented players, high energy, pressure, and that is definitely what I got.”
Despite the language barriers that she faced communicating with the other players, the camp truly lived up to its name. with the game of basketball defying the language barriers and eliminating borders to bring the campers together.
“Everyone was so friendly and you all understand the game of basketball. I connected so well with some players on both on and off the basketball. We couldn’t speak one another’s languages, but basketball connected us. So, I really enjoyed that,” said Whall.
“For me, I was thrilled to see the women basketball coaches because they are more relatable. When you see women succeeding in basketball, you can easily see yourself in them. You can think to yourself, ‘it’s actually possible, and I can do this’,” said Whall.
One of the players Whall had the opportunity to learn from, was four-time WNBA champion and legend, Sheryl Swoopes. The youngster says she was impressed by the three-time Olympic gold medalist’s approach to the game.
“I was lucky enough to be apart of the team that she (Swoopes) was coaching. It was such a privilege because you can see how hard she has worked and how much she has been through. Also, you can see how much basketball has given back to her.”
Whall was among the campers who won the individual awards. The shooting guard clinched the three point trophy at the camp.
“Shooting is one of my strengths. It was a goal of mine coming into the camp, but you never know on the day. You only get two chances. Sometimes your shots just don’t fall but they did on the day and I am grateful.”
The 18-year-old will never forget the moment she was announced as the winner, and the subsequent media attention she received. It was a truly memorable experience for her. Whall is ready to share all the valuable lessons that she has learnt from some of the greats.
“Always put in that extra effort because no matter how good you are. It’s such an easy thing to do, you don’t have to train effort, you just have it,” said Whall.
Whall’s Mountaineers ambition?
With the WBNL season recently wrapping up, Whall was supporting her former teammates, back-to-back Champions, the Western Cape Mountaineers.
“I played for the Mountaineers last season and for them to win back-to-back was so incredible. I was supporting them all the way and watching them play was so exciting.”
Suzannah Whall, learnt important lessons from Sheryl Swoopes, pictured, during the Basketball Without Borders. Picture: The BTO
The young Whall hopes to journey abroad to further her studies.
“The goal is to go and play in America and hopefully study there as well,” said Whall. “The level of basketball there is insane. Also, getting that kind of exposure while also getting a great education is exciting.”
However, Whall is in no rush and hopes to rejoin the back-to-back WBNL Champions next year for a potential three-peat.
“I would definitely want to play for them. The competition is so good and the exposure that it brings to South African basketball is amazing.”
Equipped with the lessons learnt from the greats, a strong work ethic, and willingness to be coachable, Whall is determined to reach the next level of her dreams. The flame of desire that lit in Grade 8 when she picked up a basketball still burns and hopefully, the best is still to come from Suzannah Whall.
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