Made By Basketball (MBB) - The Big Tip Off

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

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.

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Which Nile Conference teams will set sail for the playoffs?

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THE opening round of the BAL Nile Conference has provided a fascinating glimpse into the strengths, challenges, and potential of the four competing teams: Al Ahli Tripoli, APR, Made By Basketball (MBB), and Nairobi City Thunder. Each team’s performance has reflected distinct narratives shaped by leadership, injuries, and moments of brilliance, all setting the stage for an intense race toward the playoffs.

Al Ahli Tripoli: Leadership Shining Through Jean Jacques Boissy’s Impact

Al Ahli Tripoli stands out as the dominant force after being unbeaten in their first three games. Much of their success is anchored by the remarkable leadership of Jean-Jacques Boissy, who has consistently come off the bench to make a huge impact. Their system appears finely tuned, allowing multiple players to contribute in varying but complementary ways.

“Jean, although he is the youngest foreigner in our team, he has great leadership and charisma. We are lucky to have him, and from day one, he sent a clear message: he’s the leader,” said Al Ahli coach Fouad Abouh Chacra. “He’s reading the game, making his teammates look good, and he’s a great defender. Thank God, we have Jean-Jacques, and we will protect him and keep him with us because he fits in from day one. It feels like he has been with the team for ten years.”

Boissy is in scintillating form for the Libyan club, delivering standout performances with 28 points against MBB, 30 points versus Nairobi City Thunder, and 25 points against APR.

Jean Jacques Boissy Al Ahli BAL Nile Conferennce — **Jean Jacques Boissy is thriving in the colours of Al Ahli Tripoli at the Nile Conference. Pictures: The BAL**

Beyond Boissy, the team thrives in its system, with multiple players stepping up in different ways to help Al Ahli maintain aggressive play and solid teamwork – a formula that’s proving nearly unstoppable.

APR already missing the impact of Diarra in the Nile Conference

APR enters the second round with a solid 2-1 record, having been edged only by Al Ahli Tripoli. Central to APR’s success is Aliou Diarra, whose physical presence has been a game-changer. However, Diarra is sidelined by injury, and his return timeline is uncertain, with his status considered day-to-day. APR coach James Maye Jr was candid about the need for collective effort following the Malian forward’s absence.

“Of course, Aliou definitely would have been a help. But I think our team is deep enough. We just needed more of a team effort, and we failed at that tonight,” said Maye Jr.

Maye Jr pinpointed key factors in their loss to Al Ahli Tripoli. “They got the ball on the rim 17 more times than we did. We turned the ball over 21 times… They were just the aggressors,” said the American coach.

He underscored APR’s struggles with 21 turnovers and Al Ahli’s dominance on the offensive glass with 23 offensive rebounds, a sign of how discipline and execution will be crucial if APR hopes to contend as they move forward without their dominant big man.

Aliou Diarra APR Nile Conference — **Aliou Diarra has been a cornerstone for APR, and his absence due to injury was felt in the game against Al Ahli.**

Prinsloo and Leanard Jr give Vincent some nostalgic moments

MBB is still searching for consistency, posting a 1-2 record after losses to Al Ahli Tripoli and APR. However, Pieter Prinsloo’s performances offer a glimmer of hope, as he has emerged as a pivotal figure in MBB’s push for a playoff spot on home soil.

Coach Sam Vincent’s reflections reveal growing optimism. “I have to give the guys a lot of credit. We could’ve hung our heads, trailing the game the way we did and just given up. Instead we showed a lot of fight and determination,” said Vincent. “We made some slight adjustments to the lineup, and those brought more energy, tougher defence, and allowed us to push the ball up the court.”

The MBB coach also singled out Prinsloo’s game as a highlight. “Honestly, there were moments that gave me real NBA flashbacks. Prinsloo today reminded me of Larry Bird – no disrespect to Larry – but the step-back threes and low-post moves were sensational. And Teafale (Leanard Jr), with a couple of monstrous dunks, reminded me of Scottie Pippen,” said Vincent.

Defensive improvements have also been key, with players like Lebesa Selepe stepping up to take on tough defensive assignments, allowing more offensive freedom for others.

“A couple of things stood out. Selepe came in and did a great job defensively against (Evans) Ganapamo, which gave us a huge boost. At one point, TL (Teafale) wanted to guard their number one, but we needed him on offence. So we let Selepe take on that role, and he did a great job.”

Teafal Lenard Jr MBB — **Teafal Lenard has been a star for MBB in the Nile Conference.**

With better chemistry and a clearer understanding of rotations, MBB is building a foundation for the remaining three games.

Nairobi City Thunder: Unlocked Potential Amidst Challenges

Nairobi City Thunder has had a tough start to the season with a 0-3 record, but there are clear signs of promise. Their potential was highlighted against MBB, where they built an 18-point lead, and Evans Ganapamo delivered standout performances throughout.

Thunder coach Bradley Ibs reflected on the team’s struggles and moments of brilliance. “After we got the big lead in the third quarter, we got out of character. Defensively, we stopped playing according to our principles – lots of reaching, silly fouls, and missed boxouts on free throws. These lapses swung the momentum,” said Ibs

“We were great at getting into the paint in the first half, but in the second, we settled for too many perimeter shots. That wasn’t the plan – it just happened under pressure.”

