(KIGALI) The Petro de Luanda team woke up on Sunday with that championship feeling. They will head home to Angola, knowing they are Africa’s number 1 club. After three frustrating years of consistently finishing in the top four in the BAL, winning the continental title at the fourth attempt, in Season 4 of the competition must be extra sweet for Petro.
The Os Tricolores secured a thrilling 107-94 victory over Al Ahly Benghazi, who made BAL history by becoming the first Road to BAL team to make it to the final.
Losing coach Ivan Jermic of Al Ahly praised his team’s effort and acknowledged Petro’s superior defence. “They played a really good game tonight (Saturday). We were in the game for the first three quarters but they played good defence. They pushed us away from the basket and gave themselves opportunities to score on fast breaks,” Jermic reflected. “My players gave the maximum but tonight Petro won.”
Childe Dundao played his part in Petro’s successful BAL Season 4 campaign. Picture: BAL
The Serbian acknowledged the significance of their journey, “For Al Ahly, this is a big deal. This is the first time they have played in this kind of competition. This is good quality basketball, the organization is really good. We are happy that this kind of competition exists. I believe Africa will be exciting in the next 20 years,” Jermic stated.
Standout performances from key players drove Petro’s victory. Nicholas Faust was exceptional, scoring 27 points, while Markeith Cummings added 20 points, demonstrating his leadership on and off the court. “I was one of the leaders in the locker room and our main thing was to always stay confident and together whether we are down 30 or 40. Just believe in each other and we showed it,” Cummings stated.
Reflecting on the depth of Petro’s roster, Cummings added, “Our bench – we have a lot of guys so we can go up to the ninth or tenth man in the rotation and I think they go up to four or five and that’s about it. So we used all our firepower.”
Petro’s captain, Carlos Morais, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “This means everything to us. We’ve been trying to get this trophy for four years. And to get it now, it means a lot not just for Petro but for Angolan basketball. Now we see hope at the end of the tunnel. Next year Angola is going to host the AfroBasket, so winning this trophy means a lot for everybody,” Morais shared.
Reflecting on their journey and the impact of former coach Neto, he explained, “I’m never gonna compare coaches and philosophies, but I’m gonna take this moment to thank Coach Neto for everything he did for us because he is part of what just happened. He is part of the group that we have. He is the one who put everything together.”
Jo Acuil, who won the Defensive Player of the Year, the Scoring Title, and the Most Valuable Player awards, spoke about his mixed emotions.
“I think I am gonna need a couple of days to process the impact of what really just happened. Obviously, the emotions are still very raw after the loss. I lost in game 5 in Australia as well, so it has been disappointing and that is all I can think about now,” Acuil said. “As far as what I have won? They hold significance but I am naturally a winner, and very competitive so I would give away all three of these to get the main trophy because as much as anything, I know what it meant to me, what it would have meant for Libya but the people of South Sudan as well.”
Jo Acuil won individual honours, MVP and top scorer at the BAL despite Al Ahly’s loss to Petro.
Yanick Moreira emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience in their victory. “I don’t know if you remember but last time I was here after we lost. And I have seen many faces who thought we were done. All we did was talk in the locker room because we knew we weren’t playing our basketball but when we started the third quarter – we made some stops and we kept running and that is how we won,” Moreira explained.
He also highlighted the significance of the win for Angola. “It means a lot for our country. We haven’t played great basketball – we have been coming for four years straight and many people were saying that Angolan basketball is done. So, we have done this for our country.”
As Petro de Luanda celebrates their hard-fought victory, they look forward to future challenges with renewed confidence and determination. The triumph marks a milestone for the team and the start of a new era for Angolan basketball.
(KIGALI) The final game of the BAL will see Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Libya battle it out for the championship. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in their semi-final victories.
Petro de Luanda:
Path to Semi-Finals: Petro secured a narrow 66-65 win against AS Douanes in the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Nicholas Faust’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds was crucial to their victory.
Semi-Final Recap: Petro showcased their depth and tactical acumen, in their semi-final battle victory over Cape Town Tigers. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Petro’s Nicholas Faust hit crucial three-pointers in the second quarter to build a lead. The Tigers fought back to tie the game and force overtime, but Petro outscored them 19-9 in the extra period, securing a 96-86 win.
Carlos Morais will provide experience coming off the bench in today’s final: Pictures: The BAL
Al Ahly Libya:
Path to Semi-Finals: Al Ahly pulled off an upset against defending champions Al Ahly Egypt with an 86-77 victory. Robert Golden’s 23 points, nine assists, and strong performances from Jo Acuil and Majok Deng, were paramount to their success.
Semi-Final Recap: Against the Rivers Hoopers, Al Ahly demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Despite losing an 11-point halftime lead and trailing briefly in the fourth quarter, they rallied to tie the game and push it into overtime. Their composure in the extra period, highlighted by clutch free throws and defensive stops, led to an 89-83 victory.
Key Players to Watch:
Petro de Luanda: Carlos Morais’ leadership and scoring will be critical, and Nicholas Faust’s timely shooting can change the game’s momentum.
Al Ahly Libya: Robert Golden, a key playmaker, and Jo Acuil, whose inside presence can dominate the paint.
Jo Acuil has been phenomenal on the boards and scoring for Al Ahly Benghazi.
Strategic Insights:
Petro de Luanda: Petro needs to maintain their defensive intensity and ensure shooters, like Nicholas Faust, get open looks. Controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers will be crucial.
Al Ahly Libya: Al Ahly must capitalize on their strong inside game and maintain pressure on Petro’s guards. Effective ball distribution and exploiting mismatches can break down Petro’s defence.
Final Thoughts:
The BAL final will be a clash of titans, each vying for the ultimate prize in the BAL trophy. Fans can expect a display of athleticism, and strategy, but most especially of heart as these teams lay it all on the line.
