THE Cape Tigers Town have not let their wild card qualification for BAL playoffs go to waste. TheSouth African teamhas gone on a mini-dream run in Kigali and they look like a team that has risen from the rubble of a forgettable Kalahari Conference two months ago.
After their seeding game loss to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, it would have been easy to count out the Tigers from being BAL title contenders. Instead, the Tigers continue to be the authors of their own story. They grappled and ground out a (91-88) victory over FUS Rabat, a team that clinically dealt with them in two Kalahari Conference battles.
Today (Wednesday), another Kalahari Conference adversary,Petro de Luandalies in wait. And with Tigers having discovered their roar, this semi-final duel should be one for the ages.
Cartier Diarra will lead the Tigers’ charge against Petro in the BAL semi-finals tonight. Picture: The BTO
Before speaking on the clash against Petro, a hopeful Tigers captain, Cartier Diarra, felt they should have beaten FUS by a wider margin, given how they stifled the Moroccans.
“When I look back at the game against FUS, we should have at least won by 15 points. We missed free throws, lost a ten-point lead with two minutes left, and it was not a great shooting night for us. But we still got the win. It was a show of effort and determination to win,” said Diarra,who has Malian roots. “Of course, Nathi(Nkosinathi Sibanyoni) had 14 offensive rebounds, which allowed us to get second-chance points. That is why I feel hopeful. Also, we look at this journey as the right pathway for us to get revenge on the teams that beat us in Pretoria (where the Kalahari Conference took place). Now we will play Petro. They beat us once, and we beat them, so this is the tie-breaker.”
The Tigers had five players scoring in double digits against FUS.Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, who crashed a record 25 boards in that game, scored 16 points.Samkelo Cele, who dropped a three-point buzzer-beater that sent the game into overtime, had a massive 30 points. South Sudanese duo Ngor Mayang (13) andDhieu Deing(12) also made solid contributions.
Diarra, who scored 15 points and had eight assists, says Sibanyoni got them going against FUS. He also recalled how Cele’s heroics kept them alive.
“It started with Nathi. I have already spoken about what rebounding did for us. He was running in transition and forcing people to guard him, which put our shooters in a position to get open looks. So he was our focal point,” said Diarra. “Sam is always ultra-aggressive going to the basket, whether you foul him or not. He hit that big shot with seconds left. It was either him or me taking that shot. When he got the ball, I knew he would make the shot.
“The way he shoots is so amazing. He has a high release, which is difficult to block. He did a double clutch pump – he said it felt so good he wanted to turn around. We are just happy he got the shot.”
Diarra and the Tigers have had two extra days after their exploits on Sunday. They look forward to taking on a Petro team that overcame a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit against Senegal’s AS Douanes on Monday.
It must be said, that the Angolans have looked shaky from the beginning of the Kalahari Conference, and the Tigers would be justified in fancying themselves to win the game.
Cartier Diarra believes there has been more pride and focus in the Tigers unit during the playoffs.
Also, it would be safe to say the Tigers and Petro are evenly matched ahead of their semi-final clash, but Diarra disagrees.
“I don’t believe we are evenly matched. I think we have better guards and bigs. They play well in their system because they have been together for a long time. However, I think we have the advantage,” said Diarra.
“I know (Childe) Dundao will be guarding me. I feel like he is too small. That’s how we won the last time, with me being aggressive on him and putting him in tight situations – it forced their bigs to help. Samkelo also played great defence on Carlos (Morais) last time, holding him scoreless. We need him to do that again.”
Diarra intimated further on the advantages the Tigers have over their last four opponents: “I know they added Nick (Faust), who scored 13 last night. We need to stop him from having that run. If we minimise their ability to get threes and force them to go for layups, a big like AB (Abdoulaye Ndoye) will be able to stop them because of his length. He had five blocks in the last game. I feel like we have the advantage. All we have to do is execute and do what we do best.”
(KIGALI) – Last night’s BAL quarter-final match-ups at the BK Arena were reminiscent of the conference games, as familiar foes went head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals.
Al Ahly Benghazi upset defending champions Al Ahly (Egypt) 86-77, while in the second semi-final, the Cape Town Tigers won a nail-biter (91-88) against FUS de Rabat, where a Samkelo Cele buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime.
Tigers Rally together to defeat number 1 seed, FUS de Rabat
The Cape Town Tigers had perhaps their best start to a game this season. The South African team rectified the mistakes that cost them in their two losses against FUS in the Kalahari Conference. From the jump ball, the Tigers contained FUS’ three-point shooting and limited them to only 3/8 at half-time.
Despite FUS’ bench contributing 33 points, the Tigers had an answer for every strategy thrown at them, a sign they had finally found their defensive identity. The South African side forced FUS into committing unnecessary turnovers leading to 22 points from their defensive effort.
Nkosinathi Sibanyoni holds the BAL’s in-game rebounding record after posting 25 rebounds against FUS Rabat in the semi-final on Sunday. Pictures: The BAL
Defensive anchor Nkosinathi Sibanyoni was phenomenal and notched the BAL All-time single-game rebounding record with 25 rebounds. Sibanyoni grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, affording his team much-needed second-chance scoring opportunities. His impact was also felt on offence as he scored 16 points.
Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya gave an update on Dhieu Deing, who went down after a collision in the fourth quarter. He said Deing that he had popped his shoulder but that the guard would be okay.
About what led to the historic performance, Ngwenya said: “In our locker room, we have a quote that we put up on the board which says, ‘There are three kinds of people, the kind who make things happen, the kind who watch things happen and the kind who wonder what happened’. We didn’t want to be the third kind of person.”
Samkelo Cele, who finished the game with 30 points, reflected on the responsibility which comes with the big moments. “I love playing basketball and I love those moments. My team trusts me and so this pressure is a privilege. It gives me the joy to represent my country at the highest level, I cannot describe it. I just want to make South African basketball worth talking about, so I am happy to be here. But the job is not done,” said Cele.
FUS coach Said El Bouzidi felt his team did not take their opposition seriously. “The lesson is that there is no easy game at this level of the competition. We were not focused and our opponents killed us, the statistics say it all.”
Al Ahly Egypt (ASC) and Al Ahly Libya’s (AAL) third encounter this season was nothing short of what we expected. The style of play by both teams in the first quarter characterized their strengths. For Al Ahly (Egypt), it was their three-point shooting, while Benghazi relied on their inside game. However, the Cairo-based club’s inability to adapt until late in the second led to them going only 3/12 from deep to close out the half.
