African Basketball - The Big Tip Off

Joining Oilers a blessing in disguise for Barnaba

Oilers will give it their all at the BAL

FOR Ngor Barnaba turning out for City Oilers was a blessing in disguise as he had not seen some of his family in a long time.

The Sudan-born player was a toddler when his family fled the war-torn country. They would eventually settle in the United States, where the world of basketball would open for a young Ngor.

Khartoum-born Barnaba, who spoke to The Big Tip Off a week ago, would grow up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he learnt to play basketball. He says living close to the university in Louisiana also played an influential role in his picking up the game.

“I spent a part of my life in Louisiana, where I started playing basketball. We lived close to Louisiana State University, a big basketball institution. I was in the second or third grade when I started playing and taking it seriously,” said the 6ft9 (2.06m) small forward.

**City Oilers’ Ngor Barnaba in action against Petro in their opening game. Pictures: Stone Tsuabah**

His basketball career would see him play at the John Marshall High School and Missouri State-West Plains Junior College. Barnaba would play for two other colleges (Utah State University and Talladega College) before turning pro.

Before joining the Oilers, the 27-year-old played in Spain for the Spanish fourth-tier club Santfeliunc Basquet. He spoke fondly of his time in the Iberian Peninsula.

“I spent some time playing in Barcelona, Spain. It was my first pro experience. I had a great season, and I also got to meet some great people out there and learn about their culture, so it was a great time for me,” said Barnaba.

After his stint in Spain, Uganda came calling. Barnaba found himself in the blue and gold vest of City Oilers, where he wants to help the club make their mark in continental basketball, and he has had an opportunity to connect with his kin.

“The last time I visited the continent was in 1998. I still have some family here. There is an aunt and cousins of mine who stay here in Uganda. Now that I play in Uganda, I have gotten the chance to see them,” said Barnaba.

“It’s been amazing. Apart from the brand of basketball that they are playing, which has been big for me, they have also helped to connect me with my family here. I have not seen my aunt and cousins since I was a kid.”

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Barnaba joined the Oilers late last year for their successful Elite 16 Road To BAL campaign in Johannesburg, South Africa. He gave stand-out performances in wins over Mozambique’s Ferroviario da Beira in the group stages and the third-place playoff victory 71-62 against Burundi’s Urunani.

While Barnaba scooped the MVP honours (17 points, nine rebounds) for the game against Beira, his 12 points versus Urunani were also critical in ensuring that the Oilers would debut in this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL).

“We came into those qualifiers as underdogs and wanted to prove ourselves to people. We played good games against great teams and finished four and one. Qualifying on that last day was amazing,” said Barnaba.

“The City Oilers have been trying to qualify for the BAL for the last three years. Now we felt a sense of relief after getting it done. There was just joy and happiness after what we had accomplished.

“When you are a part of something special like this, you don’t want to sit back. You want to contribute and give it your best. I thought I did a great job of doing everything my team needed. We are an unselfish team and a group of guys that want to see each other do well.”

**Ngor Barnaba battles for position against Petro’s Joan Petro Atletico. Picture: The BTO**

Since the Oilers’ successful Road To BAL qualifying campaign, Barnaba decided not to attach himself to any club. In the months leading to the BAL, he used the time to get fit until they returned to Uganda.

“After the qualifiers, me and my teammates, who played at that time, decided to focus on training the BAL. I did have a couple of offers, but I decided not to take them because I wanted to focus on this moment,” said Barnaba.

The versatile big returned to Uganda in early April for the Oilers’ preparation of the BAL Nile Conference in Cairo (26 April). While he and the import players have not played in the local National Basketball League, Barnaba feels they have done sufficient work to get ready.

“It’s going well for the Oilers in the league. Even if I am not playing, we practice hard every day. We are getting them in good shape for the league and they are doing the same for us for the BAL,” said Barnaba.

In their BAL debut, Oilers will face off against Petro de Luanda, Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly, Seydou Legacy Athletique Club, Ferroviario da Beira and Cape Town Tigers.

Barnaba felt there are no easy games in their Conference, and he expects every opposition to put their best forward.

“I think every team is well coached, and they have great players. Every game we played in South Africa during the Road To BAL was hard fought. I think it will be the same in Cairo. All the games are going to go down to the wire,” said Barnaba.

“Every team will bring their all, and we must do the same. On any given night, anything can happen. So, if we stay focused, we will be alright.”

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Corporate jobs set Hlophe for basketball business

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Hlophe hopes to grow the Bethusile brand on the continent

ANDILE Hlophe is a well-known figure in South African basketball and one of the few wholly invested in the game. What is not widely known is how he, over decade ago, took a leap of faith and invested in the game he loves.

In 2011, the Jozi Nuggets owner and coach traded in the security of a 9-5 job in the financial sector and put all his eggs in basketball. That year, Hlophe started the Bethusile Foundation, a company which provides basketball equipment, and refurbishes and builds new courts.

Since making that decision, Hlophe has had no ounce of regret.

“I believe when you follow your passion, you will be happy for the rest of your life. For me, basketball is my passion, It saved me from a lot of things. If I make money from basketball, then of course, I’ll be happy,” explained Hlophe on Wednesday at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, where he oversaw the installation of new hoops.

