Basketball Africa League Archives

Daho talks commentary journey and winning on the court

MALICK Daho is a popular commentator in African basketball, but his connection to the game runs much deeper than being one of the voices of the game on the continent. Back in the day, Daho laced them up, and he graced many courts for club and country, but his journey was one of foresight, too. He understood he could not solely lean on basketball, and he would need something to fall back on – that wisdom paved the way for his present career as a commentator.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, the Côte d’Ivoire-born Daho, who works as a commentator for France-based Canal+, explained why Africa holds a special place in his heart and shared about his magnificent playing career.

For Daho, giving back to Africa is a non-negotiable commitment, and although he lives and works in France, the continent holds a special place in his heart. The reason Daho is still very attached to Africa is because of basketball, which was a launch pad to his present career.

In his heyday, Daho was a baller for the famed institution ASEC Mimosa, when they still had a basketball team. Daho has also had the honour of playing for the Elephants (Côte d’Ivoire’s national team), and has called the shots from the sidelines as a coach.

So, given his love for the game and the continent, reciprocating was not optional – he explains why it is a must for him.

“I received a lot from African basketball. To be linked to the continent is a way for me to give back. I received a lot as a player and as a coach. So it’s duty to give back because Africa is part of who I am,” said Daho.

Malick Daho at the BAL — **Malick Daho is an ever-present face at the BAL. Pictures: The BTO and Supplied**

Since transitioning to being behind the microphone as a commentator, Daho has and continues to use his voice to capture the action, thrills and spills of basketball in Africa. He has been a fixture at tournaments like the AfroBasket and the BAL.

Daho says long-serving FIBA Africa secretary general Dr Alphonse Bile, a man who coached him during his playing days, facilitated his lending his voice to African basketball.

“When I started working for Canal Plus in France, I asked myself, ‘What can I do for the continent?’.

I talked with Alphonse Bile, my former coach. He was familiar with my work, and he told me, ‘We are proud of you. Every time I watch you on TV, I am proud,” said Daho. “I asked him, ‘What can I do for Africa’? He asked if I was available for commentary in competitions on the continent, ‘I said Why not!’ That’s when I started working with FIBA Africa and later the BAL.

“It’s been great for me. Being in France, but being able help my continent is a blessing for me. I want to help grow the game and empower it as a journalist.”

Daho says that as a school pupil, he was always fascinated by journalism and all its elements of communication.

“During my school years, I really wanted to be a journalist. I liked to read and write stories. I read a lot, and from what I had read, I thought to myself, ‘I can make a summary of things’,” said Daho.

Before attending university, he began his career as a journalist, but he understood he needed higher education to grasp the finer points of the profession.

“I started my career in Côte d’Ivoire. I already had the writing ability. It was practical, but having the theory too was important. So I attended a journalism school. I was one of the oldest students there,” said Daho with a light laugh. “I improved on my writing, commentary and communication. Later, I got the opportunity from Canal Plus. Before I had reached out to them, but they told me they would get back to me. So they called me to do a test. It was an NBA game, and they wanted to test my knowledge… Can I follow the action, and will people understand the picture I am painting?

“Now it’s my job, it’s my life. I also want to be involved in grassroots basketball, but right now journalism is what puts food on the table.”

Malick Daho winning a trophy 2025 — **Malick Daho had a successful playing career with ASEC Mimosa.**

Before his second career as a pundit, Daho managed to carve out a successful playing career with Stade Abidjan, ASCEC Mimosa and the Côte d’Ivoire national team. Listening to him speak on it, one picks up that he was self-assured and believed in his talent, but he was also aware that things could go pear-shaped.

“In my mind, I knew I wanted to be a basketball player, but you also can’t tell the future. You can have an injury, or you might not be as good as you think you are. So I knew I had to have something else. I had to consolidate those areas of my life,” said Daho.

While injury would eventually curtail his career, his playing days were fruitful. He took a bold step early on after a club president at ASEC Abidjan had told him he would have to be content with the youth ranks when Daho felt ready to play at the senior level.

“I remember as a player for the ASEC Mimosa youth team, the president told me I was too young to move up to the seniors, and needed another year. I told him I know what I could do. I may have been young, but I knew my capability,” said Daho. “My age should not determine my quality… I moved to Stade Abidjan… During my two years with them (Stade Abidjan), we beat ASEC twice in the national championship.

“After that season, the president of ASEC came to see me… ‘How can you do that?’. ‘You started with us, now you are beating us… How can you do that?’. We want you to come back (to ASEC).”

Daho returned to ASEC, and his comeback led to domestic titles and a continental triumph in 1989. He describes that era of basketball as less tactical than today.

“We had some very nice players, but the level of tactics was not the same as you have nowadays,” said Daho. “During that time, we had athletic players, good shooters, but in terms of tactics and coaching, it was not at the same level as it is today.

“I enjoyed playing against Senegal. They thought that because of my surname, I was playing against my own country. A lot of people (from Senegal) used to call me Ndao and not Daho. Also, there are a lot of people called Malick in Senegal, so I enjoyed playing against them. It was a very nice time.”

Malick Daho as coach 2025 — **Malick Daho turned to coaching when his playing career came to an end.**

The end of his career, while disappointing, is something he had always known would come. “I learnt to deal with it because I am a teacher too. Being a teacher in physical education helped me a lot. It did hurt, but the transition allowed me to start my coaching career. I started coaching the U16 team (of ASEC). So the transition was easy for me,” said Daho.

He also appreciates the relationships he built that continue to benefit him today.

“What I took from this did not only come from the court. I have built a lot of connections and relationships that help me in my job,” said Daho. “As a journalist, you need connections. When I need information, I know I can call this guy from that country to get the relevant information. I can say it’s gold. Human relationships are very important.”

