African Basketball - The Big Tip Off

Can Gabriel and the Tigers shake up SA basketball?

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.

Third Pic — **Christopher Gabriel in action during the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket. Picture: FIBA**

“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.

Second Picture — **Christopher Gabriel is part of the on court leadership of the Tigers. Pictures: The BTO**

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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Can Gasana and the Patriots slay the Monastir beast?

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THE veteran experience in the Patriots Basketball Club played a significant role in carrying the club to the semi-final stage of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.

Led by their veteran guards, Kenny Gasana and Aristide Mugabe, the Patriots survived a rollercoaster quarter-final against Ferroviario de Maputo on Thursday night.

Reflecting on the game against the Mozambicans, Gasana paid homage to team captain, Mugabe. American-born Gasana was the game’s MVP, scoring 23 points and notching five rebounds, Mugabe scored 18 points. Mugabe chipped in with four clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter. The first one helped close in on the Ferroviario (60-61), and the other three helped the Patriots pull away.

“Aristide was huge for us. He hit some big shots. You talked about his experience. He has been there before. He has played a lot of big games on the local and international stage. So did not shy away from the moment. He was ready for it,” said Gasana.

The former Boise State player did have a few nervous moments in the final minutes from the free-throw line.

“I was a little mad at myself for missing the free throw. Before that, I shot the free throw pretty well throughout the game. I maybe was just a little rusty,” said Gasana. “I knew with the situation they did not have any time-outs. So, I was able to make a free throw. It put a little pressure on them to make a three-pointer to try and win the game.”

The game ended 73-71 in favour of the Patriots. The intensity of the encounter must have extracted a heavy toll. While it may be the case, Gasana and his teammates will have to dig deep into their energy reserves as a familiar foe lies in wait.

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US Monastir is as close to a perfect team comes, in this tournament. From the group stages right through to the quarter-finals, the Tunisians have taken no prisoners.

The Patriots will know as they were no match against the North African club in the group stages. In this semi-final battle the Rwanda club will know what to expect. The 36-year-old Gasana said his team has to concentrate against the well-oiled Monastir machine.

“We need to be focused. Monastir is a veteran team. Everyone has experience. They are not going to beat themselves. We can’t rely on them to make mistakes as well. We have to execute our game plan to the best of our abilities,” said the Rwanda international.

The Patriots, like most teams going into this tournament, had very little match practice and trying to beat a Monastir team that has had a basketball season is a tall task. Gasana pointed that the circumstances under COVID-19 meant that caution needed to be applied.

“It’s a different time. The situation has been difficult. We are dealing with COVID. Very few teams have had a season in their respective countries. Here in Rwanda, we have not had a season since October/November,” said San Antonio-born Gasana. “So the guys have been training. It would have helped if we had some games to help us compete. That’s the situation for eight or nine teams that competed here. We can’t make any excuses now. We have to be ready.”

The Patriots must overcome the hurdle of Monastir. They are close to the final and with the trophy in sight this should raise their hunger levels.

“Our focus when we came into the tournament was to win every game we played. We take it one game at a time. From the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony, we want to play,” said Gasana. “We did a huge thing by making it to the top four. But that’s not the end goal. We don’t want to make it only into the top four. We want to compete and raise that trophy.”

If they have any chance of raising the inaugural BAL trophy, the Patriots will have to out-fox a team highly touted. With a passionate home crowd behind them and the spotlight firmly fixed on them, it will be hard for Patriots to shy away from this moment.

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Sullivan driven by life experience to excel at basketball

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BAL helped to broaden Sullivan’s horizons

WHEN Rivers Hoopers player Taren Sullivan decided to pursue basketball in high school, he was driven by a long-term life vision he had for himself. On the way to reaching his dream, he understood that only strong doses of hard work and determination would suffice.

There was also a curve ball thrown his way, he played baseball, leaving him with a dilemma about which direction to follow. Only after a discussion with his mother, did the 25-year-old decide to go the basketball route.

In Sullivan’s view, basketball would give him the best opportunity to access college and becoming a professional player. He was not wrong.

