African Basketball - The Big Tip Off

Gilchrist reflects on glorious, but short-lived PBL

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BNL can learn lessons from the PBL

NINETEEN ninety-four was a year of change in South Africa in almost every social sphere. From a sporting context, especially basketball, there was a momentary witnessing of a revolution in the form of the Premier Basketball League (PBL).

One of the players of that time, is the legendary Craig Gilchrist. He was among a cohort of ballers, who plied their trade in the league that brought a great boom to the country’s basketball scene.

During those heady days, the PBL had Allied Bank (now part of the ABSA group) and later Telkom as sponsors. Unfortunately, due to the maladministration of the PBL, it put paid to the endless possibilities, and the dreams of many aspiring players faded into the abyss.

Despite the sad ending of that league, the 53-year-old KwaZulu-Natal Marlins coach got on the nostalgic train. He spoke to The Big Tip Off with great fondness about his time as a Marlins player during the PBL era. He also took a tone of frustration at the slow progress of the now 10-year-old Basketball National League (BNL).

**Marlins coach Craig Gilchrist feels young players can learn a lot from the PBL era. Pictures: The BTO**

Gilchrist, a former national team coach, also explained that the BNL, which his Marlins team are a part of, could take some lessons from the defunct PBL.

“Being a part of the PBL was great. Being a part of the BNL now, we refer a lot to how great the PBL was. So, I don’t know why they are trying to reinvent the wheel with the BNL,” said Gilchrist, a PBL champion with the Marlins.

“With only eight franchises, the talent pool in the PBL was vast. All the talented players moved between eight teams instead of 12 as we have now. The level was higher then. There was sponsorship which allowed clubs to sign foreign players.

“The foreign players lifted the standard of the league because they had played elsewhere professionally. It’s what the Tigers are doing now. It was a shame that the PBL fell away, and it took so long to start the BNL. I wish they would take a few pages from the book of the PBL.”

**Craig Gilchrist won his only PBL title with the Marlins in 1997. Picture: Supplied**

The former South African national team captain says PBL wages were better than what current players earn today. He also pointed out that teams also travelled more in those heydays.

“It was great. Our pay was more than what the guys in the BNL are earning now. I was a full-on professional and played overseas between seasons,” said the national men’s team assistant coach. “There were also home and away games. Egoli Magic would come down to play the Marlins at DUT (Durban University of Technology), and we do the travel up for our away games.

“There was always home support and not the disadvantage of travelling like the teams outside Gauteng have to do these days. I wish we could go back to those days, so that the kids today can experience what we did.”

Gilchrist also had a stand-out moment from the PBL era.

“Winning the title with the Marlins in 1997. We had a great team that year. The guys got along well; it was like a brotherhood. To win a national league at any level is always exciting, so that memory will always be with us,” said Gilchrist, led the men’s national team to the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket.

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Following the demise of the PBL in the late 90s, South African basketball experienced a lull. While there were activities here and there, it’s safe to say there was not much to be excited about. That’s until the launch of the BNL in 2013, and for a short while, a renewed energy returned to the country’s basketball fraternity.

Gilchrist, who was in his 40s, made a return and again in the colours of the Marlins, who made it to the last four that year.

“It was an exciting time. I was 43 and dusted off the shoes because of the excitement. I was still playing competitively and wanted to get involved. It looked like the return of the PBL and that the sky would be the limit,” said Gilchrist.

The veteran coach reflected on their BNL playoff against the then Mbombela Wildcats (now the Mpumalanga Rhinos), which ended controversially.

“That semi-final… I still have the photograph of Sakhile Sithole scoring the layup with point one second left on the clock. The ref ran from the other side of the court to overrule it. So, that was a bit of a bitter pill to swallow, but these things happen,” said Gilchrist.

He would play for a couple more seasons before hanging up sneakers to focus on coaching the Marlins. This season the 2-1 Marlins are aiming for a second league title in the franchise’s history. With players like Bandile Nsele, Sibusiso Mabulala, Ben Myburgh and Skhumbuzo Mthembu the Marlins have the ability make some noise in the BNL.

“Naturally, the first prize is the championship. Our road is tough now because of our loss to the (Tshwane) Suns. We have the talent, but we have to iron out minor errors, and then we will be able to compete against anyone,” said Gilchrist.