“I worked as a planner for various banking institutions. There was money, but it was not fulfilling because it was commission-based. But I think it trained me to be in the business space,” said the St Benedict’s College coach. “The sports business has a lot of money. Not many people in South Africa recognise that sports have growth potential. It is potential I saw and tapped into. I can say I have had success.”

Initially, he used to advise people where to go or who to get in touch with to find anything related to basketball equipment. While doing so, the bright idea hit, and Hlophe realised he could provide the same service to potential clients.

“People used to contact me to inquire where they could get things like kits or hoops and I would recommend. Eventually, I said, ‘you know what, let me do this myself’. That is when Bethusile came to life,” said the former coach of BNL franchise Mpumalanga Rhinos.

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Hlophe, whose business has expanded to other territories, exclaimed that it was deeply satisfying for his business services to be supporting the basketball ecosystem. His business’ niche area of revitalising courts and manufacturing kits is contributing to a real need within the ecosystem.

“If there was no basketball then my business would not work. Because basketball is taking place, we can grow. We have even provided services outside of South Africa. We provided countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho with basketball equipment,” said Hlophe.

Hlophe’s involvement in the game also extends to coaching where his focus has been on providing a pipeline of talent to South African basketball.

“If kids get an opportunity to play the game and learn its fundamentals, in the long run, the national team will benefit. As a school’s team coach, I try to give as much knowledge to the younger generation so that they can play the game the right way,” said Hlophe.

While he strives to empower young players on the court, Hlophe, who holds a FIBA WABC level 1 certificate, stressed the need to improve himself as a coach.

“It’s important to empower yourself. I cannot remain at the same level as I was five years ago because the game evolves daily. If I have a chance to improve myself, then I must take that opportunity. That is my motto in life,” said Hlophe.

Finally, Hlpohe desires to contribute to growing the number of coaches in basketball in South Africa. He also wants his business to be a first point of reference internationally.

“Business-wise, I hope to be the go-to in sports equipment in Africa. Coaching-wise, I hope to develop twenty-five coaches. When I watch a game, I learn something new. So, when aspiring coaches watch games that I am coaching in and gain something then I am doing something right,” said Hlophe.

Hlophe’s investment in basketball at all levels is a sign that there is a space for growth in the game in South Africa. It also shows the game has bountiful opportunities for potential investors.

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Nicolae bringing creative flair to basketball training

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ROMANIA-born individual skills development coach, Nica Nicolae, has created a niche for himself by moving a few boundaries in South African basketball.

Firstly, he has ventured into an untapped aspect of coaching, which centres on players individually improving their skill sets. Secondly, his coaching style is unorthodox, as his training involves flair and focuses on players coming out of their comfort zones.

So, for players who wish to possess the dribble and handles of Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving or even their finishing style at the rim, then Nicolae’s methods may be for them.

“I realised there was a gap in the market because that are not many skills trainers in South Africa. I believe I can help players improve their skill sets by introducing methods that suit each player,” said Nicolae at the University of Johannesburg’s Gymnasium on Thursday.

**Nica Nicolae getting ready for a training session. Pictures: The Big Tip Off.**

While 27-year-old Nicolae’s methods may be unconventional for the purists of basketball, he stresses that players must grasp the game’s fundamentals.

“It’s okay to have a different opinion and no disrespect to the fundamental way of training, but I believe it can only take one to a certain level. I have also shared that information with players,” said Nicolae, who has been a skills trainer for four-and-a-half years. “They are a basis to advance in the game for players who want to unlock their skill set, but the training has to be efficient. If it is not, then players will struggle in game situations. For example, when I use the blocking guards, it mimics how other defenders will guard you in match situations.

“My training involves players getting their footwork, balance, and core right and improving their hand and eye co-ordination. It’s a fun way of getting the players engaged.”

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Two prominent South African players have trained with Nicolae, who holds a Micah Lancaster Skills Development Certificate. WBNL champion and Tshwane Suns player Lungile Mtsweni and Lehlogonolo Tholo, who plays for Mozambique’s Uniao Juvenil de Napipine have worked with the Romanian coach.

Nicolae feels honoured to have worked with two former national team players. He says it has been a part of his ambition to train some of the best players in the country.

“It’s a dream come true and something I can tick off my bucket list. Since coming to South Africa, I have wanted to work with players that play at a high standard,” said Nicolae, who has been in South Africa since 2010. “To have Lungile and Lehlogonolo trust my work. Them trusting that I can help them get better at something they are already good at… It’s a dream come true.

Mtsweni endorses Nicolae’s coaching and says that her game has vastly improved since coming into contact with the exuberant coach.

“I have learnt about the changing of pace when dribbling the ball and my footwork has also gotten better. The way he beats an opponent really works. When I used to dribble past an opponent my feet were not wide enough. Also, I was not as low as I needed to be. Nica has emphasised those things in his coaching and I feel I have gotten better,” said Mtsweni, who represented South Africa at the 2015 FIBA African Women’s Championships.