Taren Sullivan Main Picture — **Taren Sullivan, left, knows they have to win big against GNBC. Picture: Getty Images**

“I was going back and forth between basketball and baseball, my whole life. It never hit me until high school how much I enjoyed basketball,” said Sullivan, who attended Bath High School in his hometown of Lima, Ohio.

“I told my mom that I wanted to go to college. We knew if I did, basketball was the sport that would allow me to get a shot at college because we could not afford it. So I had to dedicate everything I had to basketball and do everything possible to get a scholarship.”

The hard work and dedication to basketball paid off as Sullivan received a scholarship from division two school, the University of Findlay in Ohio. While still playing basketball, the forward also focused on his studies and left college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Strength and Conditioning in 2018.

“The situation worked out because every off-season, I was working on getting better and seeing the results. As a freshman in high school, I started as a junior varsity player. From there, I jumped to starting varsity as a sophomore and I started improving and made it to college,” said Sullivan. “I received a handful of offers from division-two schools and a couple of division-one’s. I decided to stay closer to home, and attended the University of Findlay for four years where I obtained my degree.”

Sullivan dedicates his academic and sports success to his mother, whose life he wants to improve. Another reason for his drive is that he wants to inspire young people.

My number one motivation has always been my mom. She’s done a great deal for myself and my brother. She’s been through a lot. I think just seeing what she had to go through in life and still keep a smile on her face. That motivates me to want to give back to her. I want to see her live a good life,” said Sullivan.

“I also want to be someone who inspires young kids. I love being an outsider, but in a good way. Seeing where I came from and where I am now, I think it’s a positive legacy to leave behind. You don’t have to be the strongest or the biggest. Even if you come from a small city, things can still work out. The other reason that motivated me is that no one in my family had been to college. So, I wanted to be the first to break that cycle.”

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Having fulfilled one part of his life’s ambition, Sullivan has now focused on his pro basketball career. Before joining Rivers Hoopers for their Basketball Africa League (BAL) competition, which is currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda, he spent two seasons in the NBA G-League, where he played for the Stockton Kings and Erie BayHawks.

There have been challenges along the way. Sullivan wanted to quit the game after an arduous spell with the BayHawks, but his passion for the game would not let him.

“It’s been amazing. I come from a small city and attended a division-two school. From that situation, the natural route players take is to go overseas,” said Sullivan.

“I was fortunate to get an opportunity to play in the G-League in my first professional year and working out with a lot of NBA teams. Taking all that in was huge in my first year. It was quite the learning experience that first year in Sacramento.

“Going into my second year, I decided to give the G-League another try. I got traded to the Erie BayHawks. That year with the BayHawks was rough. It was difficult season for me as well. I battled a lot mentally. There were times when I felt like hanging up my sneakers. But the process showed me how much I cared for the game. I can now say I have seen lots of highs and lows in two years.”

Now on the books of Nigerian club Hoopers, Sullivan explained that his move to the African continent is a broadening of his horizons.

Taren Sullivan Third Picture — **Taren Sullivan playing defence on Ater Majok. Picture: FIBA**

“My agent told me about this opportunity in Africa. I told him I was all in. I am a person that is open to new opportunities or new journeys. So as soon as he told me about it, I told him: ‘you get the paperwork ready. I will take advantage of the rest’,” said Sullivan.

“I was excited to be going somewhere different. It is also exciting that the tournament is connected to the NBA, which made me feel comfortable.

“I also I had never been outside the United States, so coming to Nigeria was an eye-opener for me.”

The BAL tournament is almost a week old. Sadly, the Hoopers have not had the best of debuts. The Port Harcourt-based club have already lost twice in Group A encounters against hosts Patriots Basketball Club (83-60) in the opening game last Sunday.

Their second loss came at the hands of US Monastir (99-70) on Wednesday, making the route to the quarter-finals difficult for Hoopers.

In both games, Sullivan scored 15 points (vs Patriots) and 9 points (vs Monastir).

With one game left against GNBC of Madagascar on Saturday, Sullivan and his teammates will have to win by a considerable margin to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

“It’s a dog eat dog world out here. We have to be ready to fight from the beginning of games. If we don’t get these wins, then we go home early, and I know nobody in this team wants that,” concluded Sullivan.