(KIGALI) Carlos Morais and Petro de Luanda are names synonymous with some of the best basketball on the continent. The veteran guard has had a legendary career spanning over 23 years, and a huge trophy haul.
Despite their impressive achievements, Morais and Petro have yet to add the BAL trophy to their collection. However, this could change as Petro gears up to compete against Al Ahly Benghazi in the highly anticipated BAL final on Saturday.
Leading up to the finals, The Big Tip Off interviewed the Angolan legend and team captain, Morais. The former Angolan international discussed his evolving role at Petro and what it would be like to win the championship ahead of the big game.
Ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Petro set themselves the goal of reaching the final. While achieving this goal has been satisfying, the journey has been challenging.
“It feels great because our main goal was to be in the finals. The season didn’t start in the way we wanted, we lost a few games down the road, but I’m happy we accomplished the main goal.”
Carlos Morais knows the window is closing on his desire to win the BAL title. Pictures: The BTO
Petro suffered three defeats this season. Their losses to FUS Rabat and Cape Town Tigers during the Kalahari Conference were because of a lack of preparation. Petro also struggled to find their identity on both ends of the floor. As a result, they resembled a shell of the strong team they once knew. The third loss was a buzzer-beater during the seeding games against US Monastir. Since then, Petro has made adjustments and overcome their slump, but the same cannot said of Morais, who has also had some struggles this season.
Morais has been a key player for Petro every year, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season. However, his average has dropped this season. Morais averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He has also come off the bench in recent games, forming part of the second unit. This transition was unexpected for Morais, but he embraces it as his team competes for the title.
“I think everybody knows the type of player I am, and coming into this season, my goal was to play and contribute and help my team reach this goal, which is to be in the finals. Unfortunately, I’m not playing much at this point. But, you know, I can only control what I can control.” said Morais.
Petro has managed the changes well. At the beginning of the season, the team struggled to come up with an answer without Carlos. However, now every player is able and willing to take up the responsibility on any given night. Childe Dundao’s 25-point performance against FUS da Rabat in the Kalahari conference was evidence of this. Most recently, Nicholas Faust’s 23-point performance in the semi-finals also proved a new sense of accountability that has engulfed the Angolan club.
“I think the good thing about it is that this is a team sport. Somebody else had to step up, somebody else is doing what I can’t at this point. And, you know, I’m happy that we’re about to play another final.”
However, Morais has continued to lead and motivate his teammates from the bench during the intense and unpredictable competition in Kigali. Aside from sharpening their tactics, Morais believes that the key to their new cohesion has been embracing a different side of the game – playing with heart.
“I believe basketball has to be played with heart. And we’ve shown that we have a big heart, like in the game against AS Douanes, we were down 20 in the fourth quarter but we came back because we showed everybody the heart that we have, also just staying together as a team.”
Reflecting on their loss to US Monastir in the 2022 final, Morais recalls areas of their game that needed to be improved on, for their fate to change this time around.
“Playing better defence and maintaining our high energy. Playing with high energy is one of the identities of our team. Every time we play with this energy, we always succeed. Just like when we play defence, I mean, it’s almost everything you can ask for when you talk about Petro Because then everything else is gonna come.”
Carlos Morais knows a BAL trophy title can make up for their difficult season. Picture: FIBA Africa
With the immediate prospect of finally clinching a title tonight, Morais and Petro know what they need to do to execute their final task.
“I know my goal, everybody knows what my goal is. At this point in my career, I want to win. I want to win a trophy. I want to get the trophy. And I understand that every year, the battle is getting harder and harder. So I feel like this year, we have a great chance. So my goal is to win this year,” said Morais.
Despite facing challenges this season, Morais is looking ahead and is ready to continue competing and building his legacy. While his time on the court may soon come to an end, he feels at this point he still has much to give.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be back at the BAL. Everybody knows I’m 38 years old and a lot of people think that I’m about to end my career. But I still have a lot of gas in the tank. So I’m going to continue to play a few more years,” concluded Morais.
FLORSHEIM Ngwenya is all about basketball. Even on his day off during the BAL playoffs, he was more preoccupied with the game than taking in some of Kigali’s sights and sounds.
The Cape Town Tigers have had days off between their quarter-final victory over FUS Rabat and their semi-final loss to Petro de Luanda. After those two gruelling overtime games, you would think Ngwenya, the Tigers’ coach, would have a moment for a breather. And you would be mistaken. Ngwenya, the South African national team coach, described himself as a “gym rat who likes everything to do with basketball. He believes the slightest of distractions can bring about bad luck.
“I stay focused because I am a bit superstitious. I don’t want to get out there being all over the show and forget what is important. If there is a free day, we will be together as a team and maybe go to the museum and stuff like that,” said Ngwenya. “… But I mostly like to dig in and watch games. I am what you call a gym rat. I love the gym and basketball. Another thing I do is dig up old videos of teams out here and see how they play.
“I have also engaged with other coaches here (at the BAL). I want to learn from them and see what they do well. When I am here I keep it as basketball-focused as possible, but I have done the odd sight seeing here and there.”
Florsheim Ngwenya says the semi-final run of the Tigers ranks among his top achievements. Pictures: The BTO
Despite falling short in the semi-finals, Ngwenya’s focus and graft during those rest days have paid off for the Tigers. Ahead of the Hoopers game on Friday, Ngwenya, an assistant to Rasheed Hazzard in last year’s tournament, spoke on leading the team this year.