“I feel I have more control of the ball and I can drive to the rim in different ways. I have also learnt how to protect the ball better in offence, especially against bigger and stronger guards. They will find it difficult to strip the ball of me.”

Nicolae has made some observations about players in South Africa, and he mentioned how they could better their skills.

“The biggest thing to work on has been player confidence. Another thing was the handling of the ball especially when a player is under pressure, which ranks high in requests from the players on how to improve their style,” said Nicolae. “After that, shooting, angles, footwork are all aspects that players in South Africa have needed to improve on.”

The skills trainer is slowly growing a reputation in South Africa and has an even bigger vision for himself. He wants to work with some of the continent’s brightest talents.

“One of my big goals is to reach the rest of Africa. I have made contact with a couple of players and there seems to be an interest. Maybe one or two players will come to South Africa,” said Nicolae.

Nicolae has an appreciation on what it has taken for him to get this far in his career. He was also thankful for the input of others as it has made him a better coach. “This journey has been humbling. Seeing how things have come together and the feedback from the players has been positive. I am thankful for the love and support I have received and look forward to a bright future.”

There are so many ways of contributing to and building a career in basketball. Nicolae’s journey is an example of avenues that can be explored to further the game in Africa.

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Reece ‘The Beast’ ready to re-establish himself

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FOR a couple of months, Reece ‘The Beast’ Prinsloo believed injury had brought a sad end to his magnificent playing career.

At the end of October last year, the decorated forward posted a heartfelt goodbye message to basketball on social media. He was thankful for the memories the game had given him. He also paid homage to the coaches who had afforded him the chance to shine at national team and varsity level.

This was the end, so he thought. It seemed the decision for Prinsloo, who initially retired due to a vertebrae injury, was premature.

The Egoli Magic player and four-time Basketball National League (BNL) champion, speaking via Zoom a week ago, said making the call to end his career was based on his emotional state.

“I think I will be playing this year. I went for a second opinion and will be back in the game soon,” said Prinsloo who explained the nature of the injury. “During a (BNL match) against the Tshwane Suns, I landed awkwardly, and my discs were out of place. It was a tough time having to announce my retirement, but now with hindsight, I realise it was a premature and emotional decision.”

Third Pic — Reece Prinsloo with teammates Risto Pasipamire and Bandile Nsele. Pics: The BTO

Following careful reflection and a positive discussion with his wife-to-be, the Gqeberha-born Prinsloo is raring to get back on the court.

“I now have a different view of things. After putting aside all the emotions, I realised: ‘hey, you are 30-years-old. There are guys who are the same age and are at their peak. Some guys are older and in their decline. They all have one thing in common. They are still playing the game’. So it was premature of me to post that message (on social media about my retirement),” said the former Grey PE pupil. “My fiancée also still wants to see me play. She told me she had never seen me play. Once I started getting better, I wanted to start running again. I feel like my old self. It’s just about getting back on the court and getting that first rebound.”

When discussing the injury affected him, Prinsloo, a former South African youth international, felt the opportunity to end things on his terms had escaped.

“A lot of things went through my mind. I knew the time would come when I had to retire from the game, but not like this. Getting the news from the doctor, I cried and asked: why Lord, why? Why now? I still have a lot to give as a player. There were just a lot of questions,” said Prinsloo, a three-time University Sport South Africa (USSA) champion with the Vaal University of Technology.

With Prinsloo set to hit the court, his first port of call is a possible return to Mozambique, where he will have the opportunity to reunite with Ferroviario de Nacala.

“I might go to Mozambique either at the end of February or the beginning of March. They called me to find out if I would be available to play in the Mozambique league. There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Prinsloo, who described his experience when he first played in the Southern African country.

“They have a physical approach to the game, but there is also something different about Mozambican basketball. It’s the fans! The fans love basketball, and they love their teams to bits. It’s beautiful to witness.”

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The former Soweto Panthers player looks forward to his potential return to Mozambique, where the game is of a high standard. While Prinsloo is eager to put his body on the line against the best players, he notes there will be butterflies in his first game.

“There are a lot of nerves and excitement as well. There is pressure because playing in Mozambique would mean I am re-establishing myself. Also, in South Africa in the JBL, I want to do the same when I play for my team, MBB,” said Prinsloo.

On the South African game, Prinsloo feels the state of basketball is lamentable. It is well-documented that South African basketball administrators have, for the most part, treated players poorly, especially the BNL.

Prinsloo, who won three straight league titles with the Egoli Magic acknowledged the league preys on the desperation of players. The league has also never taken kindly to criticism.

“What has been said before (about the league) is true. I also stand by those players who have spoken out in the past. The league has lost a lot of great quality players. Probably the best players in the country,” said Prinsloo, whose love for the game has seen him remain in the BNL. “I would say I’m still playing because of passion. That is why I am still playing in the league. It’s the passion that’s kept me playing in the BNL. The quotes and statements made in the past (about the BNL) are not off the mark. The situation is probably the same today, where some players are still misled in signing of their contracts.”

Prinsloo also added: “The league was also happy to put poor quality players on TV, just for the sake of having an operational league.”

According to Prinsloo, a solution would be for players to show a more united front and be more knowledgeable concerning matters of this nature.