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Ubisse and Beira look to get on track at Road to BAL

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FERROVIARIO da Beira forward Helton Ubisse has been sporting a distinctive look, which has set him apart from his teammates. While not by choice, the Mozambican has worn goggles since 2023. The eyewear which Ubisse has had to wear after sustaining an injury that kept him out for six months has not diminished his prowess on the court, and he has referred to it as a part of his style.

“I had a small surgery on my eye, so I have to protect the area because of the physical nature of the game. At first, it was hard to adapt to the goggles, but now I’m more comfortable. I sometimes forget I have them on,” said Ubisse. “They have become a part of me. They are my style. People characterise me with them.”

Another trait Ubisse possesses is being a formidable scorer and rebounder for the six-time Liga de Mocambicana de Basquetebol champions. The long-serving nimble-footed big man has always shifted a gear for the Locomotivas in inter-African club competitions. In the years Beira competed in the old FIBA club tournaments and the current Road to BAL, the 30-year-old has delivered the goods.

Ubisse has a career average of 12.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in club qualifiers and competitions. The 30-year-old says he always strives to play at a high level and improve his game.

“I have to invest more in shooting the ball because it’s Modern basketball. The goal is always to improve the average of points and rebounds. I’m working hard to be at the highest level this year,” said Ubisse.

Helton Ubisse Ferroviario da Beira 2025 — **Helton says the Road to BAL qualifiers are tougher than the old FIBA Club qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Having competed in the old FIBA qualifiers, how do they compare to the Road to BAL? “The FIBA qualifications tournament is easier than the Road to BAL,” said Ubisse.

“Teams in the Road to BAL are stronger because everyone wants to be in BAL. The teams invested more in their players and coaches, and there are quality foreign players.”

Beira, who competed in 2022 and 2023 BAL, are also making a return to the Road to BAL after last competing in 2023. He says it was “frustrating” to miss out on the Road to BAL after making consecutive appearances from 2021.

“It was frustrating because in the last three years we were always Mozambique’s team… That’s why we organised ourselves this year and won our national championship to be able to be on the Road To BAL,” said Ubisse.

While citing the lack of preparation in their last Road to BAL, he says this year the approach will be different.

“We need to work harder and go into this year’s tournament with more humility. Importantly, there should be respect among us players. I think these are the things that will make us successful on the court,” said Ubisse. “We didn’t prepare well as a team (in 2023). We thought the competition would be easy, and we would enter BAL. Instead, we got a surprise.”

Helton Ubisse Ferroviario da Beira — **Helton Ubisse says the goggles are part of his identity on the court.**

Since then, Mozambique have not had a team compete at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in the last two years. The absence from the BAL is a concerning issue for Ubisse, given his country’s strong passion for basketball.

It’s not good for Mozambique because BAL is the highest level of basketball in Africa. It also shows that clubs from other countries are investing well,” concluded Ubisse.

Ubisse is correct that clubs are investing in continental competition, and Beira have not been left behind. They may have gone off the rails two years ago, but a tightening of nuts and bolts and a good greasing of the wheels could make the Locomativas a mean machine in their return to the Road to BAL.

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Craig putting in the work ahead of the big jump to Germany

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DAVID Craig has enjoyed his time in South Africa, and being temporarily out of the bright lights of competitive basketball, but he has not rested on his laurels. During this off-season, Craig, a first-time free agent, has put in the hard yards, living up to the adage often used in basketball that says, “If you stay ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”

Even with a career-defining move overseas signed and sealed, Craig ploughs on and quietly fine-tunes his game as his new German club awaits his arrival.

The 7ft2 (2.18m) Craig, who would be hard to miss in a crowded room, was going through his paces last Friday in the humble settings of the Mandeville Sports Complex. Settings which are a far cry from the spotlight and aesthetics of the BAL and NCAA basketball. Training with former Made By Basketball (MBB) teammate Nino Dim, they perfect their shooting form with baseline drills inside and outside the arc.

Craig also focused on his post-up game, working with his back to the basket and practising a series of hook shots. He and Dim then wrapped up with a scrimmage session before heading into Craig’s interview with The Big Tip Off. Twenty-two-year-old Craig spoke with great excitement about joining German third-tier club TSV Nuestadt Temps Shooters. The centre, who started his college career with Mercer, is seemingly content with closing that chapter of his life. At the same time, he felt his stint with MBB at the BAL prepared him for the professional ranks.

“I couldn’t be happier. It was the right time for me. I felt I had got everything I could from the Division I level. At this point, this is the right move for my career,” said Craig, who last played for NCAA Division I college Tennessee Tech. “After playing at the BAL level, I felt I could get a bit more out of my career by making the jump to the pros.

“There was a lot of dialogue between me and my agent. Ultimately, we agreed that Europe would be the right place for me to continue developing my game and play at a high level.”

David Craig working out — **David Craig says playing in the BAL opened his eyes to a bigger basketball world. Pictures: The BTO**

Craig says he has already had discussions with Temps Shooter coach Allen Ray about how he fits into the team’s plans. “I looked forward to working with the coach over there. I have had several discussions with him. It’s been positive. He is big on meeting players at their point and being able to help them grow their game,” said Craig. “From the discussion we had and learning about the club, I feel I will be a good fit.

“I also have a lot I can learn from the older players. I look forward to this experience and how it will help to evolve my game.”

He went on to elaborate on his experience with MBB at the Nile Conference of the BAL. He says rubbing shoulders with some of the wise heads in the team was humbling for him.

“It was one of the biggest blessings to have happened in my life… Being able to represent South Africa while also achieving a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball… Playing with some of the people who laid the ground for up-and-coming South African players like me. Guys like Neo Mothiba and Lebesa Selepe… Getting a wholesome and genuine experience of them and being in Kigali. Those moments I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Craig. “Just like the guys I mentioned, I hope to be an inspiration for the coming generation… Continue to pave the way and bring back expertise and information for kids who want to pursue basketball at any level in the future.

“It (the BAL) showed me how big the possibilities can be, especially from a professional perspective.”

