PIETER Prinsloo spoke with a different energy upon his return to South America. The familiar clime of Chile and reuniting with his former club seem to have lit a new flame in the South African big man.
Before his move across the Atlantic, Prinsloo had a fruitful two-and-a-half-year stay at the American-backed Cape Town Tigers, leading them to two Basketball Africa League (BAL) last eight appearances.
The versatile forward also helped the Tigers capture two national club titles (2021 and 2022) and a maiden Basketball National League (BNL) trophy in July. His final act for the team was to help them qualify for the BAL with a 5-0 record during the Elite 16 held in South Africa in November.
Sadly, the former Marist Red Foxes player will miss out on the expanded BAL, commencing with the new Kalahari Conference in South Africa. While he expressed his sadness at having to miss out on a crowning moment in South African basketball – practical reasons outweighed sentiment.
“Yeah, that is disappointing … Knowing that I will miss the group phase (Kalahari Conference) at home. When it was announced (that the BAL is expanding to South Africa), it made me realise that we had the opportunity to play at home and in front of our fans,” said 31-year-old Prinsloo.
“It’s a tough one… It hit hard. But I understand I have to do what’s best for my career and family. It was not an easy choice and it hits hard that I will not be able to experience the BAL at home.”
Prinsloo says Club Deportivo Universidad de Concepción (UDEC) had kept tabs on him for some time, and when they came knocking again, he gladly opened.
“The club (UDEC) had been in contact with me since September. Before that, in 2021 and last year, they also kept in touch with me, as they needed a player for the Champions League. But I was tied up with the BAL qualifiers,” said Prinsloo. “The coach (Cipriano Nunez) contacted me and asked about my playing situation again… I told him I had a contract until mid-November when the Elite 16 was supposed to start, but the dates changed.
“As soon as we finished the Elite 16, we reconnected. He told me he needed me for the Champions League, but he needed to clear things with management first. Last week Friday, the contract got sorted out with my agent, and on Sunday, I flew out with my family.”
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Also, at this stage of his career, a frequent run of games is crucial for him – it is something he felt was missing while he was with the Tigers.
Prinsloo says his new contract at UDEC allows him to compete in Chile’s domestic league and cup tournament. While he is excited about a long-term playing career in the Andean nation, another thrill for Prinsloo is returning to Basketball Champions League Americas.
“Playing on this platform (Champions League) is a tremendous honour for me. My team is in the same group as the (FIBA) Intercontinental (Cup) Champions, Sesi Franca. They beat the BAL champions, Al Ahly, in that tournament. They (Sesi Franca) are the best team in the world,” said Prinsloo. “We are in the same group (as Sesi Franca), and we travel to Brazil next week to play in the first window. I love playing on this stage. The last time I was here, I helped the team win a game and got the MVP. It was a big step in my career.
“So, when I got the opportunity to come back, I was excited. They have their cup competitions and a strong league. The contract they offered me was one I could not refuse. It’s a long-term deal, and I will be playing for eight to nine months. Those are things I was accustomed to before I came back home and I want to get back to that.”
He also believes he will thrive in Nunez’s system, which allows him to play multiple positions.
“The coach here is demanding. He is not strict, but he is intense during practice. He pushes to get the best out of you. And he allows you to play your game within his system. Coach Florsh (Ngwenya) did the same at Tigers,” said Prinsloo. “Our coach knows the value I bring. He has the idea of playing me at the three, four and five positions.
“In competitions like the Champions League, I’ll be playing against 6ft9, 6ft10 and 6ft11 guys… Guys who will play in the positions I spoke about. The coach will expect a lot from me and to affect those spots.”
Prinsloo reflected on his time in South Africa. He felt the Tigers changed the landscape of the game in the country. But he also pointed out that South Africa lagged behind the top nations in basketball on the continent.
“I loved being back in SA. It’s home. The Tigers shifted the culture a little and provided an opportunity for players. Hopefully, the market is open to other organisations to do the same,” said Prinsloo. “We have the BNL, but it is not the same level as leagues in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Rwanda. In those leagues, guys depend on basketball for an income – that is not the case with the BNL. So, the Tigers are trying to help players earn a living from basketball. Hopefully, other organisations will follow.
“The presence of the NBA (in South Africa) and the Kalahari Conference coming next year – shows the game’s potential. When I look back, basketball was not my sport until I left for the States. Now, there are initiatives to try and grow the game and I was a part of that and it is something I am grateful for.”
By bringing his talent and exemplary leadership to South Africa the local game was richer. While there is no doubt that he’ll do well in Chile, the hope is that Prinsloo will return and inspire many with his skill, grit and consummate professionalism.