“There is only one answer for that, education! Getting educated about this kind of (contractual) issue is imperative. I know it’s hard to access education on the business side of basketball. There are problems like funding and players coming from hard circumstances,” said Prinsloo, who has played in the BNL since 2013.

Focusing on his career so far, Prinsloo is one of the most accomplished players in the BNL. His resume is laden with winner medals from his time with the Panthers to his current team Egoli.

“Winning the title with Panthers was great and I was content. Then I joined Egoli in 2019 and we went on to win four championship runs… it was spectacular! It just rolls nicely off the tongue,” said Prinsloo, who holds the distinct privilege of being the first player to notch a triple-double in the BNL.

Prinsloo has had the honour of representing South Africa at the highest level. Some of his best moments in the national team involved being mentored by senior player, Lindokuhle Sibankulu. “Getting to rub shoulders with Lindo Sibankulu from KZN, was one of my best moments. He was my personal mentor when I came to the national team as rookie,” said Prinsloo.

Reflecting on his best game in the green and gold, Prinsloo spoke fondly of the 2015 season of the All Africa Games qualifiers in Zimbabwe. “My best game was against Zimbabwe where I scored 17 points and 15 rebounds. We lost that game and the opportunity to qualify. I think it was also the first time I ever cried in a game.”

The game has brought a lot of joy and tears for Prinsloo. After briefly experiencing what it feels like to have basketball taken away from him, he now has a second chance. There will be questions about his health and only his mind and body will provide the answers. Only time can tell if he will be able to end things on his own terms.

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Kalala takes his game to new heights

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A LATE bloomer! That is one way of describing Aristote Kalala’s arrival to basketball. Despite his late start to the game, a strong work ethic unlocked his potential and opened new doors for the 21-year-old, who came to South Africa as a refugee many years ago.

Kalala, who recently started community college in the United States has no recollection of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country of his birth. His earliest memory is arriving in South Africa as a four-year-old with his family and journeying to Cape Town. The Mother City would be where the basketball journey for Kalala would begin.

“The only memory I have is arriving in Joburg and the train ride to Cape Town. Apart from that, I do not remember much,” said Lubumbashi-born Kalala, speaking via Zoom last Friday.

He also spoke briefly about his time in South Africa. “My life in South Africa was good. That is home for me. I had a few challenges here and there because I was a refugee, but it did not stop me from working towards my dreams.”

Second Picture — **Aristote Kalala, right, poses with a teammate at the NBA Academy in Senegal. Pictures Supplied**

While he does not recall much from his early days, Kalala’s journey to playing basketball has been a fascinating one. For starters, the former Camps Bay High School pupil never took a liking to the game. Football was his preferred choice as a scholar. Unfortunately, the quotas for football at the time were full, meaning Kalala had to choose another sport.

“I started basketball around 2017 at the age of sixteen. To tell you the truth, I never liked basketball at first. I wanted to play football, but the spaces in our school team reached capacity, so I switched to basketball,” said Kalala, who explained what changed his mind about the game. “There was one match that I grabbed 18 rebounds. The excitement of that made me come back to practice. Since that moment, I fell in love with the sport.”

The decision would pay dividends for the 6ft7 player as he enjoyed a meteoric rise. From the year he started playing basketball, Kalala earned provincial colours, and in his second year, he was champion for the Western Cape in the Interprovincial Tournament.

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Kalala also realised that he could play at a higher level and that the game could take him places.

“That same year (2017), I went on to play provincials and in 2018 as well. The first year we came fourth in the national tournament a year later we came first,” said Kalala, a former Trafalgar High School pupil. “After that, I realised I do have potential and felt like I could get somewhere with basketball. So, that’s when I started playing with whoever I could find on the court. I played against guys who were better than me. I also watched YouTube videos because I am more of a visual learner. I’ll either watch videos or sit on the side of the court and watch how other guys play the game.”

After completing high school, Kalala opted not go the university route. He spent two years honing his skill under the watchful eyes of Giovanni Freeman, a director at African Hoops for Hope, and Victor Shakineza, a former coach in the Pretoria basketball circuit. During the two year break, Kalala also had a stint in the Basketball National League (BNL), but his big break was when he left for Senegal to join the NBA Academy in the West African country.

“People like Giovanni Freeman helped me with shooting form because, at the time, it was not great. I also met Victor, who watched me play and told me, ‘you have the potential to play this game at a higher level’,” said Kalala, who reflected on his solitary BNL season with Western Cape Mountaineers. “That experience was amazing for me, playing against guys in South Africa. I learnt that there were guys in the country who really could play. It’s not Cape Town and Joburg that have talent. Guys in other parts of the country can play as well. So, it was a great experience for me.”

The move to Senegal last year came as a surprise for Kalala. He says Frank Traore, who had been tracking him, was impressed with what he had seen.

“For me, it was something unexpected . I continued working on my game during the off-season. Then I was told that there was interest in me from the NBA Academy because I showed great potential. I was excited about that. I met coach Frank from the academy who confirmed that I do have potential to get to the next level, but it was up to me to grab it,” said Kalala, who experienced a reality check in West Africa. “When I got the opportunity to attend the academy, in my mind, I thought I was going to be the tallest person there. Instead, I went from being the biggest guy that everybody knew to the smallest. Everyone at the academy was humongous and super athletic.”