Gilchrist, who is also an ardent surfer, knows about ebbs and flows, especially in South African basketball. While he yearns for the bygone years, he is in the present, and maybe his wisdom can rub off on this crop of Marlins players and inspire them to achieve greatness.

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Boissy’s star on the rise in African basketball

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Douanes in good shape ahead of Beira battle

AT 15 years old, Senegalese player Jean Jacques Boissy realised he could reach great heights in basketball, and now at 23, his career is skyrocketing. sHe has also had the opportunity to play in some of the game’s biggest stages.

From the time his father introduced him to the game, Boissy has seen his star rise in African basketball. The AS Douanes player, who spoke to The Big Tip Off during the week, is in Kigali, Rwanda for his club AS Douanes BAL playoff campaign. Before speaking on the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the floor general talked about where it all began. He also reflected on the steps he took to get to where is today.

“My dad introduced me to the game. He used to take me to the courts with him when I was a kid. He continues to be my greatest inspiration and I am grateful that he introduced me to basketball,” said Boissy, who spoke glowingly of his father. “I first started out as footballer, but at 15 locked into basketball. It has become a passion for me and a safe space. I am addicted to it. And when I am not playing, something is not right within.”

**Jean Jacques Boissy says it was a good decision to join AS Douanes. Pictures: Getty Images**

He gathered experience playing for his country, Senegal, at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 African Championships (Bamako, Mali) and the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup (Crete, Greece).

Boissy also represented the West African nation at the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket (Rwanda). He was recently part of the Lions of Teranga’s marathon journey of attempting to qualify for this year’s FIBA World Cup (Philippines, Japan and Indonesia), which ended in February.

While it was disappointing for Senegal not to qualify for the World Cup, Boissy says the experience of playing for the national team helped him prepare for the BAL.

“Playing for our junior national team taught me how to handle pressure at an early age because I played against top countries and a lot of international prospects within my age group at the time,” said the 6ft0 (1.83m) player. “About the World Cup qualifiers … Yeah, it was disappointing not to qualify. But there were some positives to take from the experience. I grew as a person. I believe I am a better teammate. The experience helped improved my game. And with these new skills, I want to contribute to my team’s campaign at the BAL.”

Before joining AS Douanes, Boissy had a stint in the Spanish LEB Silver playing for Cornella. He believes signing for AS Douanes for the BAL was a great move that can also open new doors for him.

“I think a made the best decision by joining AS Douanes for this season. I had one thing in mind when I came back from Spain: to improve my game and to get exposure. During the local championship, I proved I could be an asset to the team, and I want to win with them,” said Boissy an MVP of the Coupe St Michel.

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In March, Douanes, who enjoyed home support in the Sahara Conference of the BAL and finished with a 3-2 record and were second in their group. Boissy, who improved with every game, was a vital cog in helping his club secure their passage to Kigali.

He shared his thoughts about playing at home in Dakar: “This is my first BAL competition. It has been one of my dreams to play on this stage and the dream has now come true. Playing in my country, in front of thousands of fans, including my family was not easy in the beginning. But it was amazing to experience them watching me do what I love. I will forever be thankful to them for their support,” said the former NBA Academy prospect.

The star player served up electrifying performances for his club and fans at the Dakar Arena during the group stages. He scored 13 points, had four assists and four rebounds in a 78-54 win over Stade Malien. Against Nigeria’s Kwara Falcons, Boissy scored 22 points and again had four rebounds and four assists.

**Jean Jacques Boissy wants to win it all with AS Douanes.**

Another shining moment for him was his double-double (15 points and 11 rebounds) and seven assists in a 76-60 win over BAL season champions US Monastir. In that final group game against the Tunisians, only victory sufficed.

“That was a challenging game, a do-or-die battle. In the end, we won, and it was spectacular for us. We also did not expect the fans to fill the arena the way they did that night. It was a beautiful moment and made that victory extra special,” said Boissy.

The Douanes point guard and his teammates take on Mozambican club Ferroviario da Beira in the playoffs on Sunday at the Kigali Arena. Boissy says this is a challenge they have prepared themselves for.

“The energy in the team is good. We know what we have come here to do. We want to win the BAL season three. But we have a game against Beira, and they are good team. So, we have to win that one as a part of trying to reach our goal,” concluded Boissy.

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Cele chose education route over going pro early

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Tigers will require more from Cele in bid to qualify for Kigali

From the time South Africa’s Samkelo Cele caught the basketball bug, he saw the sport as a gateway for him to turn his big dreams into reality.