Benghazi’s Robert Golden, who dropped 23 points and dished out nine dimes, was the x-factor for the Libyans. The American point guard was unstoppable from behind the arc, going 5/9. Golden also did a great job at spreading the floor and got some good looks down low for Jo Acuil, who finished with a double-double (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Majok Deng, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds.
Benghazi’s coach, Ivan Jermic reflected on his team’s strong performance. “Beatin Al Ahly is not easy, they are one of the best African teams – like Real Madrid. I am glad that we showed our personality through our good defence, but I am more happy because many people didn’t believe in our team,” said Jeremic.
Dhieu Deing sustained a shoulder injury in the semi-final against FUS Rabat.
The Serbian coach says the third quarter was their turning point. “Usually a quarter-final is the most difficult game because if you lose, you go home. The most important part of the game is the first six minutes of the third quarter and we went 10-0 in that period and I believe that we broke them in that period,” said Jeremic.
Two-time BAL-winning coach Julbe Bosch felt that their success in Cairo could have negatively impacted their performance.
“We looked much better as a team in Cairo. I take responsibility for tonight, maybe we had a disconnect in the chemistry. That (chemistry) is what you need when you get to this stage of the competition,” said Bosch. “We started the game without a sense of urgency and we didn’t play like a semi-final was on the line. I’m disappointed. I also want apologise to our fans, the management and everyone who did all that they could to prepare us for this.”
The Tigers will face the winner of today’s (Monday) quarter-final game between Petro de Luanda and AS Douanes. Later tonight, Al Ahly Ly will take on the winner of the US Monastir and Rivers Hoopers game.
AYOUB Nouhi did not need to look far for inspiration when he decided basketball would be his first love. The inspiration was in front of him in the form of his father – a former professional player.
Nouhi, like his father Hassan, has gone on to carve out a career of his own. He’s played on the 3X3 circuit, college basketball in the United States, and joined a professional team in his country of birth, Belgium.
The 25-year-old, now playing for FUS Rabat, current champion of the elite Division Excellence in Morocco, says he grew up watching his father, who was also his “first coach”.
“I started playing basketball because of my dad. He was a professional basketball player. I remember going to watch his games when I was as young as five years old. He is a big inspiration and a source of motivation. He was my first coach. My dad is the main reason I play basketball,” said Nouhi.
While Nouhi’s father laid the foundation, the 2017 U18 3X3 World Cup tournament in China set Ayoub up for an opportunity of a lifetime.
Ayoub Nouhi was a factor in FUS Rabat’s successful qualification for the BAL. Pictures: The BTO
Nouhi led Belgium to victory in the competition and finished as tournament MVP. There was one more surprise! The tournament in China would be the gateway for then-17-year-old Nouhi to achieve his dream of playing college basketball in the United States.
“One of the coaches was watching, and he really liked my game. He asked me to come to the college (University of Texas at Arlington) for a visit. During that visit, I practiced with the team and got a feel for the environment,” said Nouhi. “The visit was great. They loved me and loved my game. It was awesome being there.”
Nouhi, who spent two years at Arlington, says the moment he received the news of a scholarship offer almost brought him to tears.
“Man! I remember it vividly. I was so, so happy. It had been my dream since I was a kid. I have always wanted to play college basketball. I almost cried when they told me they offered me a scholarship. It was a big accomplishment for me and it was the beginning of yet another chapter of my basketball story,” said Nouhi.
He described the exposure to basketball in the United States as “tough” and “intense”.
“At first, it was hard because the intensity of the practices and the workouts in America are things I had not prepared for. You wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready for conditioning practice. You have your breakfast and then class. After that, there is individual workout and class again, followed by team practice,” said Nouhi. “It’s intense, but I think it makes everybody mentally tough. That experience groomed both as a player and person.”
When COVID-19 hit, Nouhi decided to cut his college career short because of the uncertainty of the NCAA season. He joined his first professional team (Circus Brussels) in Belgium before heading to Morocco.
“I signed my first professional contract during the first year of COVID because we did not know if the college season would continue. It was a tough transition (joining the pros) because although I was used to a European style of play, I had adapted to the American way. Then I had to re-adjust to Europe play again,” said Nouhi. “It was definitely a good experience getting the opportunity to play against grown men in the game. It was a little physical, and I had to play smarter.
“In my second season with Brussels, I got a back injury, so I missed most of the season. After that, I felt I needed a change, and that’s when I had the opportunity to sign with AS Sale (in Morocco) last year. At the time, they were also competing in the Road To BAL. Unfortunately, we did not make it, but it was a great experience. I loved it. So, I decided to stay a little longer in Morocco.”
Nouhi, who is now wearing the colours of FUS Rabat, has not let the second chance to make it to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) go to waste. He says the journey to the continental tournament was difficult.
“The first thing that comes to mind is that the Road To BAL is getting tougher each year. When I looked at it three years ago, the level was not that high, including that of the imports. I think we did not make it (with Sale) because we thought it would be easy,” said Nouhi, who put solid numbers in last year’s Road To BAL (11 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game). “Last year’s qualifiers had players like Solo Diabate, Ater Majok and Zach Lofton, something which had not happened before. Thankfully, we (FUS) recruited well, and with players like Aliou (Diarra) and Jonathan (Jordan), it led to our success and we qualified for the BAL.”
Ayoub Nouhi believes FUS Rabat has right attitude to win the BAL.
Nouhi and FUS have had an impressive BAL debut and finished top of the Kalahari Conference in South Africa with a 3-1 record. They also made a strong statement with a win over Petro de Luanda on opening day in March. While the Moroccan club surprised many, Nouhi says their outstanding results boiled to their preparation.
“Honestly, we were happy, but we were not surprised. We worked hard for that moment (to beat Petro). Our win was seen as an upset by many because of Petro’s popularity but we were locked in and ready,” said Nouhi.
FUS have remained locked in during the playoffs in Kigali and caused yet another upset by humbling reigning champions Al Ahly (Egypt) on Friday. Speaking ahead of that game (against Al Ahly), Nouhi said they dotted their i’s and crossed the t’s for the seeding clash.
“Ahly won it last year. They need no introduction. But anything can happen in the BAL. We have a good chance because of our preparation. We have scouted them, so all that’s left is to go out there fight,” said Nouhi.