Third Picture — **Aristote Kalala,right, with Angola legend Carlos Morais**

From that point, Kalala had to re-evaluate his position on the court.

“I knew my role had to change from being an inside player to playing on the perimeter. The change meant I had to develop a three-point shot. My three-point shot was always there, but it was not consistent. So, I had to work on it because I was now the shorter guy,” said Kalala, who went through rigorous training.

“My biggest takeaway from that experience is how they care for you at the academy. Regardless of where you are from, they treat you with dignity. It’s a loving environment. The coaches push you to your maximum and out of your comfort zone. I did not know that I was in my comfort zone until I got there. I would question the coaches and ask why they were so hard on me and not other players? They explained that those players are going to high school, and I am going to college.”

Kalala’s coaches were right to push and were not off the mark about his potential. The youngster recently earned a scholarship to Ranger College, a junior school in Texas.

The feeling of being in the US is still unreal to him, but he aims to make the most of this golden opportunity.

“Sometimes I wake up and ask myself: ‘am I really in the States?’. I am close to getting a D1 offer. If I perform well, there is a chance for me to enter the NBA draft. It’s happened in a short space of time, so I am still processing it,” said Kalala, who is majoring in general studies, but hopes to still pursue film and media, academically. “I am definitely grateful to be in this position. There are a lot of guys back home who are trying to be here. So, for me to be in this position, I am grateful.”

Kalala’s story truly reflects that it does not matter what road you travelled. When opportunity meets preparation, even the sky is no longer the limit. We will be watching the space as he climbs to even greater heights.

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Barros hopes AfroBasket can unlock new doors

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Cape Verde to put on a show for their fans

PLAYING on the big stage in sport can open new doors for competing athletes. Cape Verde point guard Alexia Barros harbours the hope that a good performance at the women’s AfroBasket will be the key to unlocking new opportunities for herself.

The 26-year-old hopes playing the lights out in the tournament which Cameroon will host (from 17-26 September) will help her achieve her dream of playing in the WNBA.

Another added advantage for the United States-born Barros is that she recently joined the New England Trailblazers, a team that competes in the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA). Both situations give the 5ft8 guard an advantage in her quest to fulfil her ambition of playing in the elite women’s league.

The floor general believes she is within touching distance of achieving her goal and is hopeful that the work she has put in will yield a positive outcome.

“My dream is to play in the WNBA. I feel I am close to getting to my dream. I have to keep working hard. Work on the little things that will help my game progress,” said the former Community College of Rhode Island player.

She also relishes playing for club and country. “It’s fulfilling to play for both teams. I can’t wait to see what playing for them will do for my basketball career. The doors it can open and the new people I am going to meet. I am excited at the prospect of seeing new opportunities come alive. It feels good. I feel like something is coming.”

With the groundwork laid to work towards her aspirations, the AfroBasket tournament looms for Barros and Cape Verde.

A look-back to their route to qualifying for the women’s tournament, a stand-out feature is that the islanders had to overcome difficult odds against Guinea, Conakry in a two-legged Fiba Africa Zone 2 qualifier in June.

Both legs took place in Conakry at the Stade 28 Septembre indoor venue, in front of a raucous and passionate home crowd. Cape Verde fought courageously but lost a close first leg by a single digit (65-64). A day later, Barros and her teammates took the battle to Guinea and valiantly triumphed by a 9-point margin (68-59) to qualify for the continental showpiece.

Reflecting on the qualifiers, Barros says playing as a unit against their much taller opponents led to Cape Verde securing their ticket to Cameroon.

“That experience was marvellous, especially playing there. Guinea was a tough team and a lot bigger than us, but we managed to hold our own. We did not have our fans. We had to rely on each other and stay together. I am proud of my teammates and what we achieved,” said Barros. “Their fans were a little wild. It was a small gym, and when they scored, you heard it. There was a lot of banging and loud horns. From an objective perspective, it was a beautiful atmosphere.

“We wanted to win and show the world that we are here. What we now need is support, and we also need to keep working hard, especially for this next tournament.”

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On the subject of support, Barros, who will participate in her second AfroBasket, hopes the national federation can equally support the women’s team as they do the men. Barros believes she and her teammates are keeping their end by preparing themselves for the upcoming tournament.

“We have some players in the States and most of our players in Cape Verde, and we need to come together to build the team chemistry,” said Barros. “We work our butts off, everyone from the coach, assistants, even the people in the federation help us a lot, but it’s little things that we need.

The same treatment and profile that the boys get should also be accorded to us as well. It’s starting to change a little bit, but it can be better.”

Lexi Barros says playing for Cape Verde has helped her personal growth.

On Cape Verde’s chances at the 12-team tournament, Barros spoke with confidence that they can outduel any opponent. She also emphasised the need for teamwork if they are to make an impression in Cameroon.