KwaZulu-Natal-born Cele, who followed in the footsteps of a handful of talented South African hoopers that had their game nurtured in the United States, has returned home after a productive time in college across the Atlantic.

The swingman is now in the professional ranks and signed for two-time South African national champions Cape Town Tigers for their Basketball Africa League Nile (BAL) Conference campaign underway in Cairo, Egypt. Before speaking on the BAL, Cele shared how he fell in love with the sport.

He explained that while channel surfing, he stumbled on a Los Angeles Lakers game featuring the NBA franchise’s late legend Kobe Bryant.

“I was scrolling through TV channels and caught a Lakers game around late 2010 going to 2011. I think Kobe was playing in it. After that, I asked around my neighbourhood about basketball teams I could join. The Clan was my first team and I have never looked back since that time,” said Cele, speaking to The Big Tip Off last Friday.

**Samkelo Cele has always dreamt of playing basketball in the United States. Picture: Supplied**

From that point, Cele also honed his game at Durban High School and local club APN. The Phenomenal Phenoms would be his last stop before heading to America to further his education and playing ambition.

“When I learnt that it was happening, I felt … Finally! It has always been a dream of mine to go and study in the United States. So, when it eventually arrived, I told myself, ‘This is what you wanted and dreamt about, so it’s time to go and be about’,” said Cele.

“It was a life changing moment, and I appreciate the people that helped me get to that point.”

During his time in the United States, Cele began his journey at Bull City Prep Academy (2018) in North Carolina. In the 2020-2021 season, he moved on to junior college, where he played for the Southern Jaguars in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Cele says the adjustment to his new environment was challenging, but on the court, it took one game for him to find his feet.

“The hardest part was leaving my family behind and going to a new country. The US was different to what I am accustomed to in terms of lifestyle and basketball. It was hard because I also did not see my parents for a couple of years. I settled, but I still experience difficult moments,” said Cele.

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He also reflected on his first playing experience: “One of my best memories was my first good game. Before that, I did not perform to my standard. I would say I was average. In my second game, I was really good. That is when I put my name on the map. That was in North Carolina. It was one of my fondest memories.”

The following season (2021-2022), he had a stint with NCAA Division One college, Marist Red Foxes, the Alma Mater of his Tigers captain Pieter Prinsloo. Cele would eventually suit up for the NAIA team, University of Science and Arts Oklahoma Drovers. During the spell with the Drovers, he graduated with Business Administration and Sociology degrees.

The 6ft6 Cele says he could have gone pro earlier, but he felt it paramount to complete his studies as it was a part of his plan when he left South Africa.

“That was the most important thing, because I used basketball as tool to create a better life. If the NCAA did not pan out, I could have just said, ‘forget about school’. I also had offers from some pro teams. But education is important to me, so that is why I chose to stay an extra year. I also have to look beyond basketball and try to set myself for life.”

**Samkelo Cele understands his role for the Tigers.**

While he achieved success in the classroom, Cele’s talents on the court also saw him receive Third Team All-American honours with the Drovers, something he was proud to have achieved in his college career.

“Honestly, whatever awards or accolades you get … You appreciate them because they recognise you, but that is not what I play for … To be an All-American, ” said Cele. “You play to the best of your ability and put your best foot forward. It’s all the hard work I put in, and it was a great honour to receive that accolade.

“My coach at the team helped me to be in that position. He told me early in the season where he saw me, and funny enough, it came to fruition.”

On his journey with the Tigers at the BAL Nile Conference, Cele has been impactful for the team, coming off the bench. His 11 points and five rebounds helped the Tigers earn an opening 75-68 win against Guinea’s Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (SLAC).

“When I arrived at the Tigers, coach (Rasheed) Hazzard explained his plans and how I fit into them. So, the best way to respond was to trust, accept and be the best off the bench guy possible,” said Cele, reflecting on his role. “It was exciting because it was my first professional game, and I look forward to more. I am a tenacious player. I will do what it takes to get the job done. If I am needed to score or defend. I’ll do those things. Wherever the coach puts me, I’ll try to get the job done.”

The Tigers will need more from Cele to secure a playoff spot in Kigali, Rwanda. After their opening victory over SLAC, they have suffered three consecutive losses. Defeats to Petro de Luanda, Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly and Ferroviario da Beira have made things tricky for the Tigers. The Cape side still occupy the fourth spot in their Conference, but they cannot afford a slip-up against an 0-3 City Oilers team in their final game on Saturday.