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He says another thing the BAL did for him was to improve his temperament. Craig recalled starting in the most-watched game in the BAL (MBB vs APR), which had 168000 views on YouTube according to FIBA Africa.

“One thing the BAL taught me is to always embrace the big moments, like playing in the second game against APR, where I got to start. It was the most-viewed BAL game, and what it did for my career. There is no telling how many of those I could have in Germany. So you have to grab every big opportunity with both hands because you don’t know when you will get the next one,” said Craig. “I never thought Germany would happen. There was just the BAL, and we had to figure out the next move.

“The other thing I learnt was to stay professional and consistent regardless of what happens. You can’t let results dictate your work. You must show up every single day and maintain consistency. Don’t be results-oriented. It’s better to embrace the process.”

Each passing day means Craig is coming closer and closer to the cut-throat world of professional basketball. As he prepares himself for a career leap, he speaks with fondness about being home.

David Craig Woring out — **David Craig has a new appreciation for South Africa and the support system available to him.**

“Having this time does so much more than it seems on the surface. Firstly, South Africa is a very special place. It takes you leaving here to understand that – being around people who appreciate and understand you. People who respect your journey. It does more for you as a person than you can imagine,” said Craig. “The pressure now is for me to rest and improve… Get ready for Germany.

“There are a lot of people who will be watching me… As they have been, and that will never change. Right now, not having the pressure of performing in this very moment is relieving because being in that spotlight can sometimes be a lot to carry.”

Craig continued: “I think anybody coming up and wanting to make a career out of basketball needs to know that because it does take a mental toll… More so than it would physically.”

These are wise words from the big man, given that he is well-versed in high-level basketball, they carry weight. As he enters this next phase of his career, those words can hopefully guide him in navigating what awaits him in Germany.

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Angolan legend Muzadi shooting his shots behind the camera lens

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WHEN former Angolan hooper Victor Muzadi speaks about his playing career, intensity and passion fill his eyes. The same intensity and passion appear on his face when he discusses his post-playing profession. Having enjoyed an illustrious professional career, Muzadi’s dunks, layups and blocks caught the eye of many cameras on the continent and the global stage.

Banking on the content game

In a twist of fate, Muzadi, who first worked at a bank after hanging up his sneakers, later found his true calling – getting behind the camera. He has since captured many domestic and international sporting, lifestyle, and corporate events through his content company, Push LDA, based in Angola.

Muzadi was recently at the BAL playoffs and finals in South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, as part of the multitude of content creators covering the continental shindig. Speaking to The Big Tip Off, his voice hoarse after feeling the effects of the South African winter, Muzadi was able to find the words to express his delight at the new and improved continental tournament and how he wished it existed during his playing days.

“I wish this kind of platform was there in our era. It would have been great. People would know how we played, so I am happy that these young players have it now and that they are part of this story of African basketball,” said Muzadi, a two-time FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup winner. “It’s really cool to be involved as well and to be part of the emotion and vibe here.”

Victor Muzadi Angola Content — **Victor Muzadi says he has been impressed with the five-year-old BAL. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA**

Muzadi says that as an athlete, his mind was always on matters related to the court, so he could sit and take in the excitement of being at a sporting event like the Olympics. Now, being behind a camera lens, it has taken on a whole different meaning.

“I have a crazy story. At last year’s Paris Olympics, I was there to shoot content. It was my first Olympics being on the other side, and not as an athlete. It was then that I understood what was going on in the media space because, as an athlete, your mind is on the game. Coaches, stats, videos and then you are back to your room,” said Muzadi, a two-time Olympian with Angola. “You don’t get to enjoy the other stuff to do with the Olympics, like the opening and closing ceremony. This time around, I stayed till the end of the Games. I saw things differently, from when I was an athlete. Today, I am like, ‘Wow they have a life outside of sports’. And I was able to capture that.”

Muzadi maintained his ties to basketball after retirement through 3X3, where the vision of creating content began to unfold. It was also where he realised that he had an eye for photography. It also hit him that being an employer sometimes meant adopting a hands-on approach when running his business.

“I am a 3X3 promoter, which is something I started six or seven years ago. I used to hire one of my friends to shoot for me, but he would deliver the content late. It became a problem to explain the situation to the event sponsor,” said Muzadi. “So I bought my own camera and started shooting content for myself… And everybody was like, ‘You are good at it.’

“I was also a commentator for SuperSport, and I got into audiovisual work while I was working for them. So that also opened my eyes to how content is created.”

It led to Muzadi becoming an ambassador for the photographic equipment company Canon. “When I opened my agency, which does photography, drone photography and video, one of my clients was impressed with the work we do. They told us we capture the soul of people and that they would pitch the idea of me becoming an influencer and ambassador for Canon because they did not have one in Angola,” said Muzadi. “So, I sent some pics I took, and from there, I got validated. This has been a great way for me and my team to tell stories.”

Muzadi the philanthropist

Not only is Muzadi a leader in his company, but he also serves as the general secretary of the Special Olympics in Angola, a challenging role. Helping people who need it the most should be easy, but Muzadi explains that he has had to push barriers.

“It’s tough. You want to do more, but there are limitations. You have to know how to pitch to sponsors for them to be part of the process,” said Muzadi. “The Special Olympics started four years ago in Angola. So it’s brand new. I work with my former teammate, Jean Jacques Conceicao, a Hall of Famer. It’s been a process. We have tried to implement new initiatives, push for legislation, and secure medical support.

“We are trying to show that through sport, people with disabilities can do more than what others think.”

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Continuing Angola’s dominance in the AfroBasket and club championships

In his heyday, Muzadi was part of Angola’s team that continued the Southern African nation’s dominance in African basketball. Harking to those glory days, Muzadi, a four-time AfroBasket winner, says the Angolan team of that time and its style of play resembled the celebrated Golden Warriors.

Angola was a star-studded team with names like Joaquim Gomes, Eduardo Mingas, Victor Carvalho, Miguel Lutonda, Olimpio Cipriano, and the up-and-coming Carlos Morais.