“I think it’s a lesson for a lot of young coaches and it is if you get a chance you can achieve. Your background should not count against you. If you are qualified and can do the job, especially as a local coach, why not get the job and showcase your skills at the international level?” asked Ngwenya. “It’s just a testament to the saying ‘hard work pays off’. So, teams should try and invest in their local coaches. There is a lot of talent within that pool of coaches out there and they need to be given an opportunity to show what they can do on stages like this. Or whichever stage you need somebody to back you.”
Ngwenya reflected on how the Tigers have grown since their first BAL tournament and in these playoffs, especially in battles against FUS and Petro. “Those overtime games showed us, firstly, the maturity of the team and second, the togetherness, which spoke volumes about who we are.
“It’s a sense of brotherhood that has developed and has become a never-give-up attitude on the court. In the quarter-final game (against FUS) – we could have won in regulation time, but we let ourselves down with a couple of errors. But we kept on fighting and eventually won the game.”
The Tigers coach turned to Wednesday’s game against Petro: “Last night’s game we did not play as well as we should have, but we still managed to fight. We showed resilience and grit to take the game to overtime. Even then, we fought, but we had a poor shooting night. We shot around 20 or 21 per cent from the three-point line, and I think we missed 16 free throws. Those little things built up, but I must commend our fight and resilience.”
One of the stand-out features of the playoffs was the superb performances of Samkelo Cele and Nkosinathi Sibanyoni. Power forward Sibanyoni has averaged a double-double in games against FUS and Petro, while Cele continued his impressive scoring feats (30 points against FUS and 19 points against Petro).
Florsheim Ngwenya took over coaching the reins from Rasheed Hazzard for this season’s BAL.
Ngwenya is proud of the South African superstar duo as both players have enhanced their reputations on the continent.
“I’m so proud of those guys. Very proud. They really work hard and push themselves to the limit. They also want to achieve more. These guys are an example for young South African players out there. They see what they (Sibanyoni and Cele) are doing on this stage and will want aspire to be like them or even be better than them,” said Ngwenya.
“It sits well with me that two South African kids are doing well. Also they are being spoken about in that manner (as superstars). It also shows there is a lot of talent in our country. We have to make sure that we take care of it… Ensure they get perform on such stages,” said Ngwenya.
On a personal level, what does getting this far (to the semi-final) mean for Ngwenya? “It’s right up there. I can’t downplay it. After the game against Hoopers, we will see where it stands in my list of achievements. But it is right up there. There is no question about it,” concluded Ngwenya.
The Tigers eventually finished fourth, losing to the Hoopers on Friday night. But Ngwenya and the Tigers will surely return home with a redeemed sense of pride, knowing they could hang with the best on the continent.
(KIGALI) On Wednesday night, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) semi-finals produced two thrilling encounters (Rivers Hoopers vs Al Ahly Benghazi; Cape Town Tigers vs Petro de Luanda), which saw Petro and Al Ahly win in overtime.
In an electrifying match, Petro de Luanda secured a hard-fought 96-86 victory over the Cape Town Tigers in overtime. Both teams played relentlessly, leading to numerous lead changes and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The Tigers started strong, leading 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams demonstrated solid defence and efficient ball movement, keeping the game tight. However, foul trouble for the Tigers in the second quarter allowed Petro to gain a foothold.
With 7:40 left in the second quarter, back-to-back corner threes from Nicholas Faust put Petro up by six points. A turnover followed by an uncontested three extended their lead, making it 28-21 by halftime.
Nkosinathi Sibanyoni drives to the rim while being guarded by Markieff Cummins in the BAL semi-final on Wednesday. Pictures: The BAL
The final quarter was a nail-biter, with the Tigers managing to tie the game at 77-77, thanks to Samkelo Cele’s clutch free throws, forcing the game into overtime. Petro’s resilience and tactical execution were evident as they outscored the Tigers 19-9, sealing their victory.
Petro’s Captain Carlos Morais praised the efforts of guard Samkelo Cele. “I love Samkelo, he is a great competitor, and from the last season, he has been growing and he is playing unbelievably. Coming into this game, the goal was to stop Cele because he is their best scorer and we respect him, I think he is gonna keep growing, he has a bright future.”
Coach Florsheim Ngwenya reflected on his team’s performance throughout the competition. “Congratulations to my guys because this is huge. Being at this stage of the competition gives everyone hope. We have done the impossible – it proves that South Africa has talent. However, how we organize the talent moving forward is important.
Petro will face Al Ahly Libya in the Finals on Saturday, and it’s a match-up that Morais looks forward to. “It’s going to be a battle, Solo Diabate is my good friend but it is gonna be a battle. I will try to not let him get the third one [title] and he will definitely try to stop me from getting my first one [title], but we are going to be ready to compete. I am sure it is going to be a good final.”
In the first semi-final of the day, Al Ahly Libya defeated The Rivers Hoopers 89-83, securing their spot in the finals. Al Ahly started the game strong offensively, finishing the first quarter with a 27-21 lead. By halftime, they had extended their advantage to 48-37, taking advantage of Rivers Hoopers’ turnovers and foul troubles.
Despite early struggles, the Rivers Hoopers displayed good ball movement and teamwork. However, three of their starters got into foul trouble, which impacted them down the stretch.
Jeremy Golden directs traffic for Al Ahly Benghazi during the BAL semi-final against Rivers Hoopers.
Al Ahly Coach Ivan Jermic commented, “On paper, they are better than us, but statistics lie. Only their free-throw shooting was different. They shot 45% from the free throw line, and I think that is what determined the game.”