“We need to play together. I feel we can beat any team. We have a lot of good shooters. We are a guard-heavy team and rely a lot on our speed for fastbreaks. There is a lot of experience in our group and some new players as well,” said Barros. “We want to do big things this year. We want to put on a show for our fans.”

Barros also appreciates donning the Cape Verde vest, what it has done to advance her basketball career, and is using her platform as an international player to be an example for the younger generation.

“I want to go far with this team. I want to play for as many years as possible. Playing for Cape Verde has been the most amazing thing in my life,” said Barros. “The fans there really support us, and the kids look up to us.

“That’s the one thing I like the most, having the chance to be a role model here at home in the US and in Cape Verde.”

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Can Gabriel and the Tigers shake up SA basketball?

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Gabriel unearths hidden talent

CHRISTOPHER Gabriel has come full circle in his basketball career. The journey for the 32-year-old began in his home city, Cape Town, where he picked up the game that would change his life.

Gabriel was still a rough diamond but was fortunate to be blessed with the right attributes, which opened a world of opportunity for him. The United States was where he would hone his playing skills, from high school right until college.

When he joined the professional ranks, the 6ft10 big man traversed different parts of the world and countries in the continents of Europe, South America, Asia were places he would call home.

Now his journey has brought him back home where it all began. Gabriel reflected on his journey, which saw him depart South Africa as a teenager to pursue his dream.

“I played with the Montana Vikings here in Cape Town under coach John Goliath and at the same time I was scouted by the Seed Academy, now based in Senegal,” said Gabriel, who left South Africa in 2004 for The Patterson School in North Carolina on a scholarship.

**Christopher Gabriel wants to win with the Tigers. Pictures: The Big Tip Off**

The experience of those early years in America was a shock to the system for Gabriel. From that point on he was far from being polished as a player. He was also frank in his self-assessment of where he was and where he needed to be.

“I had my fifteenth birthday in the States. I told myself I am going to make a difference, but I got a reality check,” said Gabriel. “When I got there, I was the worst player at the school. I had to work harder than everybody else. To get up to speed, I watched a lot of games to understand how the game was played there.”

While he worked on improving himself as a player, Gabriel also had to navigate the cultural nuances of America, which was an easier process for him.

There is the cultural aspect as well. For guys who came through grassroot programs, the only way to catch up on the culture of America or anywhere in the world was to throw yourself in it,” explained Gabriel. “Luckily, I fit in well because of the things I was into, like sneakers. Also, the fact I was from an English speaking country was an advantage.

“From a basketball perspective, I knew I was not athletic. I knew I had to be more technical, like having a better jump shot and knowing how to dribble using my left and right hand.”

During his college career, Gabriel became comfortable in his skin as a player. He understood his role on the court, and the work he put in also came with its rewards. He also got to share the court with players who are household names in the NBA today.

“College was a huge learning period. Once you find yourself and you accept the type of player you are, what your skill level and athleticism level is, then you can work on other things,” said the former New Mexico State and University of San Diego player.

He also reflected on his time in college and some of the highlights. “It’s hard to sum it up. Being from South Africa and All American were accomplishments. I played in an AAU team with Brandon Jennings, James Harden and Kevin Love,” said Gabriel.

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After a fruitful college experience, Gabriel continued his career overseas, where he played in Slovenia, Georgia, Uruguay, Thailand, Spain and Iran.

The South African international player had some career highlights, especially in Iran. He lit up the stats board while playing for Shahdari Qazvin in the Persian state.

“In Iran, where I was the only import in the team, there was a game where I scored 49 points. I was averaging double digits in points and rebounds. It was a good year for me,” said Gabriel, who had to leave Iran last year because of both political uncertainties and Covid-19.

He returned home, and has since adjusted well in Cape Town, including a resumption of his basketball career with the American funded Cape Town Tigers.

Gabriel, who is co-captain of the team, has so far been ecstatic to play for the Tigers and has enjoyed the comforts of being at home.

“Man, it’s been amazing, getting the opportunity to play professionally in your hometown. There is a different level of motivation I can tap into because I am at home. I am comfortable,” said Gabriel. “I love being home. After every season overseas, I came home. In a foreign country, you feel like you are not from there. No matter how long you have lived or played there.”

Gabriel believes the introduction of the Tigers on the South African basketball scene will bring professionalism and a change to the game.

“As a team, we want to be champions, no matter where we play. CTBL or BAL, we want to be champions. We also want to change the culture of basketball. It’s not where it needs to be,” said Gabriel. “The people in the front offices need to take the game seriously than we are. We are playing the game. Players should not be arguing about salaries. That is something that should be taken care of by your agent and front office.

“Your job is to be a basketball player. So our job from Raphael, myself and coach Relton and everybody involved in the team is to change the culture of the game.”

Off the court, Gabriel has also unearthed a hidden talent. He has dabbled into the acting scene, and it could be something he looks into after his playing days.

“Yeah, it’s something I have just started. I did a commercial for Samsung. I am on a TV show called Raised by Wolves on HBO. I’m just a big guy. I play Billy, an android robot that fights in a gladiator-style theme. It’s been epic,” concluded Gabriel.