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Ibeh ready to reign with the Patriots

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Patriots must stay sharp and avoid mental lapses

DEALING with injury is part and parcel of an athlete’s sporting career. Depending on the severity of the injury some athletes are never the same and even opt for early retirement. On the flipside there is a different breed of athlete, the one that perseveres against all odds, works their way back and overcomes the woes of injury.

Patriots Basketball Club player, Prince Ibeh is one such player. Having had a successful playing career in college, Ibeh suffered a succession of injuries, which cut short his NBA dreams.

“College was good. I finished off strong in college. My senior year was my best. Going into my first year as a pro was rough. I had a string of injuries that robbed me of opportunities,” said the former Texas Longhorn.

Prince Ibeh Second Picture — **Prince Ibeh has developed mental toughness. Pictures: FIBA**

His first brush with injury came at a huge cost for him as at the time the England-born player was a potential second round pick ahead of the 2016 NBA draft.

“I remember in the pre-draft process, I tore my quad. At that point, the projection for me was somewhere late in the second round. I did not get the opportunity to pursue that,” said Ibeh, whom fortune temporarily smiled on following his recovery. “Once I got better, the Nets signed me to a G-League deal and then called me up for the rest of the season. That was in the 2017 season, I believe.”

As soon as the 26-year-old made recovery another injury again curtailed his progress. At the same time, the prospect of playing in the NBA was diminishing, forcing him to seek fortunes elsewhere.

That summer, I stayed in Brooklyn and trained with the Nets team. Unfortunately, I got a stress fracture on my back. It was another setback. I was out for another couple of months. After that I joined the Nets’ G-League team in Long Island,” said Ibeh. “That year I played well, and right before the G-League showcase, I tore a ligament in my thumb. “After the surgery from that, I was done. I was frustrated with all the injuries and decided to go overseas.”

The sojourns overseas saw Ibeh play in Japan (Yokohama B Corsairs), the Philippines (NorthPort Batang Pier), Germany (Hamburg Towers) and England (Plymouth Raiders). In his stint in Japan, the 6-8 forward/centre was again derailed by injury. On his next stop in the Philippines, things began to turn around for him.

“I went to Japan, where things were ok, although the team did not do well. I also hurt my ankle. So, I had to sit out a little early than I would have liked,” said Ibeh. “The Philippines was great. I played some of my best basketball there. I reinvigorated my career, and it was a chance to showcase what I could do.

“From there I went to Germany, where I also played well, but unfortunately Covid started last year. This year, I was played in the British BBL, and helped the team do things they had not achieved in a long time.”

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Battle-hardened, Ibeh seems to have overcome his struggles with injury and has been able to focus on playing the game at a high level.

“It was difficult; it is not like I muscled through all the time. It was tough mentally, especially with the first injury, because it happened before my professional career could start. I felt like I lost everything before I even got a chance,” said Ibeh.

“So it took me a while to rebuild my mental strength and to start believing in myself again. Now, when a setback occurs, I recall those days. I have built up the mental toughness to deal with challenges in the future. It could be another injury, issues with a coach or player changes. Any adversity that comes, I have to be ready. I have dealt with these tests already. So, I am confident in what I can do.”

This new version of the Ibeh was there for all to see, as he suited up for the Patriots’ Basketball Africa League (BAL) inaugural campaign in Rwanda. He played with confidence and was aggressive for the Rwandese club in the opening game of the tournament last Sunday against Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers. The forward scored 11 points, including two monster jams, and crashed 11 boards as the home side romped to an 83-60 victory.

While Ibeh was happy victory over Hoopers, he feels as a team they were sluggish and that maybe some nerves had set in.

“We did not come to the game with the necessary intensity required. It’s normal at this stage of the tournament. It was probably first game jitters,” said Ibeh, who has roots in Nigeria. “We were not concerned. We remained level headed. The coaching staff made the necessary adjustments.

“I liked the way we pushed the pace and the movement we had on the floor. We finished with 19 or 20 assists, so are we playing the right way. The team rely on an individual on a particular individual. We are sharing the ball, giving the open guys a look. We have to be aware of mental lapses and stay sharp.”