From an outsider’s perspective, FUS look like a serious contender for the BAL title, but do they believe they can bring a continental club trophy to Morocco since AS Sale did it in 2017?
“We have the same coach who won it that year (Said el Bouzidi). We have four or five players from that team. So we are a team with experience and a winning mentality. Everybody here wants to win,” concluded Nouhi.
KIGALI – The highly anticipated BAL (Basketball Africa League) playoffs officially tip off later today (Friday) at BK Arena. The Big Tip Off reflects on the conference play and previews the eight teams ahead of the seeding games.
Cape Town Tigers
The Tigers had a rocky start to their home debut during the Kalahari Conference, managing a single win against Petro de Luanda in their penultimate game of conference play. In that game (against Petro), the South African champions showed sparks of their potential. The Tigers also shared the ball better and reduced turnovers.
Several players demonstrated they could shoot the ball well and draw contact to put their opponents in the penalty. The Tigers sometimes seemed too reliant on “iso” plays despite it being ineffective in certain stretches of play. They also struggled to defend at the three-point line, and their average of 37.2 total rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 45.0 total rebounds per game led to them giving up second-chance opportunities to their opponents in the paint.
Samkelo Cele is a vital contributor to the Tigers, and a solid team player when needed to fulfil certain roles. As the leading scorer for the team, Cele showcased his ability with an average of 20.5 points per game. Additionally, he led the team with 2.3 steals per game.
Samkelo Cele has been the fulcrum for the Tigers in offence and defence. Pictures: FIBA Africa
The Tigers are one of the six teams who have made roster changes ahead of the BAL playoffs. The likes of Billy Preston, co-captain Lebesa Selepe and rookie Storm Gilchrist are no longer with the team. However, the additions of former Dynamo BBC guard Dheiu Deing, former Stade Malien forward Brian Bridgeforth and centre Mouhamadou Ndoye could stabilise the South African team.
AS Douanes
The Senegal club had a mixed performance throughout the Sahara Conference. A loss of concentration down the stretch in games proved costly as they suffered three losses. However, their three wins, including a buzzer-beater by Mike Fofana with three seconds left in the game against Rivers Hoopers, showcased that the Senegalese champions can compete and win against the best of them.
AS Douanes struggled shooting the ball, averaging 33% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc. However, they averaged 16.8 offensive rebounds, giving them second-chance opportunities to put numbers on the scoreboard.
Abdoulaye Harouna was AS Douanes’ key player. Harouna struggled to find his footing in the first game, scoring only eight points, but bounced back with a 35-point performance against US Monastir in their second game. In the end, Harouna led the team with 17.6 points per game. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s defence led to an average of 3.6 steals per game, fuelling some much-needed transition offence in stretches when AS Douanes struggled to convert.
AS Douanes maintained their roster ahead of the BAL playoffs – they have the momentum from the Sahara Conference, but can it lead to an appearance in the final?
Al Ahly Egypt
Al Ahly finished at the top of the Nile Conference once again. But the reigning BAL champs, who have exhibited a composed demeanour found themselves a little shaken on a few occasions, including their upset loss to Uganda’s City Oilers.
To their credit, Al Ahly’s depth and versatility across all positions allowed them to aggressively attack their opponents, giving them comfortable leads in games. The Egyptian giants excelled in rebounding, averaging 43.8 total rebounds per game, indicating strong performance on both ends of the court.
Can Ehab Amin lead Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a second BAL title?
The Egyptian Champions’ defence proved effective as they managed to hold their opponents to an average of 78.3 points per game and forced turnovers at a rate of 13.3 per game.
Ehab Amin led the charge for Al Ahly with 13.5 points per game. It may seem like a low number, but it showcased Al Ahly’s depth in offence. Against Bangui Sporting Club, Amin delivered a clutch three-pointer in the final minutes to seal Al Ahly’s 85-79 win. The guard led the team in rebounding.
The reigning champions have replaced Marwan Sahran and Ahmed Moheib with Omar Azab and Seifeldin Saied.
Petro de Luanda
The Angolans had a disappointing Kalahari Conference campaign despite clinching one of the automatic qualifications for Kigali. Petro, usually strong during the regular season, suffered two losses in regular season play.
Historically, Petro is a team that excels at moving the ball well and creating opportunities to showcase their ability to shoot from beyond the arc and stretch the floor. However, this season, they struggled and could not adjust as expected. Despite their offensive struggles, Petro maintained a competitive defensive presence by limiting their opponents’ shooting percentages and rebounding numbers. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers contributes to their defensive effectiveness.
Childe Dundao was the standout player for the Angolan side, and his 25-point performance was crucial in their must-win game in the second round against FUS Rabat. The guard averaged 13.5 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, and shot 37% from the three-point line. Dundao, part of last season’s BAL All-Defensive Team, was able to disrupt the opponents’ offence and use his speed to push the ball and create transition scoring opportunities for Petro.
The Angolan champions have possibly made the biggest adjustment to their team, replacing coach Jose Neto with Sergio Moreno. Anthony Nelson and Edmir Lucas were replaced by guard Nicholas Faust and forward Clesio Castro. Castro will help to provide a strong interior presence, while Faust will be an additional scoring option.
The Moroccan club were the Kalahari Conference’s most exciting team. FUS showcased their versatility as each player stepped on the floor.
FUS was able to maximise scoring opportunities through their shot selection as well as offensive execution. This is reflected in their 46.4% field goal percentage. The Moroccan champions’ strong rebounding presence at both ends of the floor limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities.
Johnathan Jordan was a factor in FUS’ success. The guard averaged the most minutes played for the team, averaging two personal fouls per game. A good facilitator, Jordan averaged 4.5 assists per game, and his ability to convert, as he led the team’s scoring with an average of 16.3 points.
FUS have made no changes to their team as they will head into the BAL playoffs as they look to continue their dominance.
Al Ahly Libya
Al Ahly Benghazi’s debut in the Nile Conference saw them display individual brilliance and collective effort. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and disciplined play were hallmarks of their campaign. With solid contributions from their starters and bench, Al Ahly Benghazi showed that they are a well-rounded and resilient team capable of competing at a high level.
Throughout the regular season, Al Ahly Benghazi demonstrated a balanced scoring approach with five players averaging in double digits. This balanced attack made them less predictable and more challenging for opponents to defend. The team’s dominance in rebounding at the offence end provided crucial second-chance opportunities, allowing them to remain a threat in the paint. Al Ahly Benghazi also excelled in maintaining possession, resulting in minimized turnovers.