The third quarter saw a remarkable comeback from the Rivers Hoopers. Will Perry sparked the revival with back-to-back three-pointers, bringing his team within two points. The Rivers Hoopers continued their momentum into the fourth quarter, briefly taking an eight-point lead with six minutes remaining. However, Al Ahly fought back to tie the game and push it into overtime, ultimately securing their victory.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu says they consumed energy trying to close the score. “I think we spent a lot of energy trying to get back into the game. We dug ourselves out of a 14-point hole, but what’s done is done.” Despite the loss, Odaudu was pleased with his team’s efforts. “I am proud of our team. We hold our heads high. Nobody believed in us, but we are here. Unfortunately, our fairytale run has come to an end, but the third-place game still means a lot to us, and we are ready for it.”
THE Cape Tigers Town have not let their wild card qualification for BAL playoffs go to waste. TheSouth African teamhas gone on a mini-dream run in Kigali and they look like a team that has risen from the rubble of a forgettable Kalahari Conference two months ago.
After their seeding game loss to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, it would have been easy to count out the Tigers from being BAL title contenders. Instead, the Tigers continue to be the authors of their own story. They grappled and ground out a (91-88) victory over FUS Rabat, a team that clinically dealt with them in two Kalahari Conference battles.
Today (Wednesday), another Kalahari Conference adversary,Petro de Luandalies in wait. And with Tigers having discovered their roar, this semi-final duel should be one for the ages.
Cartier Diarra will lead the Tigers’ charge against Petro in the BAL semi-finals tonight. Picture: The BTO
Before speaking on the clash against Petro, a hopeful Tigers captain, Cartier Diarra, felt they should have beaten FUS by a wider margin, given how they stifled the Moroccans.
“When I look back at the game against FUS, we should have at least won by 15 points. We missed free throws, lost a ten-point lead with two minutes left, and it was not a great shooting night for us. But we still got the win. It was a show of effort and determination to win,” said Diarra,who has Malian roots. “Of course, Nathi(Nkosinathi Sibanyoni) had 14 offensive rebounds, which allowed us to get second-chance points. That is why I feel hopeful. Also, we look at this journey as the right pathway for us to get revenge on the teams that beat us in Pretoria (where the Kalahari Conference took place). Now we will play Petro. They beat us once, and we beat them, so this is the tie-breaker.”
The Tigers had five players scoring in double digits against FUS.Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, who crashed a record 25 boards in that game, scored 16 points.Samkelo Cele, who dropped a three-point buzzer-beater that sent the game into overtime, had a massive 30 points. South Sudanese duo Ngor Mayang (13) andDhieu Deing(12) also made solid contributions.
Diarra, who scored 15 points and had eight assists, says Sibanyoni got them going against FUS. He also recalled how Cele’s heroics kept them alive.
“It started with Nathi. I have already spoken about what rebounding did for us. He was running in transition and forcing people to guard him, which put our shooters in a position to get open looks. So he was our focal point,” said Diarra. “Sam is always ultra-aggressive going to the basket, whether you foul him or not. He hit that big shot with seconds left. It was either him or me taking that shot. When he got the ball, I knew he would make the shot.
“The way he shoots is so amazing. He has a high release, which is difficult to block. He did a double clutch pump – he said it felt so good he wanted to turn around. We are just happy he got the shot.”
Diarra and the Tigers have had two extra days after their exploits on Sunday. They look forward to taking on a Petro team that overcame a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit against Senegal’s AS Douanes on Monday.
It must be said, that the Angolans have looked shaky from the beginning of the Kalahari Conference, and the Tigers would be justified in fancying themselves to win the game.
Cartier Diarra believes there has been more pride and focus in the Tigers unit during the playoffs.
Also, it would be safe to say the Tigers and Petro are evenly matched ahead of their semi-final clash, but Diarra disagrees.
“I don’t believe we are evenly matched. I think we have better guards and bigs. They play well in their system because they have been together for a long time. However, I think we have the advantage,” said Diarra.
“I know (Childe) Dundao will be guarding me. I feel like he is too small. That’s how we won the last time, with me being aggressive on him and putting him in tight situations – it forced their bigs to help. Samkelo also played great defence on Carlos (Morais) last time, holding him scoreless. We need him to do that again.”
Diarra intimated further on the advantages the Tigers have over their last four opponents: “I know they added Nick (Faust), who scored 13 last night. We need to stop him from having that run. If we minimise their ability to get threes and force them to go for layups, a big like AB (Abdoulaye Ndoye) will be able to stop them because of his length. He had five blocks in the last game. I feel like we have the advantage. All we have to do is execute and do what we do best.”
(KIGALI) – Last night’s BAL quarter-final match-ups at the BK Arena were reminiscent of the conference games, as familiar foes went head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals.
Al Ahly Benghazi upset defending champions Al Ahly (Egypt) 86-77, while in the second semi-final, the Cape Town Tigers won a nail-biter (91-88) against FUS de Rabat, where a Samkelo Cele buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime.
Tigers Rally together to defeat number 1 seed, FUS de Rabat
The Cape Town Tigers had perhaps their best start to a game this season. The South African team rectified the mistakes that cost them in their two losses against FUS in the Kalahari Conference. From the jump ball, the Tigers contained FUS’ three-point shooting and limited them to only 3/8 at half-time.
Despite FUS’ bench contributing 33 points, the Tigers had an answer for every strategy thrown at them, a sign they had finally found their defensive identity. The South African side forced FUS into committing unnecessary turnovers leading to 22 points from their defensive effort.
Nkosinathi Sibanyoni holds the BAL’s in-game rebounding record after posting 25 rebounds against FUS Rabat in the semi-final on Sunday. Pictures: The BAL
Defensive anchor Nkosinathi Sibanyoni was phenomenal and notched the BAL All-time single-game rebounding record with 25 rebounds. Sibanyoni grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, affording his team much-needed second-chance scoring opportunities. His impact was also felt on offence as he scored 16 points.
Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya gave an update on Dhieu Deing, who went down after a collision in the fourth quarter. He said Deing that he had popped his shoulder but that the guard would be okay.