“It was a great run with those guys… Winning every AfroBasket during that era. My last AfroBasket was in 2007 in Angola, and I really enjoyed it,” said Muzadi. “I miss those days playing against some great teams. We had some good players like Victor Carvalho. He was Stephen Curry before Stephen Curry came on the scene. He is an assistant at Petro, and he still shoots the ball well, even today. Angola played like the Golden State of a few years ago… Live by the three, die by the three.”

Muzadi says the reason Angola stood head and shoulders above the rest in Africa was because of their preparation. “People don’t understand the volume of training we had. We prepared three to four months ahead of the AfroBasket… Sometimes outside the country. We even came here to South Africa, but the cold was too much for us,” said Muzadi.

Victor Muzadi Angola — **Victor Muzadi has played in top-level competition for Angola.**

His club career was also illustrious, bringing him 16 Angolan league titles and two continental club trophies. He says being part of any Angolan club, especially when travelling the continent, meant they bore the fury of opposition fans. It was also something that fuelled him and his teammates.

“Those were tough times – I remember when we went to the Central African Republic – as soon as we got to the venue, opposing fans threw things and insulted us, but we loved it,” said Muzadi. “Everybody hated us, but when we won, we received applause. People called us stone-cold assassins. We only celebrated when we got home because when we were away, we focused on the job.”

Muzadi’s playing career is a story of success. He is one of the few players to have stood on a podium with many winners’ medals. He has also maintained a similar level of excellence in his second career, capturing the hearts and minds of sports fans with his content.

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Diabate hungry for BAL title and the ring of victory

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SOLO Diabate certainly has to be one of the greatest stories to come from the BAL, which is now in its fifth season. The mercurial Ivorian point guard is the personification of what success and consistency are on the court. The floor general shares the record of winning the most BAL titles (two), and on Saturday afternoon, he will appear in a fourth final, a record he owns.

The latter bothers the Petro de Luanda player because, in his words, “no one remembers that you played in the final”. The competitor in Diabate will not allow him to settle for second place. In his second stint with Petro, he hopes to help them defend the title they won last year and win his third BAL trophy at the Sunbet Arena against Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli.

“Being in the final means nothing. I want to win. I won the first two titles… With Zamalek and then US Monastir. I did not make the final in the third season, and I lost playing for Al Ahli Benghazi in the fourth,” said Diabate. “No one remembers that I was in the final. Ok, it’s talked about. But everyone remembers Petro won last year.

“I don’t want to be in the final just to say I played in it this many times… I want to win.”

The 37-year-old says he kept his cool after Petro cut down Egyptian giants Al Ittihad, unbeaten before the semi-final on Wednesday night. More than winning the trophy, this year, the BAL has also introduced winners’ rings, and Diabate wants to be the first to put one on.

“That is why yesterday, after the semi-final, I did not celebrate too much. The job is not done until you win the cup and the ring. The BAL is also giving rings to the winners, so I want to win so I can be among the first players to wear it on their finger,” said a two-time AfroBasket silver medallist.

Solo Diabate Petro de Luanda — **Solo Diabate wants a BAL title more than to set records. Pictures: The BTO**

As he said, the job of the BAL is far from over, and he did not want to entertain the talk of the potential of sitting atop the totem pole as the sole player to win the trophy three times. He recalled a statement made by former NBA player Ian Mahinmi that might have jinxed him ahead of the final against Petro last year.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I remember last year, before the final, Ian Mahinmi told me, ‘Solo. If you win your third final, we are going to retire your jersey.’ I was like ok, but we lost the game,” said Diabate. “So I don’t want to talk or think too far ahead about the other stuff… I want to win first.

“I am not here to set records. Or try to be the first to do this or that. If I win, I will be happy.”

Before delving further into Saturday’s final, Diabate spoke about his return to Angola, specifically, Petro, and the BAL season the club has had. He described the club as a well-run institution, and he articulated his admiration for Os Petroleos’ loyal fans.

“I love everything around Angolan basketball. People care about it, and that is why the game has developed the way it has. As Petro, they take care of players. That’s why I came back,” said Diabate. “Also, the fans… I remember playing in the gym two years ago and how packed it was for those games. I liked it. Our goal that year was to win the BAL, but it didn’t happen… It’s a second chance to win it.”

He rejoined a Petro that is without legends like Carlos Morais, Jone Pedro and Gerson Lukeny, who all moved on to different clubs. While it was an adjustment for Diabate, he spoke with the understanding that it is part of the cycle of sports players to move on from clubs.

“They are my brothers. Even if I played with them for a season, we remain close. I think the Angolan players felt the change the most because they played with them (the legends) the longest,” said Diabate. “It was weird to go back and have them not there, but its part of the business… I am old enough to undertstand that.”

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Despite the significant personnel change, Diabate and the new-look Petro again defended the domestic league and cup titles, and many would have expected them to blitz through the tough Sahara Conference in Senegal.

It was not the case, as Petro gave inconsistent performances in the group phase. In their three wins, they looked like championship material, and in their three losses, they resembled a has-been outfit.

“It was the hardest conference. Our conference was the most competitive. All the teams were good. It’s basketball. Sometimes you shine, and other times it’s a struggle,” said Diabate. “People started saying we are not ready. But here we are in the final. We have two new players that have helped us. These are great guys and additions. They changed things for us.”

Diabate was referring to South Africa’s small forward, Samkelo Cele and American combo guard, Kendrick Ray, who both signed for Petro for the playoffs in South Africa.

Both players were part of the seeding game loss to Rwanda’s APR, and that defeat heightened the noise of Petro’s doubters. Diabate reasoned that the loss was a necessary wake-up call for him and his teammates.

“They destroyed us, physically, technically, in everything. They were strong,” said Diabate. “So we went back to the hotel, watched some video footage, and took time to think about the game. This got us ready against Monastir, a team we played twice in Senegal.”