Since returning to South Africa, Gabriel’s star seems to be on the ascendancy. It seems we can expect to experience the best of him both on and off the court.

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Tigers plan on being the face of basketball in Africa

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Getting the balance right is key for the Tigers

WHO are the Cape Town Tigers? It was a big question in South African basketball circles recently. The team in question gave a glimpse of who they are, a fortnight ago in a three-day friendly exhibition in Johannesburg.

With the bevvy of talent at their disposal, the Tigers, formed in 2019, left the city of gold unbeaten and begging the question: is this super team going to shake up the basketball landscape in the country?

The answer is yes and if the words of Raphael Edwards are anything to go by. The Tigers plan on becoming the face of basketball on the continent.

I told the president of the BAL (Amadou Gallo Fall) this. We plan on being the face of the Basketball Africa League and the gold standard on how to be a professional team,” said Edwards, who is part of the Tigers ownership. That’s through philanthropy, marketing of ourselves and how we play on the court.”

To achieve the goal of being a big brand and a dominant force on the continent, Tigers have recruited notable players who played for the South African national team at the Afrobasket.

Christopher Gabriel, who played college basketball for the University of San Diego and represented South Africa at three continental tournaments (2009, 2011 and 2017), is part of the on-court leadership of the Tigers.

Cape Town born Gabriel comes with vast experience having played in countries like Slovenia, Denmark, Uruguay, Spain, Georgia and Iran.

Gabriel, a centre, will co-captain the team with a player who comes with his own wealth of experience in Pieter Prinsloo. The Pretoria-West born power forward was also part of the South African team that played in the 2017 Afrobasket.

He also cut his teeth in the American college system, where he suited up for Marist University.

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Enticing Gabriel and Prinsloo to come and play in the country of their birth was not hard for Edwards. He pitched the idea that their collective experience would add value to the team and its ambitions.

“Pieter Prinsloo and Chris Gabriel, who are our captains. I told them, ‘you guys put in the work’, so why don’t you want to reap the benefits now? You have put your country on the map. With the BAL now here on the continent, don’t you want to be a part of that?” explained the 45-year-old New Yorker. “You deserve to be part of that, and you deserve to lead the way.”

The Tigers’ roster also has three other prominent players who played on the BNLSA scene in centre Somusa Mthembu , forward Miguel Ferrao and guard Lebogang Mofokeng.

Mthembu is a three-time BNLSA champion with the Tshwane Suns, while Ferrao is also a four-time league champion with Egoli Magic. Former Soweto Panthers player Mofokeng was part of the Egoli team’s championship run last year.

Edwards’ plan is to ensure that the players coming in develop on and off the court. Having experienced what it was like overseas, he feels there was a missing component to his development. The focus was more on him as a player and less on his individual growth.

“Talking to the guys, my selling point was that I would be present. I want to invest in them becoming better players, better men and better leaders,” said Edwards, who played for East Carolina University. “When I played for ten years overseas, and nobody cared about those other aspects when I was playing. All that mattered was me scoring the basketball.

“I want them to understand that I am going to contribute to them being better all around.”

To get the team to be a cohesive unit, the Tigers have employed Relton Booysen and Vincent Ntunja, a legend in South Africa and Cape Town basketball, as coaches of the team.

Booysen and Ntunja are from Cape Town, which is a plus for Tigers. The two know the lay of the land and have good working chemistry, which bodes well for the team.

“The two coaches that we hired are connected to the community of Cape Town. They bleed for Cape Town,” said Edwards. “They are like fire and ice. Vince is as cool as a fan, and Relton is the fire.

“I believe in balance. Everything in life is about balance. Those two are like yin and yang. I told somebody in an interview a couple of days ago: ‘every time they talk about the city and about giving back, it’s intense and filled with passion.’ I believe my partners, the team and I have given them the platform to do that, with no restraints or any holds barred.”

The Tigers will have to earn their stripes the hard way. Their journey to being the best on the continent will not be immediate. They have to navigate their way through the Cape Town Basketball League’s second division.

Right now, we are in the second division. As far as preparation goes, we have to work hard, and pay attention to detail. Every single day we have to get better,” said Edwards. We are going to make sure that we handle all our compliance aspects well.”

“We plan on being here and being the best team in Africa.”

The Mother City is the appropriate birthplace for the ambitious Tigers, who must scratch and claw their way up the ranks. The question they have to answer is; can make South Africa and the rest of the continent feel their roar? Only time will tell.

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Denyssen reminisces about BAL experience

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Denyssen: It was once in a lifetime experience

QUINTIN Denyssen has been a trailblazer in South African basketball. Having made his name as a player, he made the cross over to being a commentator. And just like the game gave a lot to him as a player, it recently opened a new door for him in his current career.

Denyssen, popular for his commentary in South Africa’s Basketball National League on broadcast SuperSport, got the opportunity of a lifetime. He joined American sports broadcast giant ESPN for a similar role at the recently concluded Basketball Africa League tournament.

The former South African national team player explained that the NBA had followed him and were impressed with his presentation skills, which earned him the trip to Kigali, Rwanda.