The Rwanda international also credits the Patriots coaching staff led by Alan Major for the opening day victory.

“It’s just the way we practise. A lot of credit must go to Alan and the assistants for preparing us well. We do extensive film and studying the other team. We are a good group of guys and like playing with each other. In this team, there are no egos, so we were able to do good things on the court,” said Ibeh.

The Patriots have started the tournament on the right footing and Ibeh feels as presently constructed, they can go all the way.

“Absolutely! I would not have come here if I thought we could not win. I never join anything to lose or come in second place. We have the talent. We have to go out there and perform every night,” concluded Ibeh.

*Patriots face GNBC of Madagascar at 2pm

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El Ghazi and AS Sale set sail for BAL conquest

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Sale players are more like brothers than teammates

THE red carpet has been rolled out for teams participating in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament in Kigali, Rwanda. As the May 16 tip-off nears, players must probably be going through a whole range of emotions.

Excitement must top the list of feelings for players, as the BAL backed by the Rolls Royce of basketball, the NBA, have gone all out to ensure a magnificent player experience. As soon as they arrived at their hotel rooms, elated players took to the social media platforms to displays snaps and videos of the BAL gear and various paraphernalia adorned on their beds.

From an aesthetic perspective, the tournament looks to have given African basketball a facelift, and one of the players living the BAL dream shares this sentiment. Adam El Ghazi of Moroccan club AS Sale thinks that the tournament is a step up for Africa. The 25-year-old also hopes it will also bring fundamental change in both team and player management.

Adam El Ghazi Second Picture — **AS Sale will need the strength of Adam El Ghazi (middle). Pictures: FIBA**

“I have yet to play basketball in Morocco. This year is going to be the first time I play basketball in the local league. What I know is there is a lot of talent. The only problem is the management of teams,” said El Ghazi, who has played most of his career in France. “The management standards are low. Payment of players is usually late, and the structures are not that good. The onus is always on us players to do more for ourselves because the team will not give you that.

“I think by participating in the BAL, teams will learn a lot about the sport’s management. There have already been discussions with NBA executives to address issues affecting teams. As players, we have to know what our rights are so we can defend ourselves. So, the NBA has done a lot so that both sides get knowledge.”

El Ghazi also reflected on the royal treatment the players have received since they arrived in Rwanda.

I have played in France where the standard is relatively high, but it was nothing like this. Wherever the NBA puts its name, you know it is going to be great. When I came into my room, it was crazy! It was insane! That was the first time I have had everything as a player. You can ask for anything, and it’s readily available,” said El Ghazi. “They put the player in the best position to be good. They know when you look good, you play well. All you have to worry about is playing basketball. It’s a level up from Europe.”

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Knowing that the seven-time Moroccan Division Excellence champions are in the best position to perform, preparations for the BAL tournament have also gone smoothly. El Ghazi believes there’s a good atmosphere in the team. Another positive is that the team is match-fit, and according to El Ghazi, the focus should now be on getting the small things right.

“We have Moroccan players that have played together for ten years and some good overseas acquisitions with experience. So, we have a solid base. We have good chemistry, but we have to work on a few details. I think we will base our practices on working on these small details because that will help us beat the big teams,” said El Ghazi. “The energy is super in the team. We are focused on winning. We are focused on the championship.”

El Ghazi’s confidence about AS Sale’s chances at the BAL is warranted. The Moroccan team have an impressive record in the defunct FIBA Africa Basketball League. They were crowned champions in 2017, runners up in 2018-19 and had third-place finishes in 2010, 2011 and 2016.

As I said before, we have a good base. We won this championship once in 2018. The year after that, we finished as runners-up. So, we have experience from competing in those finals,” said El Ghazi. “I must say as well, in this team, I have no friends. These are my brothers. Even when I was in France, we kept in touch. It’s a good family dynamic. So, I think it gives an edge over the other teams.”

An interesting fact about the AS Sale team is that most players are observing the holy month of Ramadan, which entails fasting from dawn to dusk. El Ghazi says this religious practice makes them better as players from a mental and physical perspective.