Between the loss to APR and the eventual victory over Tunisia’s Monastir, something shifted. Sergio Moreno tinkered with his starting line-up in the quarter-final against Monsatir and employed a similar strategy against Al Ittihad, leading to a third final appearance for Petro. While Moreno’s move confused the hell out of their opposition on two occasions, Diabate downplayed it.

“The changing of line-ups is nothing special because we have a lot of players. They all bring something to the court. So our coach has a lot of choices,” Diabate.

The BAL final brings a certain feeling of déjà vu for Petro as they face another Libyan opposition in Al Ahli Tripoli. Diabate, who is well-versed in Libyan basketball, expects Tripoli to bring their A-game.

“This is one of the hardest finals I am going to play in. They are a strong team and well-coached, but we are ready for those 40 minutes of basketball,” Diabate stated confidently.

Diabate pledged they want to win BAL Season 5 for the Petro fans, but he also wants a triumph for sentimental reasons.

“We are going to fight like we have since the beginning. We want to make history for everybody. I want to win it for my dad, too. He loves Petro, I don’t know why but he has always loved them. So, I want to win it for him,” concluded Diabate.

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Strong family ties and hardwork put Marei in position for success

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EGYPTIAN baller Assem Marei says family is one of the elements that has kept him grounded since he started playing basketball. His father, mother and brother all played their part in schooling him on the finer points of the game. Now, as a grown man and a professional, his wife is playing a key role in being the glue that holds his family together, and her presence has helped Marei achieve a thriving career.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Al Ahli Tripoli player Marei described how his family’s influence has encompassed his career. He also talks about being part of Libyan club Al Ahli Tripoli’s push for success at the BAL playoffs.

Thirty-year-old Marei, the son of a former basketball player, Ahmed Marei, who now coaches, says his family taught him how to be coachable, which in turn made him a better player.

“My dad, mom and brother… Everybody played basketball, so I grew up around it. My father has been a head coach for as long as I can remember. I had three head coaches, so it gave me a level head and it taught me to accept criticism and not to be sensitive,” said the Egyptian national team player. “One of the things I can say about myself is that I am coachable and I can accept criticism from a coach because I have had it my whole life.”

The tough love from his family paid off as his game grew, leading the former Zamalek player to be part of a generation of Egyptian players who made their way to college in the United States.

“One of the programs that opened that door was Basketball Without Borders (BWB). It (BWB) and the national federation paved the way for me to attend college,” said Marei, who attended Minnesota State University and graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Assem Marei Al Ahli Tripoli — **Assem Marei’s career began in Egypt, and it has seen him go on to have a phenomenal career abroad. Pictures: The BTO**

His career from college to the pros has been a picture of toil and well-earned accolades. Marei, who earned NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) honours from 2012-2015, says the success comes from understanding what his job is on the court and being great at it.

“I am grateful. I never expected to play this long, ten years as a professional outside of Egypt and three years in college. Every year, I get hungrier. I feel I have the best job in the world. I want to keep it going for as long as possible,” said Marei. “The one thing I am big on is job descriptions. Growing up, it’s something my dad talked to me about. He’s huge on job descriptions on the court. It’s something I accepted. So what I do on the court, I do at a high level.

“That helped me throughout my career… Focusing on inside presence, rebounding and helping my team. So, I am not going to be a pick and pop shooter or shoot three points… Those things will take away from what got me here.”

Marei joined Al Ahli Tripoli for the BAL playoffs in South Africa after helping to lead the South Korean club Changwon LG Sakers to the KBL (Korean Basketball League) title.

Travelling through the different time zones took a lot out of him, and obtaining a visa to travel to South Africa seemed like an extreme sport. Marei had to country hop a bit before securing his travel documents to South Africa. Despite the challenge and toll it took, Marei was calm.

“It was the most difficult thing I have gone through in my career. I am happy to be here,” said Marei. “I had to bring my wife and kids to Egypt first and stayed there for a bit. From home, I had to fly to Rwanda and then to Istanbul to get a visa for South Africa. Things did not work in Istanbul, so I had to fly to Tunisia and then back home to take care of my wife and other things.”

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Through the visa ordeal and being an accomplished sportsman, Marei says the presence of his wife allows him to focus on his job.

“My wife is amazing. She does everything. She helps me focus on basketball. To me, it’s always family first. When that is taken care of, I can do my job,” said Marei. “Sometimes it’s too much for her. I have two boys and we are expecting a third baby. She has been an important part of this.”

In South Africa, for the last week, Marei has also had to give his attention to the Al Ahli Tripoli family, which is trying to become the first club from Libya to win the BAL title.

So far, he has had a productive three games, two in the Nile Conference against APR (10 points and nine rebounds) and MBB (18 points and 10 rebounds) and in the quarter-finals against Kriol Star (13 points and 13 rebounds).

While the numbers are pleasing to the eye and have contributed to Al Ahli becoming the second club from Libya to progress to the semi-finals, where they will face familiar foe APR, Marei feels he can up his game a bit more.

“It can get better. One of my favourite things is I love when other players enjoy playing with me. That makes me happy as a player. I think we are achieving that,” said Marei. “I like to be a players player… Helping my teammates to play better. We are transitioning well. We are getting better with every game.”

On Wednesday at the Sunbet Arena, Marei and his teammates will face an improved APR team that dismantled the Rivers Hoopers in their Monday afternoon quarter-final clash.

“APR have size and they are athletic. They cover space well. So our offence has to play the right way… We have to space and all that because they can cover their defensive mistake by their size,” said Marei.

Assem Marei in action for Al Ahli Tripoli — **Assem Marei has enjoyed his time at Al Ahli Tripoli, and he believes members of the club put in a good shift, so it can be successful.**

Al Ahli will attempt to match the feats of rivals Al Ahli Benghazi by becoming the second Road to BAL and Libyan team to qualify for the BAL final. Given his closeness to the situation, Marei shared why Libyan teams are succeeding at the BAL.