About what led to the historic performance, Ngwenya said: “In our locker room, we have a quote that we put up on the board which says, ‘There are three kinds of people, the kind who make things happen, the kind who watch things happen and the kind who wonder what happened’. We didn’t want to be the third kind of person.”
Samkelo Cele, who finished the game with 30 points, reflected on the responsibility which comes with the big moments. “I love playing basketball and I love those moments. My team trusts me and so this pressure is a privilege. It gives me the joy to represent my country at the highest level, I cannot describe it. I just want to make South African basketball worth talking about, so I am happy to be here. But the job is not done,” said Cele.
FUS coach Said El Bouzidi felt his team did not take their opposition seriously. “The lesson is that there is no easy game at this level of the competition. We were not focused and our opponents killed us, the statistics say it all.”
Al Ahly Egypt (ASC) and Al Ahly Libya’s (AAL) third encounter this season was nothing short of what we expected. The style of play by both teams in the first quarter characterized their strengths. For Al Ahly (Egypt), it was their three-point shooting, while Benghazi relied on their inside game. However, the Cairo-based club’s inability to adapt until late in the second led to them going only 3/12 from deep to close out the half.
Benghazi’s Robert Golden, who dropped 23 points and dished out nine dimes, was the x-factor for the Libyans. The American point guard was unstoppable from behind the arc, going 5/9. Golden also did a great job at spreading the floor and got some good looks down low for Jo Acuil, who finished with a double-double (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Majok Deng, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds.
Benghazi’s coach, Ivan Jermic reflected on his team’s strong performance. “Beatin Al Ahly is not easy, they are one of the best African teams – like Real Madrid. I am glad that we showed our personality through our good defence, but I am more happy because many people didn’t believe in our team,” said Jeremic.
Dhieu Deing sustained a shoulder injury in the semi-final against FUS Rabat.
The Serbian coach says the third quarter was their turning point. “Usually a quarter-final is the most difficult game because if you lose, you go home. The most important part of the game is the first six minutes of the third quarter and we went 10-0 in that period and I believe that we broke them in that period,” said Jeremic.
Two-time BAL-winning coach Julbe Bosch felt that their success in Cairo could have negatively impacted their performance.
“We looked much better as a team in Cairo. I take responsibility for tonight, maybe we had a disconnect in the chemistry. That (chemistry) is what you need when you get to this stage of the competition,” said Bosch. “We started the game without a sense of urgency and we didn’t play like a semi-final was on the line. I’m disappointed. I also want apologise to our fans, the management and everyone who did all that they could to prepare us for this.”
The Tigers will face the winner of today’s (Monday) quarter-final game between Petro de Luanda and AS Douanes. Later tonight, Al Ahly Ly will take on the winner of the US Monastir and Rivers Hoopers game.
AYOUB Nouhi did not need to look far for inspiration when he decided basketball would be his first love. The inspiration was in front of him in the form of his father – a former professional player.
Nouhi, like his father Hassan, has gone on to carve out a career of his own. He’s played on the 3X3 circuit, college basketball in the United States, and joined a professional team in his country of birth, Belgium.
The 25-year-old, now playing for FUS Rabat, current champion of the elite Division Excellence in Morocco, says he grew up watching his father, who was also his “first coach”.
“I started playing basketball because of my dad. He was a professional basketball player. I remember going to watch his games when I was as young as five years old. He is a big inspiration and a source of motivation. He was my first coach. My dad is the main reason I play basketball,” said Nouhi.
While Nouhi’s father laid the foundation, the 2017 U18 3X3 World Cup tournament in China set Ayoub up for an opportunity of a lifetime.
Ayoub Nouhi was a factor in FUS Rabat’s successful qualification for the BAL. Pictures: The BTO
Nouhi led Belgium to victory in the competition and finished as tournament MVP. There was one more surprise! The tournament in China would be the gateway for then-17-year-old Nouhi to achieve his dream of playing college basketball in the United States.
“One of the coaches was watching, and he really liked my game. He asked me to come to the college (University of Texas at Arlington) for a visit. During that visit, I practiced with the team and got a feel for the environment,” said Nouhi. “The visit was great. They loved me and loved my game. It was awesome being there.”
Nouhi, who spent two years at Arlington, says the moment he received the news of a scholarship offer almost brought him to tears.
“Man! I remember it vividly. I was so, so happy. It had been my dream since I was a kid. I have always wanted to play college basketball. I almost cried when they told me they offered me a scholarship. It was a big accomplishment for me and it was the beginning of yet another chapter of my basketball story,” said Nouhi.
He described the exposure to basketball in the United States as “tough” and “intense”.
“At first, it was hard because the intensity of the practices and the workouts in America are things I had not prepared for. You wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready for conditioning practice. You have your breakfast and then class. After that, there is individual workout and class again, followed by team practice,” said Nouhi. “It’s intense, but I think it makes everybody mentally tough. That experience groomed both as a player and person.”
When COVID-19 hit, Nouhi decided to cut his college career short because of the uncertainty of the NCAA season. He joined his first professional team (Circus Brussels) in Belgium before heading to Morocco.
“I signed my first professional contract during the first year of COVID because we did not know if the college season would continue. It was a tough transition (joining the pros) because although I was used to a European style of play, I had adapted to the American way. Then I had to re-adjust to Europe play again,” said Nouhi. “It was definitely a good experience getting the opportunity to play against grown men in the game. It was a little physical, and I had to play smarter.
“In my second season with Brussels, I got a back injury, so I missed most of the season. After that, I felt I needed a change, and that’s when I had the opportunity to sign with AS Sale (in Morocco) last year. At the time, they were also competing in the Road To BAL. Unfortunately, we did not make it, but it was a great experience. I loved it. So, I decided to stay a little longer in Morocco.”