Jo Acuil was the standout player not only for Al Ahly, but he also gave a standout performance in the final regular season game against the City Oilers. In that game, Acuil set the BAL record for the most points scored (42). Throughout the Nile Conference, Acuil maintained a consistently high level of play, averaging a double-double. His regular season averages were 23 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is a dual threat as both a prolific scorer and a formidable rebounder, making him an asset for the Libyan club. Acuil is a defensive pillar with great shot-blocking ability, rim protection and can alter shots.
The Libyan champions let go of their primary point guard, Pierre Jackson and Anees Almansouri and brought in Omar Aldirfeeli and Robert Wilson Golden. The loss of Jackson, who was a key contributor in his scoring, pushing the ball up the floor, could prove detrimental to them in the BAL playoffs.
Rivers Hoopers
Rivers Hoopers had a strong debut in the Sahara conference, remaining undefeated in the first round of the competition. But they would suffer two defeats later. The first was a buzzer-beater in a game against AS Douanes and the other because of visible fatigue in the final fixture against US Monastir. The last game saw star point guard Will Perry get a DNP.
At a glance, there is not much difference between the Hoopers’ and their opponents statistically. But it came down to their team chemistry, a component which many other teams have struggled to find so far this season. The Hoopers demonstrated their cohesive team dynamic. They have a balanced distribution of responsibilities and scoring support from Will Perry, Devine Eke, Kelvin Amayo, and Peter Olisemeka, who were able to step up for the team on any given night.
Perry emerged as the primary scorer and facilitator for the team, averaging 18.6 points per game and 5.4 assists. His efficiency in shooting the ball from beyond the arc made him a threat to the opponents but also allowed the Hoopers to spread the floor and make big shots while also getting some good looks for his teammates.
The Nigerian side let go of Michael Daramola and brought Victor Damiola Mohammed. Mohammed is no stranger to the tournament following his time with the Kwara Falcons last season. He will surely look to help the Hoopers as they try to make a deep run into the BAL playoffs.
Chris Crawford has led the revival of US Monastir during the Sahara Conference.
US Monastir
The Tunisian club emerged as a phoenix from the ashes to secure their spot in the BAL playoffs. After losing their first three games of the Sahara Conference, Monastir came out swinging in the second round. The Blue Empire won three straight to secure the last third-best place ticket.
While the team struggled in the first round, going 0-3, they showed resilience. Monastir managed to find their identity and corrected their mistakes. The impact of Firas Lahyani on the defensive glass and his steals allowed them to limit the opposition’s offensive opportunities and create opportunities for them to take advantage of their offensive arsenal and convert offensively.
Chris Crawford was the Tunisian side’s offensive catalyst, leading the team with 19.2 points per game. Crawford showcased his versatility in his consistent production on the offensive end, creating opportunities for his teammates. He averaged 8.5 assists per game – the record for the regular season.
Monastir made one change to their roster – the addition of guard Avry Marshall Holmes, who brings experience from South America. He will provide an additional scoring option to the Tunisian side. Holmes replaces Amrou Bouallague.
JONE Pedro took time to cosy up to basketball despite having a direct line to the game. The fact that his father played the game at the highest level for Angola, did not mean that the sport would be an automatic first choice for Jone.
The Petro de Luanda player had dabbled in other sports until certain shifts in his life drove him to basketball. He experienced a growth spurt which led to him leaning in on the legacy and later the birth of his younger sister hit him with a dose of maturity.
Pedro, now 34, also explained to The Big Tip Off how his second pro stint in Angola shaped his character and after having enjoyed success at the club level, he is now looking beyond.
Jone, the son of former Angolan player Adriano Pedro, says it was in Germany that he started gravitating towards basketball.
“Sometimes the ball gets put in your hands because of your family, but in my case, it was me witnessing. So, seeing what my dad was doing at a young age, subconsciously drew me to the game later in life,” says Pedro.
“My dad played Portugal and later in Germany, where I grew up. When we moved there (Germany), I got exposed to several sports, of course, soccer being the main one. I also played ping-pong,” said Pedro. “By the time I was 13 or 14, I began to notice the height difference because I was not always tall. That is when I decided to try basketball – when I was 14.”
Jone Pedro says the Kalahari Conference was exciting from a fan perspective, but disappointing because of Petro’s results. Pictures: The BTO
Early on, Pedro would have a love-hate relationship with the game. The main reason for his early struggle was his approach toward the game.
“When I started, I was playing for fun. When I switched clubs from my home city (Aachen) to Leverkusen, I still had the same attitude until I realised other players were being pushed instead of me. So I quit,” said Pedro. “When I turned 19, I came to Angola because my dad felt I was not being productive. I spent a season playing in Angola for a team in Lubango (Desportivo de Huila).
“I didn’t like it much because I had grown up in Germany, and it (Lubango) was a different reality. So, after a year, I returned to Germany.”
While in Germany, his sister, already born and growing, made Pedro realise he had different decisions to make. He had to be more serious about his game. Pedro joined then-fourth-tier club Giants Dusseldorf, who went undefeated that season (2011-2012). His successful stint there stint led to a move to Pro A team Gladiators Treves (known as TBB Trier).
“The birth of my sister motivated me to take basketball seriously. By the time she was around three or four, I began to look at the game the right way. I made the decision to pursue a professional career and I have never looked back,” said Pedro.
The big man has also adopted a mature outlook on life during his 10-year stay in Angola, where he started out for ASA (Atletico Sport Aviacao) and Primeiro de Agosto. While domestic basketball in the Southern African nation had not reached the desired level professionally, Pedro was unfazed by the situation.
“As far as professionalism goes, it was a step back, but because of who I was back then, it was a step up. I was up for the challenge (of playing in Angola), and whatever difficulty I might have, I would embrace it because I could not behave the way I did before. ‘Like, ok, things are not going well here, I quit,” said Pedro. “It was time for me to challenge myself… Find motivation to get through the league and season.”
Apart from growing as an individual, Pedro’s decade in Angola would also yield success on the court. He won two league championships with Primeiro and four with his current club, Petro. It has led to Pedro feeling the time has come for a new career challenge.
“I come from different habits. I grew up among different African communities in Germany – Ghanaian, Congolese and Guineans. It (Angola) was challenging. It was new, provocative, fun and harsh… A real mix of everything,” said Pedro. “This was a lesson of life. I am happy I made it through while staying sane and being true to myself. I am happy because it was worth it.