“They have so much heart. Not just the players, but the staff at the club too. They have put so much heart and soul into this. And the whole country is watching,” said Marei. “It’s exciting to be part of an organisation where basketball means so much. It puts a huge responsibility on our shoulders.

“If you are a good high-level player, you want that. We want every game to mean a lot and not just play nonchalantly. It makes the game a lot more fun.”

Strong family ties and hardwork put Marei in position for success Read More »

Putney to bring intensity for Hoopers in playoffs homecoming

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THE gruelling conference stages of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) are done and dusted, and the teams to battle it out in the playoffs in Tshwane, South Africa (6-14 June) have been decided. One player looking forward to reconnecting with South Africa is forward Raphiael Putney, who has been preparing himself for the upcoming and intense duels of the playoff stages, the latter which will determine the team that will claim the coveted BAL baobab-shaped trophy.

Putney’s Nigerian club, Rivers Hoopers, secured its ticket to Tshwane last month at the Kalahari Conference in Morocco… So he and Hoopers will await their playoff opponent from either the Nile Conference, the Sahara Conference or a team from the Kalahari Conference.

American player Putney, currently in Houston, Texas, is a familiar face in South African basketball, having first tasted the game on the continent as a Cape Town Tigers player. The Virginia-born Putney led the Tigers to a second national championship in 2022 and successfully helped them qualify for the 2023 BAL, which he disappointingly did not play in.

“For me, this is like a homecoming. I made a lot of friends while I was playing for the Tigers. I am looking forward to showing up for the team (Hoopers) and doing my best,” said Putney. “It’s something I am looking forward to…. Coming to South Africa… It’s one of the countries that gave me a chance to continue my career. I wish I could have played with them (the Tigers), but certain circumstances did not allow me to.”

Putney continued: “I said this two years ago, ‘I want to come back and play in South Africa’… It’s going to happen soon. It’s for a different team, but I am going to showcase my talents to people who believed in me while I was there.”

Raphiael Putney Rivers Hoopers — **Raphiael Putney led the BAL in blocks at the end of the Kalahari Conference. Pictures: The BAL and Rivers Hoopers**

Having navigated the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 record, how did Putney feel about playing in his first BAL tournament?

“I loved it. It’s been a great experience. A lot better than what I expected,” said Putney. “There were great teams in Morocco. We faced challenges (in the conference) early on, but the team we had was able to do something special.

“We have a good group of guys willing to work hard to win. I bring my veteran leadership. We want to do better than last year’s third place finish. We want to win the championship.”

If Hoopers want to have a shot at the BAL title, Putney, who averaged 13.5 points per game, 1.3 assists per game and 5.5 rebounds per game, says the Kingsmen have to figure out their style of play.

“We need to find our identity. We’re a strong defensive team, though we occasionally have lapses,” said Putney. “During the Kalahari Conference we had leads in games and thought it was a wrap, so we need to put pressure on teams.”

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He also pointed out what he needed to work on to contribute to the success of the Hoopers in the playoffs. Putney had to immediately join the Kingsmen for their BAL campaign, which gave him little time to recover from intense competition in Mexico’s Pacific Coast Basketball Circuit playoffs for Pioneros de Delicias.

“I had some fatigue after playing back-to-back games in the playoffs in Mexico. But it was not to a point where I was not effective for my team (Hoopers). So I have to stay focused, hit my jump shots and be aggressive,” said Putney. “I feel like I am a mismatch on the floor. So, I can be a playmaker and do certain things to help my team win games.

“Most importantly, I bring defensive intensity. I think I’ll continue to lead the league in blocked shots. That’s my goal, everywhere I go I’ve led in blocked shots and want continue that in the league,” said Putney.

Six-foot-ten (2.08m) Putney, who averaged 1.7 blocks per game, has since dropped down the rankings in blocked shots to joint fifth, so a lot of work is ahead of him in trying to dislodge current No. 1 Aliou Diarra of Rwandan club APR.

Raphiael Putney, The BAL and Rivers Hoopers — **Raphiael Putney says the Hoopers are aiming for the BAL trophy.**

The forward has a couple of weeks to fine-tune his game to help the Hoopers achieve their goals. The 35-year-old says he’s used his time off productively to stay ready for the playoffs, like waking up early to go through his paces.

“When I got here, I knew we had a month off. So, I planned my schedule around this month until I get back for the playoffs,” said Putney. “I have a program that I follow. I wake up at five in the morning to do my workouts. It’s cardio and hooping so that I stay prepared and in game shape. So, I have not taken any time off,” said Putney.

The well-travelled Putney sounds confident of what Hoopers will be able to do come the playoffs. He’s also finally gotten his shot at showing what he can do in the BAL. As Hoopers take another step towards their goal, they will be like a raging river swallowing everything standing in its way.

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Vincent and Prinsloo get real about reason for MBB’s failures

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SOUTH African basketball is rich in potential but trapped in a cycle of dysfunction. Despite having excellent infrastructure, South Africa lags due to deep-rooted leadership issues within basketball. These problems were evident during the 2024 BAL Nile Conference, where Johannesburg-based Made By Basketball (MBB) finished with a 2-4 record, missing the playoffs and raising familiar questions about the country’s readiness to compete at the highest level.

Head coach Sam Vincent, a former NBA player and seasoned coach, did not hold back in assessing the situation in the post-game presser.

“We came into camp a little late. We were still adding players, we don’t have a formal league in South Africa to give four or five months of development and playing together as a team to prepare for this competition,” said the former Nigeria national women’s team coach.

Vincent pointed out the lack of consistent, competitive basketball in the country. Even in the country’s national league, the BNL, an entity no longer recognised by Basketball South Africa, undermines growth at every level.

“I saw the schedule for the BNL league, and there are maybe three games for the season. It’s just not enough competition. If South African players are going to improve and get better, they need to play regularly,” he stated.