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Sibanyoni wants to spread his wings

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Will Tigers have an antidote for Petro?

NKOSINATHI Sibanyoni has entered his second season in the professional ranks of basketball, and in his journey, he has grown in confidence and ambition for his career.

Since joining the Cape Town Tigers, Sibanyoni, who hails from Mpumalanga, South Africa, has seen his game improve, and the 2021 Basketball National League champion and MVP with Egoli Magic has the desire to spread his wings.

“I have seen how guys play in other parts of the world, and I believe I have the potential to get where I want to be. It’s a matter of working on my game more and being able to advertise my ability,” said Sibanyoni. “In the next two to five years, I would like to see myself play in different countries and learn from other coaches and players. That way, I will mature as a player.”

**Nkosinathi Sibanyoni of Cape Town Tigers sees himself playing outside of South Africa in the future. Picture: Supplied**

The 24-year-old Sibanyoni signed for the Tigers for their 2021 Road To BAL Elite 16 campaign, and although he did not play in that qualifying tournament, he proved a future asset.

In their maiden appearance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year, the American-owned Tigers managed a third-place finish in the Nile Conference, which led to a playoff spot in Kigali. Unfortunately, their journey would end at that stage after a defeat to eventual champions, US Monastir of Tunisia.

For slim-framed Sibanyoni, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Friday, felt his debut season was memorable.

“It was a great experience. Something big! I would also say there was some nervousness because of the stage that we were on. It was my first time playing against certain players and ex-NBA players,” said the former Jozi Nuggets player.

“This was a big stage. We were in a different country, but I believe I adjusted well and played my game. Then I realised not a lot had changed and began to feel comfortable.”

Sibanyoni finished the second edition of the BAL among the top ten rebounders with 7.2 rebounds per game, and while he felt chuffed about his feat, he says it is a part of his job.

“It felt great at the time. It did. But I know this is what I do best on the court. I no longer look at it as a big thing. I look at it as me fulfilling a role within the team,” said Sibanyoni, whose best game was a double-double (10pts and 10rebs) against Petro de Luanda.

“As a group, we learnt we have to stick to our game plan no matter what. Even if we are down fifteen, we must keep to the system until the final minute.

“But it was a great experience because we reached the quarter-finals in our first appearance. That gives hope that we can go further this year.”

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This year the Tigers are back in the Nile Conference in Cairo. In their opening game against Seydou Legacy Athletique Club or SLAC of Guinea, the South Africans battled to a 78-65 win over the West Africans.

Sibanyoni, who came off the bench in that game, scored six points and crashed seven boards. Despite taking a painful hit and fouling out, his scoring output was part of a 26 points contribution by the Tigers’ bench.

“I am alright. We have had two days off. So those are two days to recover and re-strategise for our next game. It was our first game, and we did well to get the win. Now we have to go back to the drawing board,” said the former Mpumalanga Rhinos player.

**Nkosinathi Sibanyoni defends Ismael Conde of SLAC. Picture: Getty Images**

The next game on Sunday for the Tigers will be against a familiar adversary, Petro de Luanda of Angola. Sibanyoni and his teammates faced Petro in the conference play of last year’s BAL and two friendlies in October in South Africa.

Petro are 2-0 in the Nile Conference after victories over City Oilers (Uganda) and Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique). With high-IQ veterans like Carlos Morais, Damian Hollins, Ater Majok, and Solo Diabate in their ranks, the Angolan champions could prove a tough nut to crack.

The Angolans might also have a height and size advantage over the two-time South African club championship winners. But the scenario does not deter Sibanyoni.

“We have played against Petro and won. Yes, our team was different then. And we also saw how City Oilers made things hard for them. So, I think we are good enough. If we stick to the coach’s instructions, we will have a good game against Petro,” said Sibanyoni.

“They may have some older guys, and they may be bigger, but our coaches have prepared us for such situations. For example, if we have to guard bigger guys, we might rely on the help defence.

“Maybe because they are veterans, we might have to run them off the court.”

The journey with Tigers has opened a world of possibility for Sibanyoni, but now he and his teammates attention will be on the pending battle against the Angolan giants and rest of the BAL.

Will they be the spanner that derails the well-oiled machine that is Petro?

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Joining Oilers a blessing in disguise for Barnaba

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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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