Nouhi, who is now wearing the colours of FUS Rabat, has not let the second chance to make it to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) go to waste. He says the journey to the continental tournament was difficult.
“The first thing that comes to mind is that the Road To BAL is getting tougher each year. When I looked at it three years ago, the level was not that high, including that of the imports. I think we did not make it (with Sale) because we thought it would be easy,” said Nouhi, who put solid numbers in last year’s Road To BAL (11 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game). “Last year’s qualifiers had players like Solo Diabate, Ater Majok and Zach Lofton, something which had not happened before. Thankfully, we (FUS) recruited well, and with players like Aliou (Diarra) and Jonathan (Jordan), it led to our success and we qualified for the BAL.”
Ayoub Nouhi believes FUS Rabat has right attitude to win the BAL.
Nouhi and FUS have had an impressive BAL debut and finished top of the Kalahari Conference in South Africa with a 3-1 record. They also made a strong statement with a win over Petro de Luanda on opening day in March. While the Moroccan club surprised many, Nouhi says their outstanding results boiled to their preparation.
“Honestly, we were happy, but we were not surprised. We worked hard for that moment (to beat Petro). Our win was seen as an upset by many because of Petro’s popularity but we were locked in and ready,” said Nouhi.
FUS have remained locked in during the playoffs in Kigali and caused yet another upset by humbling reigning champions Al Ahly (Egypt) on Friday. Speaking ahead of that game (against Al Ahly), Nouhi said they dotted their i’s and crossed the t’s for the seeding clash.
“Ahly won it last year. They need no introduction. But anything can happen in the BAL. We have a good chance because of our preparation. We have scouted them, so all that’s left is to go out there fight,” said Nouhi.
From an outsider’s perspective, FUS look like a serious contender for the BAL title, but do they believe they can bring a continental club trophy to Morocco since AS Sale did it in 2017?
“We have the same coach who won it that year (Said el Bouzidi). We have four or five players from that team. So we are a team with experience and a winning mentality. Everybody here wants to win,” concluded Nouhi.
KIGALI – The highly anticipated BAL (Basketball Africa League) playoffs officially tip off later today (Friday) at BK Arena. The Big Tip Off reflects on the conference play and previews the eight teams ahead of the seeding games.
Cape Town Tigers
The Tigers had a rocky start to their home debut during the Kalahari Conference, managing a single win against Petro de Luanda in their penultimate game of conference play. In that game (against Petro), the South African champions showed sparks of their potential. The Tigers also shared the ball better and reduced turnovers.
Several players demonstrated they could shoot the ball well and draw contact to put their opponents in the penalty. The Tigers sometimes seemed too reliant on “iso” plays despite it being ineffective in certain stretches of play. They also struggled to defend at the three-point line, and their average of 37.2 total rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 45.0 total rebounds per game led to them giving up second-chance opportunities to their opponents in the paint.
Samkelo Cele is a vital contributor to the Tigers, and a solid team player when needed to fulfil certain roles. As the leading scorer for the team, Cele showcased his ability with an average of 20.5 points per game. Additionally, he led the team with 2.3 steals per game.
Samkelo Cele has been the fulcrum for the Tigers in offence and defence. Pictures: FIBA Africa
The Tigers are one of the six teams who have made roster changes ahead of the BAL playoffs. The likes of Billy Preston, co-captain Lebesa Selepe and rookie Storm Gilchrist are no longer with the team. However, the additions of former Dynamo BBC guard Dheiu Deing, former Stade Malien forward Brian Bridgeforth and centre Mouhamadou Ndoye could stabilise the South African team.
AS Douanes
The Senegal club had a mixed performance throughout the Sahara Conference. A loss of concentration down the stretch in games proved costly as they suffered three losses. However, their three wins, including a buzzer-beater by Mike Fofana with three seconds left in the game against Rivers Hoopers, showcased that the Senegalese champions can compete and win against the best of them.
AS Douanes struggled shooting the ball, averaging 33% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc. However, they averaged 16.8 offensive rebounds, giving them second-chance opportunities to put numbers on the scoreboard.
Abdoulaye Harouna was AS Douanes’ key player. Harouna struggled to find his footing in the first game, scoring only eight points, but bounced back with a 35-point performance against US Monastir in their second game. In the end, Harouna led the team with 17.6 points per game. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s defence led to an average of 3.6 steals per game, fuelling some much-needed transition offence in stretches when AS Douanes struggled to convert.
AS Douanes maintained their roster ahead of the BAL playoffs – they have the momentum from the Sahara Conference, but can it lead to an appearance in the final?
Al Ahly Egypt
Al Ahly finished at the top of the Nile Conference once again. But the reigning BAL champs, who have exhibited a composed demeanour found themselves a little shaken on a few occasions, including their upset loss to Uganda’s City Oilers.
To their credit, Al Ahly’s depth and versatility across all positions allowed them to aggressively attack their opponents, giving them comfortable leads in games. The Egyptian giants excelled in rebounding, averaging 43.8 total rebounds per game, indicating strong performance on both ends of the court.
Can Ehab Amin lead Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a second BAL title?
The Egyptian Champions’ defence proved effective as they managed to hold their opponents to an average of 78.3 points per game and forced turnovers at a rate of 13.3 per game.
Ehab Amin led the charge for Al Ahly with 13.5 points per game. It may seem like a low number, but it showcased Al Ahly’s depth in offence. Against Bangui Sporting Club, Amin delivered a clutch three-pointer in the final minutes to seal Al Ahly’s 85-79 win. The guard led the team in rebounding.
The reigning champions have replaced Marwan Sahran and Ahmed Moheib with Omar Azab and Seifeldin Saied.