“But I think it is important to know when it is time for a new challenge. I am in a position to choose whatever offer may come.”
Pedro played his cards close to his chest on his next move. It is understandable as his gaze is on the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda. Despite making it through the Kalahari Conference in South Africa, Petro struggled – their 2-2 record saw the Angolan giants sever ties with Brazilian coach Jose Neto.
While the on-court struggles of Petro were laid bare, Pedro says South Africa was a great setting to start the BAL Season 4.
“Going to South Africa was amazing. It was amazing. It’s the perfect location. The culture there is nice. There was a welcoming atmosphere. And the vibe was just different. It felt like we were in the States, but as far as the team goes, we were on the brink of mental exhaustion,” said Pedro. “When you are used to winning, it becomes hard to stay motivated. It was difficult for us to bring our A-game. So, I think it was time for change, and I don’t mean Neto leaving.
“I don’t think we performed at 70 per cent of our ability. It was a disaster. I am being straight up. It was obvious that Petro was not Petro. But we made it through.”
Jone Pedro says Petro will have a different posture for the BAL season 4 playoffs.
Spaniard Sergio Valdeolmillos is the new coach and recently led Petro to a 16th league title. Under him, Pedro feels there has been accountability. According to Pedro, there is a new energy ahead of their clash against US Monastir, a team they lost to in the 2022 BAL final.
“Now that we have a new coach, there is a new mentality. He is doing what needs to be done. He is holding every player accountable. We are more aggressive and physical. We’ve been practising like crazy. It’s unbelievable,” said Pedro. “So I just have to believe in the process. We are here for a reason. The team is ready (for the BAL playoffs).
“What I can guarantee is that the posture of Petro is going to be different during the playoffs.”
As he winds down the season with Petro, Pedro is thankful for his existence and what it has served, but there is a craving for a little more.
“Finding my purpose (in life). That has been a great inspiration for me. There’s a difference between what you need to do and what you want to do. For me, I decided I wanted to play basketball and go as far as I can to help and provide for my family,” said the former Angolan international. “And it changes. My sister is about to turn 18, so she is not that cutie that used to motivate me. You always find a new chapter. It can be recovering from an injury or winning a championship. Maybe doubt creeps up, and you question if you won it. So you have to prove yourself again.”
No doubt Pedro and his teammates will have to prove their championship credentials in these BAL playoffs. They are well acquainted with the disappointment of losing and the sweet taste of victory. Hopefully, Pedro can again experience the latter feeling – this time at the continental level. After that, he can ponder on his future.
MANY champions can often recall a particular moment when they knew they were close to achieving their goals. For Al Ahly guard Ehab Amin, the moment came during the fourth quarter of the Season 3 BAL final.
His recollection of the sequence leading to the defining moment captured the essence of why Al Ahly is a lethal team. The Egyptian club’s ability to quickly capitalize on the defensive mishaps of Senegal’s AS Douanes helped points on board in quick succession in last year’s BAL final in Kigali, Rwanda.
“It was late in the fourth quarter when Corey Webster hit a three in the corner. The other team (AS Douanes) inbounded the ball. I got a steal and hit another three. At that point, it was a five-point game, and then suddenly, it jumped to 11. That possession was exciting and at that moment, we knew that we were going to win the championship. It was our main focus and goal for a long time,” says Amin.
Following their performance in the recently concluded Nile conference, Al Ahly secured a spot in Kigali for the playoffs at the end of May. The North African giants hope to become the BAL’s first back-to-back champions.
In an interview with the Big Tip Off, Amin reflects on his childhood, the challenges he faced early in his career, and the impact of the BAL on Egypt.
Ehab Amin embraces coach Agusti Julbe after winning their maiden BAL title. Picture: FIBA Africa
Amin grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, where he started playing basketball aged six for Alexandria Sporting Club. He also enjoyed playing soccer and swimming until he was 11 years old.
“I started playing basketball early in Alexandria. The city and the club I started at [Sporting] were great factors for me to start my basketball career. Basketball was always my favourite, and it was love at first sight. I was good at it, so I kept playing it in school, and my parents supported me when they found out that I wanted to pursue it after school.”
Aged 13, Amin dreamt of studying abroad and pursuing a basketball career in the USA despite the lack of role models from Egypt who had made a similar move. After three years, his dream became a reality as he joined St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. He then went on to play collegiate basketball at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and ended his career at the University of Oregon.
“Back then, it was not very popular for Egyptians to go play in the USA, like in high school, college, or even the NBA, I think. So, it was my dream. Watching the NBA and even watching college basketball – the Spurs were my favourite team, and my dream was to play at the highest level. I knew at that time that college could lead me to that, and it was a big step for me. When the chance came, I took it.”
But Amin had his fair share of challenges, especially with injury. First breaking his back, he then sustained a hip injury four years later. There was also adapting to the cultural and environmental changes after leaving Egypt. The 28-year-old credits the support system he had. The former Oregon Ducks player says the people around helped him stay focused and overcome the potential career roadblocks.
“Those challenges built my character. It helped me grow my personality, and helped me be a lot stronger mentally to get to where I am. The people around me at the time also helped me. They knew I wanted to get through those tough times and pursue my dream of playing (basketball),” says Amin. “I knew that I had a long-term goal, and I stuck with it, and that shaped my career after.”
Amin has reaped the rewards of his perseverance and is fulfilling his dream of playing at the highest level in the BAL. He says the competition has helped generate interest in the game in Egypt.
“The BAL has influenced Egypt a lot and in a positive way. It has brought a lot of attention to the game of basketball,” says Amin. “Egypt, like many other African countries, is a very football-dominant country so getting to host the Nile conference has put a spotlight on basketball. I think that is helping the game big time here and it can only go up.”
It is a unique opportunity for Egypt, as the domestic league does not allow spectators at games. As Amin describes it, “It’s fun to play in front of friends, family and players from other sporting codes. And even some celebrities. It’s nice to have them that close to you and it brings the best out of you for sure.”
What makes hosting the Nile Conference extra memorable for Amin is that former mentors and coaches also saw the fruits of their labour in action.
“It’s really special, seeing the old coaches. You get to show them that they did a great job coaching you and they got enjoy that at the arena,” says Amin. “I think they feel like proud fathers. It was great to catch up with them before or even after the games because you don’t get to see them often. Those are moments I enjoy.”