**Adam El Ghazi (15) during the defunct FIBA Africa Basketball League.**

“Physically, Ramadan makes you a better player. Fasting during this time helps the body to regenerate. So, physically that’s a good thing. Mentally, all the guys do it, so we are all focused on the same thing. When the goal is the same, it unites us,” said El Ghazi. “Even the foreign players in our team respect us for doing this. So that is cool.

“We finish in a couple of days. So we will have food regularly so our bodies will be one hundred per cent.”

Only 100% effort will see AS Sale players reach the desired goal of winning the inaugural BAL championship. Good energy and experience at this level bode well for them. All that is left is for them to set sail and once again conquer.

* AS Sale are in Group B with AS Police (Mali), FAP (Cameroon) and Petro de Luanda (Angola).

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Majok on a mission to cement legacy at the BAL

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AS a rookie in basketball learning from the best in the business is paramount. So, when you get drafted into a LA Lakers containing the late great Kobe Bryant and artful Pau Gasol, the experience can only be richer.

This was the experience of South Sudan born power forward Ater Majok, who was part of the 2011 NBA draft class. Although the second round draft pick did not have much of an NBA career, the privilege of rubbing shoulders with basketball royalty prepared him for the rigours of professionalism. He spoke glowingly about the experience of his draft day and what it meant to learn from luminaries like Bryant and Gasol.

Ater Majok Second Picture — **Ater Majok in action. Pictures: Tunisia Basketball Federation**

“It was like a dream. I still get goosebumps whenever I watch the video of that day. Being able to achieve my dreams and to be called,” said Majok, reflecting on being drafted into the NBA. “You have thousands of people applying for that one position, but it’s only sixty players that get it. To be named among that group of players is an honour and to called by a team I grew up watching and idolising all my life. I was like, wow!

“Being around the great Kobe and Pau Gasol. Receiving their words of wisdom, watching them practise, seeing them do certain things and the way they lived their lives. I realised I was not even close to being the professional I thought I was at the time. So, that changed my mindset about a lot of things.”

Having enjoyed a successful career playing for different clubs overseas, Majok is back on the African continent. His collective experience is benefitting six-time Tunisia Championnat National A winners US Monastir. The North African club are one of the 12 participants in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda (May 16).

Initially, Majok was sceptical about signing for the Tunisian club last year and dismissive of the BAL competition. While excitement had built around the NBA backed league, the 33-year-old was unsure what it would do for his name and the reputation.

I was in New Zealand at the time, and my cousin called to let me know about a league in Africa sponsored by the NBA. My response was, ‘it’s going to be one of those leagues that you hear no longer exists after two years’,” said Majok. “I have a name and a reputation. I don’t want to play in certain leagues. I don’t want to be in certain countries. I then got a call from my agent, who informed me about interest from a team competing in the BAL. He told me: ‘there is a team in the BAL that is interested in you. They want you. They are contenders for the championship.’

I told my agent I would get back to him. It took me a month to get back to him as I was more interested in going to China at that point.”

Despite Majok’s doubts about the BAL, Monastir were relentless in their pursuit for his services. It is also understandable why. The 6ft10 forward has had a decorated career, having won titles in Slovakia, Belarus, Germany and China. He was also a defensive juggernaut in the Chinese league and crowned defensive player of the year on three occasions.

“They kept calling and finally told me: ‘You are the player for us. You fit our system. You are African and so on…,'” said Majok. “After a month, we agreed on the money. Tunisia also seemed like a cool place, so why not give it a try? I landed in Monastir a week later. Unfortunately, they postponed the BAL because of COVID-19.”

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A post shared by Ater “AJ” James Majok (@iamatermajok)

Majok spent seven months on lockdown in his hotel room in Monastir. It was a challenging time mentally for him, as he did a lot of reflecting and was also being hard on himself. Fortunately a conversation with his sister reminded him of the opportunities available to him.

“I was in Monastir in a hotel from February until September by myself. The first two months, I was overthinking things. I was thinking about life and asking myself: ‘Where did I go wrong?’, said Majok, who competes internationally for Lebanon. “I then had a conversation with my sister, who reminded me that I should not take any day for granted and that I was blessed to be a basketball player. Some people had lost jobs because companies had closed down and they could not bring home a salary.