Sam Vincent MBB Basketball Africa League — **Sam Vincent laments the state of South African basketball. Pictures: The BAL**

Vincent’s counterpart from Al Ahli Tripoli, Coach Fouad Abou Chacra, whose team defeated MBB twice in the tournament, offered a moment of camaraderie. While praising South Africa’s raw talent, he highlighted the disconnect between potential and preparation.

“The team needs to be more organised, I know many of these players and they can perform well. But the coach is the pilot; he needs more time to bring the plane up and down safely,” said Abou Chacra.

He emphasised the importance of cultural awareness and long-term commitment when building a national basketball program

“I didn’t bring my program and impose it in Libya. I studied the culture… You can’t make generals into soldiers. Coaches need to adapt their philosophy to fit the people.”

No League, No Rhythm

MBB’s Pieter Prinsloo provided a frank assessment of the situation, pointing directly at the federation’s failure to establish a functioning professional league. “We need our federation to have a real, competitive league so we can prepare. Every other team in this competition will be playing in a league from October to November until April and May.”

He noted that countries like Egypt produce BAL-calibre teams because their players consistently stay in rhythm and compete in a professional league.

“Al Ittihad just reached the finals in Egypt, and US Monastir just played the finals with Club Africain. All these countries have a pro league, these players are in rhythm and playing the whole year,” said Prinsloo. “South Africa, unfortunately, is stuck in a situation where there are too many complications, and we don’t have a pro league that works.”

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Once MBB took to the floor, they looked a step slower than the opposition in the games they lost. South Africa’s representatives entered the tournament undercooked, having only completed a six-week training camp.

“We’re coming in off a six-week training camp and expected to put it all together, and it’s hard,” Prinsloo admitted.

However, it wasn’t just a lack of structure, it was a lack of cohesion. Prinsloo pointed out that teams like Tripoli displayed fluid, cohesive basketball because their players played together consistently.

“A team like Tripoli play incredible team basketball because they’ve been together throughout the whole year, some for multiple years,” said Prinsloo. “I arrived a week and a half before. Some of the guys arrived just four days before we flew here,” Prinsloo said.

The net result was that iTeam Yase Dladleni was still trying to find its rhythm while already in competition. “There were many moments where we didn’t play well, and you could tell that we were still a group of individuals coming together.”

A Window of Opportunity

Vincent believes the way forward is clear, but it won’t be easy. He insists that a long-term national league is essential, stating it must run for at least five to six months and provide 20 to 25 games per season if talent is to develop. “There has to be a more formal national league, consistent play is how you grow a program,” said Vincent.

Pieter Prinsloo, MBB, Basketball Africa League — **Pieter Prinsloo took aim at Basketball South Africa for not producing a competitive national league.**

He also called for better cooperation within the basketball community, from administrators to club owners and federation officials, to build sustainable systems rather than isolated efforts. Despite MBB’s early exit, Vincent remains optimistic. With the BAL Playoffs coming to Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, he encouraged fans to show up, engage with the sport, and experience world-class basketball on home soil.

“It’s amazing basketball. It’s a great competition. The entertainment and the arenas are NBA-style. You won’t get an NBA-style experience in Africa unless you attend a BAL event.”

South Africa does not lack talent. It lacks time on the court, structure off of it, and alignment among those driving the game forward. Until these gaps are closed, the country will continue to fall behind, not for lack of ability but for lack of preparation.

The BAL is bringing Africa’s best to Pretoria. The hope is that it can also inspire a sense of urgency because the window for South African basketball to catch up is still open, but won’t be open forever.

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iTeam Yase Dladleni closing in on a playoff spot

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(Kigali) MBB is beginning to find its rhythm in the Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Nile Conference, after registering a stunning upset over APR inside a nearly sold-out BK Arena on Thursday night. The team is growing, adapting, and earning its place in the Nile Conference. After a rocky start, the 94-88 win over the Rwandan club is a potential signal of growth, trust, and a team finally clicking into gear.

With renewed chemistry, sharper execution, and a commitment to fight for every possession, iTeam Yase Dladleni is no longer chasing rhythm. They’re playing in it. From the opening tip, the Blue Soldiers set the tone. They controlled the boards, dominated the paint, and showed a cohesion that had been missing in their earlier matchups. Without Aliou Diarra, who didn’t suit up for APR, MBB capitalised, using physicality and energy to disrupt their hosts.

“This win means a lot,” said team captain Lebesa Selepe after the game. “Dane Miller didn’t suit up, and Aliou Diarra didn’t suit up. We made some tough shots down the stretch, and we just threw it all out on the street and took the W. That’s just what we do.”

Lebesa Selepe iTeam Yase Dladleni MBB — **Lebesa Selepe feels iTeam Yase Dladleni is on course for a BAL playoffs spot in Tshwane, South Africa. Pictures: Cheick Haidara and the BAL**

Selepe also revealed that they put impetus on taking care of the third quarter, which had been their Achilles heel in previous games.

“We had a strong first half, but we really concentrated on the third,” he said. “We said in the locker room, ‘We have to win the third quarter’. Something we hadn’t done that before today. And you know in basketball, they say if you win the third, you put yourself in a strong position to win the game,” said Selepe.

MBB did just that. Coming out of halftime, they tightened up defensively, limited APR’s opportunities, and decisively swung the momentum in their favour by dropping 29 points in the third quarter. Their most explosive period of the game was holding APR to just 19, a ten-point swing that completely changed the tone of the contest. For a team still forming its identity, that kind of execution was no small feat.

Rwandan domestic champions APR, on the other hand, seemed deflated after suffering another loss in their home arena after first losing to Al Ahli Tripoli. The Army club from the capital city, Kigali, struggled again to find the right combinations and answer MBB’s physical play.