On the court, Al Ahly finished their Nile Conference campaign with a 5-1 record. They suffered an upset defeat against the City Oilers. But the telltale signs began in the game against Central African Republic’s Bangui Sporting Club, where Al Ahly narrowly pulled off an 85-79 win but subsequently fell 82-81 to the Oilers.
“We took things for granted, starting with the game against Bangui. But we managed to come out on top in that game. Against the Oilers we fell into a trap. We thought we could win at any point by double digits,” says Amin. “They deserved to win. They were present the whole game. It was a game with a lot of lead changes and we felt like we could turn it on at any time and win the game. But in the game of basketball, you’ve got to respect the opponent and the game and we made a lot of mistakes at the end of the game offensively and defensively so we paid for that.”
Ehab Amin celebrates winning the BAL Season 3 title with Al Ahly.
Despite the hiccups they faced during the Nile Conference, Amin is confident that in the weeks leading up to Kigali, Al Ahly will improve.
“We are going to get better. There is enough time between now and Kigali to sharpen up. It is just about having everyone on the same page and being cohesive,” says Amin. “We want to be at our peak at the most important moment. That will lead us to our main goal which is to get better and win games.”
Looking beyond the finals, Amin hopes to cement his legacy with Al Ahly on the court.
“I want to do more than just win titles for Al Ahly. I want help to build a legacy with this team. One that everybody in Egypt or even in Africa will talk about for a long time. A lot of teams have done that before and I want this generation of Al Ahly to be the same,” said the Egyptian international.
Off the court, Amin hopes to create opportunities for kids residing outside of Cairo and Alexandria. He hopes to help them gain access to the same facilities he had growing up.
“I have always wanted to give back to the community… To the kids, especially in places outside of Alexandria and Cairo because we have a lot of clubs, coaches, and courts but there is some raw talent in other cities,” concluded Amin.
THE last time we caught up with Dane Miller Jr, he and the City Oilers were fresh off a successful Road To BAL Elite 16 campaign. They finished second behind the Cape Town Tigers to clinch a ticket to Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) behind the moniker the “City Boys.”
After spending time in Indonesia with Prawira Bandung in the Indonesian Basketball League, the forward is back with the Ugandan club. The Oilers will open their Basketball Africa League Nile Conference on Friday (tonight) at 7 pm CAT at the Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt.
In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Miller reflected on his time with the Guinean club SLAC and how his time in Indonesia prepared him to take on a leadership role at the Oilers. Miller also spoke about his growth and playing alongside projected 2025 Lottery Pick and Duke commit, Khaman Maluach.
Dane Miller felt like he was in a comfort zone playing for Guinea’s SLAC. Pictures: FIBA Africa
In his first two seasons, he improved from 14.7 points per game, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals to 21.2 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.4 steals, an effort which earned him the BAL All-First Team Honours. Coming into this season, Miller feels ready to take things to the next level.
“I feel much more comfortable now. In my first BAL season with SLAC, we had a great team. I made the second team by just waking up off the couch. Honestly, I wasn’t playing anywhere before that. Last year, I played somewhere, and my team allowed me to play. But this year, coming off of playing in Indonesia, my body looks different even when comparing it to the [Road to BAL] qualifiers,” Miller explains.
The 34-year-old spent the window between The Elite 16 and Season 4 playing for Prawira Bandung in the Indonesian Basketball League, an experience which Miller, already a prolific scorer, credits for sharpening his defensive skills.
“Defensively, I’m in great shape due to the role that I played in Indonesia. I was focused and locked in, and I knew that I’d be asked to guard the other team’s best player. I’m more confident now, having played in this league for two years. I feel that I’ve done enough to earn the other team’s respect when I step on the court, which makes me even more confident,” said the American-born player.
The Oilers team has made some changes to their coaching staff with the departure of Mandy Juruni. They have welcomed a new coach, Karim Nesba, a former Moroccan national team player. In addition to the coaching appointment, new players such as Randy Culpepper Sr, Muhammed Bashir Ahmed, and Patrick Ronald Rembert have been acquired. The Oilers have also retained most of the local core from the Road To BAL. After a week of training camp in Cairo, Miller is happy with how the new additions have adjusted.
“We have had good preparation for our upcoming games. Some days we had two practices, while other days we had one. During this time, we have been bonding as a team. We are working hard on different strategies and techniques that we are learning on the fly,” says Miller. “Our coach is putting us in positions that push us out of our comfort zones, but overall, it has been a positive and valuable experience. We feel confident going into our upcoming games.”
The Oilers also welcomed Khaman Maluach, the projected 2025 NBA Lottery pick and Duke commit, who will be an asset to the team.
“Having him on the team is a big advantage. He has a bigger body and can do many things. The last time I saw him, I noticed that he was a great rim protector. Despite being young, he is very competitive and eager to learn. These are the reasons why he is considered an NBA lottery pick,” says Miller.
“I believe we will work well together because passing is one of my strengths. I can teach him different ways to set screens and roll and help him gain confidence on the court. We are counting on him to enjoy the game, be competitive, and contribute to our team. We already have a great team, and he will only add to it.”
The Oilers will have a true test of their strength and preparation tonight (Friday) when they take on the defending champions, Al Ahly Egypt, who are favourites coming into the match. But this task has in no way dulled the Oilers’ confidence.
“The underdog approach I guess is what is sparking some motivation for ourselves, I could say. We have a really good team. I know that everyone is talking about Al Ahly and the other teams and that is okay,” says Miller.
“Bangui Sporting Club is also gonna be tough but it’s okay for those teams to be the favourite – one team is a returning champion and the other team is historically good but it’s still basketball. You still have to go out there and play and figure out who can do what. We’ll see, anything can happen but they put their shoes on the same way we put our shoes on.”
Dane Miller says he has refined his skills ahead of the Nile Conference.
As for Miller, he has his eyes set on improving the small details he felt he neglected in last season’s BAL.
“One of the biggest disappointments for me about last year was not making first team all defence. I felt like I deserved that with the stats I had especially on the defensive end. I had the chance to win the scoring title and I lost that on my own. It was the little things like missing free throws,” says Miller.
With the Nile Conference set to start tonight, Miller spoke confidently about the prospects of the Oilers. He feels they will be among the two teams to gain automatic qualification to the playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda.