Ater Majok Third Picture — **Ater Majok in action.**

“I started to think differently. I began to think about myself as a brand and started focus on new ventures and not just basketball. COVID woke me up from that shell of being a basketball player and living in the clouds. It gave me a reality check,” said Majok.

On the basketball front, Majok recently helped Monastir defend their league title. He is now looking forward to the continental challenge and sees competing for the BAL title as career-defining.

“It was great to defend the championship, but in my head, I told myself: ‘I like this trophy, but there’s a bigger trophy that I am after. For me, it’s going to be the biggest thing I do in my life and for my legacy,” concluded Majok.

Majok’s new attitude towards the continental league and his endless hunger for success are positive signs for Monastir. The desire to leave a mark on African basketball has awoken a beast inside of him, which Monastir will look forward to seeing unleashed.

*Monastir are in Group A with Patriots (Rwanda), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) and GNBC (Madagascar).

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Uzoh brings a high IQ for Hoopers’ BAL campaign

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Uzoh, a Jack of all trades on the court

IN their quest to be the continent’s best in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL), which takes place in Kigali, Rwanda (May 16), Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria have tooled up for their campaign.

Given the magnitude of the tournament, adding a few sharp implements for the battle is par for the course. So, having landed the signature of experienced D’ Tigers point guard Ben Uzoh was a massive coup for Hoopers.

Uzoh, who has yet to join up with his teammates for the tournament, gave some insights into what led to him joining Rivers Hoopers. The 33-year-old floor general had caught the eye of other clubs before signing for the Nigerian club.

“There were other teams that had got in touch with me. One of my younger brothers, who was looking to play in the BAL, asked me to reach out to some contacts in Nigeria for him. I reached out to head coach Ogoh Oduadu on my brother’s behalf, but they were interested in me. I just ended up negotiating terms, and we agreed on a deal. So that’s how it materialised,” said the Houston-born Uzoh.

The Hoopers will draw from the wealth of experience carried by Uzoh, who has had short stints in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and stops in Europe and Mexico. Internationally he was part of the Nigeria D’ Tigers team that won the 2015 AfroBasket held in Tunisia and played at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

While Uzoh’s CV makes for good reading, his primary concern is that he blends in well with his teammates.

“I hope we can pick on some good chemistry in a situation like this. We don’t have a lot of time to get used to each other. Thankfully we do have time to prepare for our matches. So hopefully, the chemistry can be quickly acclimated so that we can put in a good performance night in and night out,” said the former Tulsa Golden Hurricanes player.

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While Hoopers have added Uzoh, Uganda’s Robinson Opong (small forward), and Americans Chris Daniels (centre) and Taren Sullivan (small forward), the new players come into a team short on match fitness. The lack of games was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and while things have opened up in Nigeria, the local league has yet to resume.

The lack of games to prepare for the BAL is lamentable, but Uzoh has taken the situation in his stride. He also expects that his teammates will also adopt a similar attitude.

“I think three-and-half weeks at this point is more than enough time to be in good shape. Hopefully, the guys have been doing a lot of things on their own,” said Uzoh.

He also believes that players should have an attitude of accountability ahead in preparation for the tournament.

Ben Uzoh feature picture — **Ben Uzoh hopes he can build good chemistry with his teammates.**

“You have to rely on experience. You have to take care of your body day in and day out. We are all professionals at this particular point in our lives. You have to respect the game to a certain extent. It’s natural to worry, but I don’t want to worry about it too much,” said Uzoh.

A lot will rest on Uzoh’s shoulders, as the Port Harcourt-based team will rely on his experience to have a successful campaign in Rwanda. With the career that he has had, Uzoh is familiar with such situations, and he expects to maintain his high standard of play throughout the tournament.

“My contribution to the team will be no different from my previous teams. I can contribute to the team in terms of leadership, basketball IQ and personality perspective. I am a jack of all trades. A guy that can do a little bit of everything on the court,” said Uzoh.

Judging from Uzoh’s confidence, and going by his playing experience, Hoopers have landed a polished gem. Now he will be expected to deliver glittering performances in Kigali.

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