For coach Sam Vincent, the turnaround is no mystery. It’s a result of time, chemistry, and trust. “When you bring new guys together, even when they’re talented, it takes time to build chemistry,” he said. “Now, they’re playing and joking together, bonding. And we can see it, guys are communicating, covering for each other, looking for each other. That’s making us stronger.”

The former NBA champion and MBB coach Sam Vincent, who arrived in South Africa 25 years ago, has leaned on his experience to steer this new group. That belief carries into how he views players like David Craig, who played a key role in the win.

“David’s eager and motivated,” Vincent said. “He really helped us on the offensive boards, boxed out, defended, and scored. He was just shy of a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds. If we can get that consistently from him, he’s going to help this team a lot.”

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Selepe echoed that sentiment, calling the presence of the 7 ft 3 (2.13m) Craig on the floor a game-changer. “He’s a baller,” Selepe shared. “Seven-foot-three, the biggest player in the BAL right now. We expect him to do those things. Like coach said, he was one point shy of a double-double. The future’s bright.”

The chemistry alluded to by MBB’s coach and captain is becoming more visible. Selepe intimated that it stems from open dialogue and learning each other’s character on and off the court.

“We keep talking,” he said. “The more time we spend together, the more we understand each other and everything that happens around us. That’s it.”

With two more games remaining, the message is clear: one more win and MBB could clinch a spot in the playoffs – something that felt far-fetched at the start of the conference.

“There’s nothing else, we just want to win,” Selepe said. “We know it’s going to be tough. We’ve played teams like The Nairobi City Thunder before, they beat us by 38 at the Road to BAL. But the other night, we only beat them by one, right at the death. So they’re going to come out and punch first, but we’ve got to fight. That’s the essence of basketball in Africa, you go out there and fight.”

David Craig iTeam Yase Dladleni MBB — **David Craig is an advantage for MBB in the pain in both defence and offence.**

Following their slow start, two wins in a row will have lifted the mood of South African hoop fans, allowing them to continue dreaming of seeing the Blue Soldiers compete in South Africa’s capital city, Tshwane, in June. iTeam Yase Dladleni has proven they belong on the continental stage. Whether it’s David Craig owning the paint or Selepe leading with urgency, the pieces are falling into place. As they chase a playoff berth, the Blue Soldiers are doing more than rewriting their tournament. They are reshaping the expectations of South African basketball on the continental stage.

iTeam Yase Dladleni closing in on a playoff spot Read More »

MBB’s Pfachi to break new ground for Zimbabwe at the BAL

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THE Made By Ball Club’s players were grinding and breaking a sweat on Monday afternoon at Mandeville Sports Complex. The scrimmage between the club’s first and second units was so intense and physical that it came as no surprise that there were a few bumps and bruises ahead of their historic Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda.

One of the players who felt the tough end of the scrimmage was floor general Dyvonne Pfachi. The Zimbabwean guard took a knock to the forehead, leading to his exit in the second half and him sitting out for the rest of the scrimmage, which was overseen by American assistant coach Dean Murray.

During his interview with The Big Tip Off, the 30-year-old seemed to have shaken off the after-effects of the hit to the head, intimating that it’s all par for the course.

“I feel great. We are playing well and coming together as a team,” said Pfachi. “Physically. I am feeling strong.

“Every practice is getting tougher and tougher. We are getting ready for the games this weekend. If you get knocked down you have to get back up and play hard.”

Dyvonne Pfachi of MBB — **Dyvonne Pfachi and MBB will make their debut at the BAL’ Nile Conference. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA Africa.**

Made By Ball, popularly known as MBB, will need Pfachi’s tough-as-nails attitude going into the Nile Conference leg of the BAL. Host club APR, Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder will test the mettle of iTeam yase dladleni in the conference.

As the Johannesburg-based club makes its much-awaited first appearance at the continental tournament, the Zimbabwean will also achieve a first. He’ll become the first player from his country to compete at the BAL.

While looking forward to playing the continental stage, he recollected the pain of previous attempts with home clubs Mercenaries and JBC and the lessons he learnt.

“I learnt I had to be mentally and physically strong,” said Pfachi. “We don’t often get the kind of competition locally where you know you are going to take hits and that there are no easy lay ups.”

He expressed his excitement at the feat of representing his homeland.

“It feels great. It’s a lot of weight. Everyone in Zimbabwe will be looking at me like I am that guy. They will say I want to be like that guy,” said Pfachi. So, it is a great opportunity for me to be an ambassador for my country at the BAL.”

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Part of their preparation for the BAL was playing the American team Rise & Grind. Pfachi says the two friendlies against their visitors last week were an indication of where their strengths were and where their weaknesses lay.

“We are ready for the games. The two matches helped us identify where we are strong and what we need to work on,” said Pfachi. “We won our first game and lost our second. I think that loss came because we did not play good team defence.

“So part of the scrimmage today was designed for us to learn how to play good team defence.”

To ensure a strong performance in Rwanda, MBB strengthened its roster by signing Ugandan shooting guard Robinson Opong, who competed in the inaugural BAL with Nigerian club Rivers Hoopers and played last season with his home club, the City Oilers.

Experienced South African big man Pieter Prinsloo, part of last year’s national championship-winning team, has also re-joined MBB from Rwandan club REG. Tennessee Tech giant centre David Craig, also from South Africa, will add more depth at the frontcourt with his potential to divert, block shots and score.

Despite being with the team for a limited time, Pfachi says the newcomers are adjusting well. He also pointed out that they bring much-needed quality to the team.

“They have come in, and I think they understand the system we are trying to play. They are great additions to the team. We have shooters outside and guys that can play inside,” said Pfachi. “So, looking at the team overall, we have what it takes to come home to Pretoria and compete in the playoffs.”

As Pfachi and MBB prepare for the trip to Rwanda on Wednesday, the journey to Kigali will afford both player and team the opportunity to bask in their achievements, because as soon as they land, the reality of top-level competition will set in.

MBB’s Pfachi to break new ground for Zimbabwe at the BAL Read More »