“When we get to Rwanda I feel like I can lead this team with what we have to a championship and lead a team of rebounders. I just want to be the best leader I can be.”
IMPRESSIVE crossovers, long-range shooting, dunks, or chase-down blocks are elements of basketball that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Then, there is the part that always divides opinions. It often riles players, coaches, players and fans, but it is necessary for maintaining order in the game. Officiating!
Referee Gerda Gatling has taken on this high-pressure role. She was one of the officials during the recently concluded Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference.
In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Gatling talked about her time as a student-athlete, the importance of networking and relationship building, and the BAL4Her initiative.
Gatling started playing basketball at age seven in Virginia, United States. She was inspired to play by watching her father, one of her first coaches, and older cousin play pick-up games. But she was also an all-state track athlete. It is the sense of community that basketball provided that ultimately won her heart.
“I was naturally good at running track, but I decided to play basketball because it was more of a team sport,” says Gatling. “I liked the idea of working together as a team towards a common goal.”
Gerda Gatling left her nine-to-five to become a professional referee. Pictures: Supplied
The idea for Gatling to become a referee took hold during and after her playing days at Stony Brook University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Business Management in 2013. That college experience gave her something precious – the ability to handle adversity, a quality key to officiating.
She was also able to build and maintain connections within the Stony Brooks alumni network. She remained a part of the Black and Latino alumni network, even after graduating and starting a career in corporate finance. It is this connection that ultimately opened the door to officiating and also led to her leaving what had become an unfulfilling office job.
“I attended a bi-monthly meeting of the black and Latino alumni group. It was an in-person meeting, and during a conversation with one of the board members (Morgan Cato) about our plans for the weekend, I mentioned that I would be refereeing. Little did I know that she was working on a program within the NBA office,” explained Gatling.
Gerda Gatling says basketball and tech go hand in hand.
The conversation proved life-changing, as Gatling signed up for an early career development program (Referee Development Program), which assists former players to become referees. This opportunity allowed her to transition out of corporate and back to the game of basketball.
“It was good to get back on the court but to now be working professionally in a different craft,” says Gatling. “It feels like you are a player because you are constantly working on something. Working on a skill. Whether it’s working on the different roles, on knowledge, positioning, signals, court presence, it was just awesome to get back into that mindset.”
Gatling now works across various competitions including; the G-League, The BIG 3, Athletes Unlimited, as well as Division 1 Women’s Basketball games across the BIG10, The Big East, Atlantic 10, The MEC, The Ivy, The Sun Belt, and most recently the BAL’s Kalahari Conference.
Gatling – who has Nigerian heritage – has paid close attention to Africa’s premier club basketball competition. She says nothing could have prepared her for the experience.
“I did not know what to expect. But my initial expectations got completely blown out of the water. The experience was awesome, the games were competitive and the atmosphere was electric. But what is most exciting is that it is only going to grow bigger and bigger,” says Gatling. “I am grateful that I got to be a part of the South African leg… It’s an honour to get chosen to work at the BAL. It is a great experience and an opportunity to grow as an official.”
During the Kalahari Conference, Gatling was one of 20 mentors who participated in the BAL4Her Career in Sports Workshop. BAL4Her is a platform created by BAL to promote gender equity in the African sports ecosystem.
Gerda Gatling was impressed with the BAL Kalahari Conference. Picture: The BTO
The workshop highlighted opportunities for young women and gave them tools to tackle day-to-day challenges. “There is a lot of opportunity to work in sports and the realm of basketball. And you don’t have to be on the court. A lot of times you do not know what is possible unless you have those conversations, especially with people who look like you and have had those experiences,” says Gatling.
“It is amazing that in year four and even before, it (the BAL) has prioritised giving women the opportunity to engage with other influential women in the space to get that exposure and mentorship.”
The workshop debunked the idea that only sports management degrees can lead to a career in the sports industry. Gatling, a qualified software developer, echoed this point.
“People are multifaceted, and there are multiple things that a person can like. I feel like sometimes we limit ourselves when it comes to our professions and what we do professionally,” says Gatling.
“It is tough to do both at times and it can be mentally exhausting. But I find it important to work in both industries. The tech space is parallel to the sports space in so many ways. Whether it is the on-court stuff that we test at Summer League or what our analytics team does in the office. Just like there is a push for women to be in sports, there is also the same push on the tech side.”
The popularity of women’s basketball has surged in recent years. Gatling hopes that the sport’s popularity will expand to the global stage.
“Women’s basketball is consistently growing. We hope to see more ambassadors like Jewell Loyd, who we had at the recent Kalahari Conference, come to the BAL. It’s crucial to continue expanding the sport, domestically and globally, especially for women. I believe the sport will continue to grow. It’s only a matter of time before it receives the respect it deserves.”
DURING the Cape Town Tigers’ match against FUS Rabat two weeks ago, three men quietly walked into the Sunbet Arena clad in the colours of Kenya’s super club, Nairobi City Thunder.
Sitting courtside at the BAL Kalahari Conference match, the men surveyed the scene, making mental notes of the setting they hope to see their club participate in next year. The Thunder, who came under new ownership last year, have caused raptures in the East African country’s basketball landscape.
Colin Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Twende Sports INC (the company that owns Nairobi City Thunder), Stephen Domingo (co-founder and head of basketball operations of Twende) and team coach Bradley Ibs, who were in South Africa for a couple of days, are spearheading the Thunders’ pursuit for a place in the BAL.
Colin Rasmussen has lived in Kenya for 11 years. Pictures: The BTO
Rasmussen, born in the US but raised in Pakistan, has called Kenya home for the last 11 years. The lifelong hooper has been active in the basketball scene of that country.
“I love basketball and I am passionate about it. Throughout my time there (Nairobi) I have been involved in the basketball scene. I have built courts and been active in the game from a recreational perspective,” says Rasmussen.
The formation of Twende, which means ” let’s go” in Swahili, has helped Rasmussen and partners do their bit to help transform basketball in Kenya.
“Last year, I decided with my business partners to start Twende Sports – a company dedicated to building the basketball ecosystem and promoting the sport,” said Rasmussen, who is from the streetball circuit. “We believe this is also a unique moment for Africa with the NBA investing in the continent. We are now seeing some of the best players in the world coming from Africa.
“The game is growing on the continent, and we want to support that.”
American-born Domingo has family ties to Nigeria and had the honour of captaining the West African nation’s team during the 2021 Afrobasket in Rwanda.