Petro de Luanda
The Angolans had a disappointing Kalahari Conference campaign despite clinching one of the automatic qualifications for Kigali. Petro, usually strong during the regular season, suffered two losses in regular season play.
Historically, Petro is a team that excels at moving the ball well and creating opportunities to showcase their ability to shoot from beyond the arc and stretch the floor. However, this season, they struggled and could not adjust as expected. Despite their offensive struggles, Petro maintained a competitive defensive presence by limiting their opponents’ shooting percentages and rebounding numbers. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers contributes to their defensive effectiveness.
Childe Dundao was the standout player for the Angolan side, and his 25-point performance was crucial in their must-win game in the second round against FUS Rabat. The guard averaged 13.5 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, and shot 37% from the three-point line. Dundao, part of last season’s BAL All-Defensive Team, was able to disrupt the opponents’ offence and use his speed to push the ball and create transition scoring opportunities for Petro.
The Angolan champions have possibly made the biggest adjustment to their team, replacing coach Jose Neto with Sergio Moreno. Anthony Nelson and Edmir Lucas were replaced by guard Nicholas Faust and forward Clesio Castro. Castro will help to provide a strong interior presence, while Faust will be an additional scoring option.
The Moroccan club were the Kalahari Conference’s most exciting team. FUS showcased their versatility as each player stepped on the floor.
FUS was able to maximise scoring opportunities through their shot selection as well as offensive execution. This is reflected in their 46.4% field goal percentage. The Moroccan champions’ strong rebounding presence at both ends of the floor limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities.
Johnathan Jordan was a factor in FUS’ success. The guard averaged the most minutes played for the team, averaging two personal fouls per game. A good facilitator, Jordan averaged 4.5 assists per game, and his ability to convert, as he led the team’s scoring with an average of 16.3 points.
FUS have made no changes to their team as they will head into the BAL playoffs as they look to continue their dominance.
Al Ahly Libya
Al Ahly Benghazi’s debut in the Nile Conference saw them display individual brilliance and collective effort. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and disciplined play were hallmarks of their campaign. With solid contributions from their starters and bench, Al Ahly Benghazi showed that they are a well-rounded and resilient team capable of competing at a high level.
Throughout the regular season, Al Ahly Benghazi demonstrated a balanced scoring approach with five players averaging in double digits. This balanced attack made them less predictable and more challenging for opponents to defend. The team’s dominance in rebounding at the offence end provided crucial second-chance opportunities, allowing them to remain a threat in the paint. Al Ahly Benghazi also excelled in maintaining possession, resulting in minimized turnovers.
Jo Acuil was the standout player not only for Al Ahly, but he also gave a standout performance in the final regular season game against the City Oilers. In that game, Acuil set the BAL record for the most points scored (42). Throughout the Nile Conference, Acuil maintained a consistently high level of play, averaging a double-double. His regular season averages were 23 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is a dual threat as both a prolific scorer and a formidable rebounder, making him an asset for the Libyan club. Acuil is a defensive pillar with great shot-blocking ability, rim protection and can alter shots.
The Libyan champions let go of their primary point guard, Pierre Jackson and Anees Almansouri and brought in Omar Aldirfeeli and Robert Wilson Golden. The loss of Jackson, who was a key contributor in his scoring, pushing the ball up the floor, could prove detrimental to them in the BAL playoffs.
Rivers Hoopers
Rivers Hoopers had a strong debut in the Sahara conference, remaining undefeated in the first round of the competition. But they would suffer two defeats later. The first was a buzzer-beater in a game against AS Douanes and the other because of visible fatigue in the final fixture against US Monastir. The last game saw star point guard Will Perry get a DNP.
At a glance, there is not much difference between the Hoopers’ and their opponents statistically. But it came down to their team chemistry, a component which many other teams have struggled to find so far this season. The Hoopers demonstrated their cohesive team dynamic. They have a balanced distribution of responsibilities and scoring support from Will Perry, Devine Eke, Kelvin Amayo, and Peter Olisemeka, who were able to step up for the team on any given night.
Perry emerged as the primary scorer and facilitator for the team, averaging 18.6 points per game and 5.4 assists. His efficiency in shooting the ball from beyond the arc made him a threat to the opponents but also allowed the Hoopers to spread the floor and make big shots while also getting some good looks for his teammates.
The Nigerian side let go of Michael Daramola and brought Victor Damiola Mohammed. Mohammed is no stranger to the tournament following his time with the Kwara Falcons last season. He will surely look to help the Hoopers as they try to make a deep run into the BAL playoffs.
Chris Crawford has led the revival of US Monastir during the Sahara Conference.
US Monastir
The Tunisian club emerged as a phoenix from the ashes to secure their spot in the BAL playoffs. After losing their first three games of the Sahara Conference, Monastir came out swinging in the second round. The Blue Empire won three straight to secure the last third-best place ticket.
While the team struggled in the first round, going 0-3, they showed resilience. Monastir managed to find their identity and corrected their mistakes. The impact of Firas Lahyani on the defensive glass and his steals allowed them to limit the opposition’s offensive opportunities and create opportunities for them to take advantage of their offensive arsenal and convert offensively.
Chris Crawford was the Tunisian side’s offensive catalyst, leading the team with 19.2 points per game. Crawford showcased his versatility in his consistent production on the offensive end, creating opportunities for his teammates. He averaged 8.5 assists per game – the record for the regular season.
Monastir made one change to their roster – the addition of guard Avry Marshall Holmes, who brings experience from South America. He will provide an additional scoring option to the Tunisian side. Holmes replaces Amrou Bouallague.
JONE Pedro took time to cosy up to basketball despite having a direct line to the game. The fact that his father played the game at the highest level for Angola, did not mean that the sport would be an automatic first choice for Jone.