“The opportunity came directly from the NBA. They had obviously tracked the work I do on radio and TV,” said Denyssen. “They said there was a selection criterion, in which they observed a lot of individuals. We were assessed based on what we say, how they say it and how we pose. So based on that, I got the call.

“It was a pleasant surprise. It’s surreal to get an offer like that. I grasped it with both hands. I mean, who would not want to be a commentator for an elite showcase of basketball on the African continent?”

After absorbing the news, the 40-year-old, who has been in the broadcast business for eight years, knew he had to prove himself on the big stage.

First of all, to get the call… you have to pinch yourself. Secondly, now you have to do the work. Everything was as I expected it to be. From operations to the technical officials and the players, everybody will probably sing from the same hymn sheet about what the tournament experience felt like,” said Denyssen.

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This being the first BAL tournament, there is sometimes nervousness that creeps in. Even for commentators. For Denyssen, there were not any as he was ready from the moment. His first rodeo, was the group stage game between tournament winners Zamalek of Egypt and Mozambique’s Ferroviario de Maputo.

“Derrick Rose once used these words in an interview: ‘Proper preparation prevents poor performance’,” said Denyssen. “So all the prepping and the hard work I put in got me ready for this moment. Experience also plays a part. I have been in broadcasting for a long time, so my confidence levels were where they needed to be.

“I hope the people who tuned in appreciated the work we put in and that we delivered what was seen on tv the right way.”

On the playing front, two teams impressed Denyssen. He enjoyed commentating on games involving Zamalek and Ferroviario. The latter team hold a special place in his heart, as he featured for the Mozambican club during his playing days. While the Egyptians captured his imagination because of their playing personnel.

“I think all the Zamalek games I commentated, I enjoyed. As you know, they have some nice pieces. I cannot forget the Ferro games. I mean, come on, I played there,” said the former Wits University player. “Following those two teams was a lot of fun.”

Denyssen feels he has also been a part of a history-making process.

“From an objective standpoint, all of the games were awesome,” said Denyssen. “It was a once in a lifetime experience. My voice is a part of history. I’m grateful. I got a lot of good feedback from people that were watching.

“Commentating is like refereeing. If you do a good job, nobody is going to say anything. So while unexcpected, I welcome the compliments.”

Denyssen, shared his impressions of the overall play at the tournament. In his opinion, only a few teams came ready to compete. Others were trying to figure it out at the tournament. Also, a number players that were signed by clubs, were either not compatible or did not get enough preparation time with their teams.

“My takeaway from the tournament is that you cannot buy success. Some of the players contracted had not been with their teams long enough,” said Denyssen. The teams that did the best in the tournament were the ones that played together long enough, battle-tested teams.

“They chose their players according to their system. The teams I’m talking about are Zamalek, Petro and Monastir. They were a cut above the rest. I’m sure you watched their games. They have a core that has played together for a long time, and it paid dividends in the end.”

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Zamalek’s BAL win a big boost for Egyptian basketball

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Zamalek on top of the world

THE inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament was a resounding success. After two weeks of pulsating action, Egyptian giants Zamalek were crowned champions.

Following the 76-63 win on Sunday over their fellow North Africans, US Monastir of Tunisia, Zamalek’s Spanish coach Agustin Julbe Bosch said while the victory was for the club and its fans, he hopes it will boost the image of the game in Egypt.

“I think winning the first edition of the BAL is awesome for Zamalek and its fans. For Egyptian basketball, I hope this is a boost for the league. For the kids playing in youth programs and those that followed Zamalek’s progress, I hope we represented a balance of what winning basketball is,” said Bosch at the post-game conference on Sunday.

Although Zamalek finished unbeaten in the tournament, they did not enjoy the favourites status that Monastir enjoyed. Bosch believes both the quarter and semi-final games showed that they had learnt how to manage themselves in high-pressure situations.

“The last two games showed us how to chew the games. We don’t focus too much on the errors we make during the games. We also have to find the right moment to strike,” said Bosch. “I think we consistently got better with each game.

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Zamalek’s Puerto Rican-born point guard and winner of the tournament’s Hakeem Olajuwon Most Valuable Player trophy, Walter Hodge, acknowledged that they were not the quickest out of the starting blocks. As the game progressed, the team were able to figure things out. Hodge believes they presented a different kettle of fish for Zamalek.

“We always talk. We know we always start slow. You saw that in our last two games,” said Hodge. “We knew as the game went on, we would do the right things. I don’t think Monastir have faced a team like ours in the tournament. A team that never gives up and is able to put up a fight.

“They are a great team, but they have never faced a team like us. I think that was hard for them.”

Monastir coach Mounir Ben Slimane believes his team’s capitulation happened in the third quarter. The Tunisians lost their rhythm at that point and could not find their way back into the game.

“Before the game started, I don’t think the pressure was there. The breaking point was in the mid-third quarter when we could not score. That’s when we started feeling the pressure. Before the game started, there was no pressure. There was mutual respect for the opposition. We knew Zamalek was going to be a tough opponent. What we did not expect was low scoring averages,” said Ben Slimane.

For a year, Zamalek will carry the bragging rights as kings of African basketball. They quietly went about their business and rose to the occasion when the situation called for them to step up.

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