The 28-year-old former Georgetown Hoyas player says he was searching for ways to give back to basketball on the continent. That is when he met Rasmussen.
“It’s been important for me to figure out how to reinvest in basketball on the continent. Colin and I met in 2022 before I graduated (with an MBA). He was working on another venture. Our focus has been working to grow the game in Kenya, East Africa and we want to achieve success on the continent,” said Domingo.
Rasmussen continued in a similar vein as Domingo. He feels the existence of the BAL has changed the game on the continent, and the aim is for the Thunder to compete at that level.
“I felt this is basketball’s moment with the Basketball Africa League. It’s a new platform, and we aspire to have the best team in Africa. We want to prove that through the BAL,” said Rasmussen. “We have created a professional team, which is a first for Kenya because club basketball there has been recreational. It is a professional environment with contracts for players, with long-term commitments to them, and a proper training environment that enables the existing talent to go to the next level.”
Acquiring top talents like Ariel Okall, Ariel Ortega, Faheem Juma, Fidel Okoth, Griffin Ligare, and Albert Odero has made the club a force. The six Thunder players were also part of the Kenya Morans team that played in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers in February.
Rasmussen stressed the importance of supporting the national team.
“Our goal is to elevate the game of basketball. Our investment also supports the national team and the ecosystem in Kenya. So, we encourage our players to be part of the national team,” said Rasmussen. “It also benefits us, because it puts the players on the next level platform.”
Stephen Domingo captained the Nigeria national team at the 2021 AfroBasket in Rwanda.
While Kenyan players are the core of the Thunder, Domingo highlighted the importance of tapping into the expatriate communities for talent.
“Any good roster has a thesis behind it. Ours is that the Kenyan players are the backbone of the team. There is also a large South Sudanese population in Nairobi. Within that community are talented players who are looking for opportunities… So, it’s talent we should not lose out on,” said Domingo.
Rasmussen and Domingo are on track to fulfilling their ambition for the Nairobi-based club. The undefeated Thunder, who have a 16-0 record in the Kenya Basketball League (KBL), are on course to finish top. With a place in the KBL playoffs guaranteed, the goal is to win the league and set themselves on the path to the pinnacle of African club basketball.
FOR many basketball players, the moment that sparked their love for the game might have been a highlight reel dunk or a game-winning shot. Some may reference legendary players like the late Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, or Stephen Curry as their inspiration to play the game.
However, for 22-year-old Aliou Diarra, the beginning of his basketball journey was a little different.
Growing up, Diarra and his childhood friends often visited a large fruit tree in their neighbourhood, where they picked fruit and played games. He was the tallest of the group and could easily reach the fruit, but it wasn’t until a stranger suggested that he try basketball. The chance meeting would later help in evoking his passion for the sport.
Diarra is a long way from picking fruit in his neighbourhood. He is now a grown man who has taken the BAL by storm. The 22-year-old averaged 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks during the recent Kalahari Conference with Morocco’s FUS da Rabat. He has recorded nine double-doubles since his debut in the tournament last year.
Aliou Diarra has taken the BAL by storm since his debut last season. Pictures: BAL and FIBA
In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Diarra spoke about his time with Stade Malien, the language barriers he has faced, the NBA Summer League and his time with Moroccan club FUS Rabat.
Stade Malien scouted Diarra while playing in the city of Kayes in the western part of Mali. From there, Diarra would go on to have an electrifying 2023 Road To BAL debut with Stade Malien, finishing with a double-double (11.8 points per game and 11.5 rebounds per game). Despite putting up solid numbers for his former club, Diarra had not fully grasped the power that basketball could have in changing his life.
“I did not basketball that seriously until last year in Dakar during the Sahara Conference (last year),” says Diarra. “Once I started putting in an effort, I realized that the sport could be good for me and so I decided to take it more seriously because maybe it could change my life.”
The Cinderella-type performance during their BAL Season 3 led the Malian club to a podium finish after defeating Petro de Luanda in the third-place game behind Diarra’s 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Along with the historic finish of Stade Malien, Diarra was also crowned BAL Defensive Player of the Year and got All BAL First Team and BAL All-Defensive Team honours last year. Diarra had the opportunity to travel to the US for the NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks, an experience that widened his horizons to what the sport could do for him.
“I learned a lot playing with the Bucks, I had some workouts with professional coaches who saw and believed in my potential. I am trying to implement what I learned in the US with FUS,” says Diarra. “The coaches at the Summer League told me that my future is bright and I trust them. I also trust myself and I am working hard to make that future a reality.”
The experience in the Summer League helped break down the language barrier that Diarra, who speaks fluent Bambara and a little bit of French.
“Last year the language barrier was an obstacle, but going to the USA helped me. I learnt a little bit of English and that gave me the confidence when I joined FUS,” said Diarra.
Moving to a different country often comes with challenges, such as adapting to new cultures, societal norms and language barriers. However, Diarra’s time with FUS molded him into a different and much better player than he was in his BAL debut season.
“When I was playing with Stade Malien, I used to do things my way and play the way I wanted. That did not always align with the coach’s and the team’s needs. However, since I started playing with FUS, things have changed significantly,” says Diarra. “I have become more disciplined, taking a more professional approach because I understand that this sport could change my life, and I need to take things more seriously than I did in Bamako.”
FUS concluded the first round of Season 4 by finishing at the top of the Kalahari Conference with a 3-1 record. According to Diarra, the team’s success can be attributed to their cohesion and chemistry. This is something they built over the past six months.
“Since September, we have been training together and playing in the domestic league together. There was never a question about the so-called ‘import’ players because we know each other so well. We know each other’s habits and that makes us a strong team,” says Diarra. “As for myself, I fit well into the team thanks to the experienced players who have helped me learn and grow as a basketball player, but more importantly as a man too.”
Aliou Diarra, playing in the 2023 Road To BAL, was scouted by Malian club Stade Malien.
To finish top of the Kalahari Conference was the first goal for FUS, now the focus will be on the domestic league until the start of the BAL playoffs in Kigali (May 24 – June 1).
“Qualifying for the playoffs is a very big accomplishment, but this is just the first step for us. We gave our best to come out as the leader of this Conference. Now we look forward. We would like to make it far into the playoffs.”
Two months remain between FUS and their second objective of progressing through the playoffs. As for Diarra, he’ll be refining his skills and hoping they will take FUS to the promised land.