The Petro de Luanda player had dabbled in other sports until certain shifts in his life drove him to basketball. He experienced a growth spurt which led to him leaning in on the legacy and later the birth of his younger sister hit him with a dose of maturity.
Pedro, now 34, also explained to The Big Tip Off how his second pro stint in Angola shaped his character and after having enjoyed success at the club level, he is now looking beyond.
Jone, the son of former Angolan player Adriano Pedro, says it was in Germany that he started gravitating towards basketball.
“Sometimes the ball gets put in your hands because of your family, but in my case, it was me witnessing. So, seeing what my dad was doing at a young age, subconsciously drew me to the game later in life,” says Pedro.
“My dad played Portugal and later in Germany, where I grew up. When we moved there (Germany), I got exposed to several sports, of course, soccer being the main one. I also played ping-pong,” said Pedro. “By the time I was 13 or 14, I began to notice the height difference because I was not always tall. That is when I decided to try basketball – when I was 14.”
Jone Pedro says the Kalahari Conference was exciting from a fan perspective, but disappointing because of Petro’s results. Pictures: The BTO
Early on, Pedro would have a love-hate relationship with the game. The main reason for his early struggle was his approach toward the game.
“When I started, I was playing for fun. When I switched clubs from my home city (Aachen) to Leverkusen, I still had the same attitude until I realised other players were being pushed instead of me. So I quit,” said Pedro. “When I turned 19, I came to Angola because my dad felt I was not being productive. I spent a season playing in Angola for a team in Lubango (Desportivo de Huila).
“I didn’t like it much because I had grown up in Germany, and it (Lubango) was a different reality. So, after a year, I returned to Germany.”
While in Germany, his sister, already born and growing, made Pedro realise he had different decisions to make. He had to be more serious about his game. Pedro joined then-fourth-tier club Giants Dusseldorf, who went undefeated that season (2011-2012). His successful stint there stint led to a move to Pro A team Gladiators Treves (known as TBB Trier).
“The birth of my sister motivated me to take basketball seriously. By the time she was around three or four, I began to look at the game the right way. I made the decision to pursue a professional career and I have never looked back,” said Pedro.
The big man has also adopted a mature outlook on life during his 10-year stay in Angola, where he started out for ASA (Atletico Sport Aviacao) and Primeiro de Agosto. While domestic basketball in the Southern African nation had not reached the desired level professionally, Pedro was unfazed by the situation.
“As far as professionalism goes, it was a step back, but because of who I was back then, it was a step up. I was up for the challenge (of playing in Angola), and whatever difficulty I might have, I would embrace it because I could not behave the way I did before. ‘Like, ok, things are not going well here, I quit,” said Pedro. “It was time for me to challenge myself… Find motivation to get through the league and season.”
Apart from growing as an individual, Pedro’s decade in Angola would also yield success on the court. He won two league championships with Primeiro and four with his current club, Petro. It has led to Pedro feeling the time has come for a new career challenge.
“I come from different habits. I grew up among different African communities in Germany – Ghanaian, Congolese and Guineans. It (Angola) was challenging. It was new, provocative, fun and harsh… A real mix of everything,” said Pedro. “This was a lesson of life. I am happy I made it through while staying sane and being true to myself. I am happy because it was worth it.
“But I think it is important to know when it is time for a new challenge. I am in a position to choose whatever offer may come.”
Pedro played his cards close to his chest on his next move. It is understandable as his gaze is on the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda. Despite making it through the Kalahari Conference in South Africa, Petro struggled – their 2-2 record saw the Angolan giants sever ties with Brazilian coach Jose Neto.
While the on-court struggles of Petro were laid bare, Pedro says South Africa was a great setting to start the BAL Season 4.
“Going to South Africa was amazing. It was amazing. It’s the perfect location. The culture there is nice. There was a welcoming atmosphere. And the vibe was just different. It felt like we were in the States, but as far as the team goes, we were on the brink of mental exhaustion,” said Pedro. “When you are used to winning, it becomes hard to stay motivated. It was difficult for us to bring our A-game. So, I think it was time for change, and I don’t mean Neto leaving.
“I don’t think we performed at 70 per cent of our ability. It was a disaster. I am being straight up. It was obvious that Petro was not Petro. But we made it through.”
Jone Pedro says Petro will have a different posture for the BAL season 4 playoffs.
Spaniard Sergio Valdeolmillos is the new coach and recently led Petro to a 16th league title. Under him, Pedro feels there has been accountability. According to Pedro, there is a new energy ahead of their clash against US Monastir, a team they lost to in the 2022 BAL final.
“Now that we have a new coach, there is a new mentality. He is doing what needs to be done. He is holding every player accountable. We are more aggressive and physical. We’ve been practising like crazy. It’s unbelievable,” said Pedro. “So I just have to believe in the process. We are here for a reason. The team is ready (for the BAL playoffs).
“What I can guarantee is that the posture of Petro is going to be different during the playoffs.”
As he winds down the season with Petro, Pedro is thankful for his existence and what it has served, but there is a craving for a little more.
“Finding my purpose (in life). That has been a great inspiration for me. There’s a difference between what you need to do and what you want to do. For me, I decided I wanted to play basketball and go as far as I can to help and provide for my family,” said the former Angolan international. “And it changes. My sister is about to turn 18, so she is not that cutie that used to motivate me. You always find a new chapter. It can be recovering from an injury or winning a championship. Maybe doubt creeps up, and you question if you won it. So you have to prove yourself again.”
No doubt Pedro and his teammates will have to prove their championship credentials in these BAL playoffs. They are well acquainted with the disappointment of losing and the sweet taste of victory. Hopefully, Pedro can again experience the latter feeling – this time at the continental level. After that, he can ponder on his future.
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