Despite the losses, Ibs was encouraged by his performance and the team’s energy and cohesion improvements.

“I didn’t play any differently than in the last games; today, the shots just went in. This was a crucial game for us,” said Ibs. “We played with more energy and better cohesion today. We need to keep that same energy and clean up our mistakes moving forward.”

The key question remains: Can Nairobi City Thunder harness their potential quickly enough to reverse their fortunes and earn a playoff spot?

Evans Ganapamo City Thunder Nile Conference — **Evans Ganapamo found his scoring rhythm against MBB on Tuesday night.**

Conclusion

Each team now faces the challenge of building on its performance while addressing its weaknesses. With the playoffs looming, the race to secure the coveted three-playoff spots promises to be a thrilling battle filled with leadership moments, strategic adjustments, and individual brilliance.

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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.

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Vincent wants to add brush and polish to MBB’s game

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FEELINGS of excitement and anticipation engulfed new MBB coach Sam Vincent since he arrived in South Africa last week, a country he last set foot in almost three decades ago. Back then, he was a pro player sweating it out on the hardwoods of the then-Professional Basketball League, one of the catalysts of the country’s exciting but short-lived basketball boom and buzz.

American-born Vincent wasted no time in being reacquainted with the country’s basketball scene, as he was treated to a Johannesburg Basketball Association Chairman’s Cup final on Sunday involving MBB, South Africa’s representatives at the Basketball Africa League Season 5. The latter is the reason why Vincent, who started his job on Monday, was appointed to the helm of iTeam Yase Dladleni.

Watching from the bleachers, he saw his team go down 55-53 to coach Florsheim Ngwenya’s Super Elite, nonetheless, it (the defeat) did little to dampen his mood. Judging by his demeanour and words, the cool and collected Vincent, a coach at Beacon College before joining MBB, told The Big Tip Off he was impressed with the quality of basketball produced at the Klipspruit Centre in Soweto.

“The basketball is definitely a lot better. These guys played tough. They played physically. They made some big shots. I can see the progress. There is a lot of progress. The players have improved and they played hard,” said the 61-year-old from Lansing Michigan.

“So MBB had a chance to win it… They missed some shots down the stretch. But I was happy with what I saw.”

Sam Vincent MBB head coach — **MBB coach Sam Vincent at the BAL Combine in Morocco. Pictures: The BTO and the BAL**

From his vantage point, Vincent, a 1986 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, did make some mental notes on what he would like to improve when he begins his first official practice. He particularly noted that team chemistry was an area of concern – he felt the on-court awareness was lacking at particular points in the clash against Super Elite.

“There are moments in the game where you gotta know who you are going to, who you are looking for. I felt near the end of the game, guys took shots that were a little premature,” said Vincent. “I think part of getting better means really understanding the plays to run at critical times… Knowing the players to give the ball to. I think they slipped up a little on that today.”

Vincent will have ample time to tighten loose ends as MBB’s Nile Conference campaign begins only in May (17-25). He believes MBB has a solid core of South African players and that the right recruits from the rest of Africa and overseas will make them a stronger team.

He also gave his thoughts on the BAL. “This is an exciting opportunity. The NBA has big plans for the BAL. They want to grow it. I have had a chance to watch previous seasons. It’s great basketball,” said Vincent.

Turning his attention to the makeup of MBB, he maintained a tone of excitement about his team’s prospects. “Watching these guys… I feel we have some solid South African players. They are going to come in and make major contributions. We have to bring in the right players from overseas and here in Africa, and then we will have a strong team. I am excited about what is coming,” said Vincent.

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The former Nigeria women’s team coach says he and the club have identified the players they need for the campaign, and it is only a matter of time before they lock down deals for them.

“We are close. The chairperson has been managing that process. I know he has got some guys that he likes. I have had a chance to watch some videos. So, I think we are really close to getting our international players locked in and knocking down the list of South African players,” said Vincent.

With playoffs and finals coming to South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, Vincent has targeted a top-two finish to guarantee that MBB can also show out in front of their home fans.

“The competition is going to be stronger. That third leg (Nile Conference) is going to be difficult. But we are going there to secure a chance to come back and compete in Pretoria and in front of the home crowd,” said Vincent.

MBB head coach Sam Vincent — **Sam Vincent will prioritise team cohesion ahead of MBB’s BAL Nile Conference campaign.**

Returning to South Africa must evoke memories for the Michigan-born coach. How does he remember the PBL era?

“The PBL era in the ’90s and early 2000s was good basketball. We didn’t have the size, muscle and speed of the game today, but I must say, it was a good building block. I think now the guys are faster and stronger,” said Vincent. “What needs to happen now is more structure. There is no reason for South Africa not to have a strong national league. So, if the game is to move forward, the organisational national structure has to improve.”

After spending three decades away carving out a successful coaching career, how is Vincent experiencing his full circle moment?

“For me, it’s exciting… It really is. I was here 27 years ago. That’s where I started coaching. Having had a chance to coach in the NBA, and then at the college level, throughout Europe and Asia and coming back (to South Africa) to participate at this level… It’s exciting. I am really excited to see basketball here grow,” concluded Vincent.

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