US Monastir

ASC, Monastir leading the way in the Sahara Conference

THE most competitive conference in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) has reached its halfway mark, and teams still have much to play for. In the midway report, The Big Tip Off analyses each team’s performance in the BAL’s Sahara Conference in Dakar, Senegal. We also look at their potential to progress as the next round of matches begins on Thursday.

ASC Ville de Dakar: A home team shining on debut

Current form: 2-1

Strengths: Experience, strong defensive team and homecourt advantage

Weakness: Questionable squad depth

ASC Ville de Dakar has closed out tight games against reigning champions Petro de Luanda (65-64) and 2022 tournament winners US Monastir (70-67). In between the victories over Petro and Monastir, ASC lost a down-to-the-wire contest (66-63) to fellow debutants Kriol Star of Cape Verde.

They have a stingy defence led by the evergreen centre Ater Majok, who patrols the paint area like a hawk. At 37, the 2022 BAL Defensive Player of the Year again ranks in the top 10 in rebounds (fourth) and blocks (seventh) in BAL Season 5.

An astute defender, Majok, a champion with Monastir, is also a proven highlight reel on offence. In one of the plays of the tournament, he blocked an audacious poster dunk attempt by Petro’s Glofate Buiamba. In the same play, his legs carried him quickly down the court. He received a pass in the paint and leapt to the rim for a monster dunk. He finished the Wednesday night game against Petro with 14 points and six defensive rebounds.

Floor general Will Perry (17.5 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game) had an off night against Petro, but he is still a dependable scorer and ball distributor. Sharp-shooter Abdoulaye Harouna (10.5 points per game, three rebounds and two assists per game) has offered consistency in scoring for ASC.

Outlook: ASC sits at the top of the standings, and for them to maintain their position and progress, they need the bench to step up. Players like Makhtar Gueye, who had a huge game against Petro (16 points and 11 rebounds), must have consistent production.

Majok and Harouna cannot play heavy minutes, as was the case against Petro.

Firas Lahyani US Monastir — **Firas Lahyani has been a dependable player for US Monastir**

US Monastir: Trying to recapture the magic of 2022

Current form: 2-1

Strengths: Accomplished veterans, good team chemistry

Weakness: If veterans don’t step up

US Monastir got off to a slow start, losing to home club ASC (70-67), but picked things up with wins over Petro (87-73) and Kriol Star (88-72). Since winning the BAL in 2022, Monastir has struggled to emulate the feats that made them African champions in recent BAL editions. They seem to have found their footing with their recruits stepping up.

Senegal’s Babacar Sane, averaging 14 points per game, brings a burst of youthful energy to Monastir’s lineup. The G-League standout made his presence felt in both wins, scoring 13 points against Kriol Star and an impressive 24 against Petro. Monastir will be counting on this level of production from Sane if they hope to make a serious run in the BAL.

Point guard Patrick Hardy has led the team in scoring (15.7 points per game) and has doled out dimes at a high rate (6.0 assists). Hardy’s production and solid contributions from Firas Layhani, Osiris Eldridge and Deng Acuoth have steered the Blue Empire in the right direction.

Outlook: Monastir seem to be on the right track, but if the ship needs steadying in the remaining three games, trusted veterans like Radhouane Slimane, Mourad El Mabrouk and Mokhtar Ghyaza can step up at any point.

Patrick Gardner in action at Sahara Conference — **Patrick Gardner is one of Petro’s scoring go-to-guys in the Sahara Conference.**

Petro de Luanda: Os Tricolores have challengers to their throne

Current form: 1-2

Strengths: Good pieces in every playing department

Weakness: Being in a comfort zone after winning the BAL title

Petro de Luanda has a different look, with Yannick Moreira assuming the leadership role from departed legend Carlos Morais.

Moreira, part of Petro’s BAL title-winning team last year, has to help ensure the wheels don’t come off this year. After the Angolan giants suffered back-to-back losses to US Monastir (87-73) and ASC (65-64), they find themselves in a precarious position. The defeats come after Petro steamrolled past Kriol Star 103-74 in the Sahara Conference’s opening game.

The win over Kriol Star may have glossed over Petro’s issue of defending threes and physical match-ups in the paint. Players like Osiris Eldridge of US Monastir made seven of his nine attempts from behind the arc. The host club’s Makhtar Gueye was four of five from the three-point line.

Ater Majok overpowered Patrick Gardner in the paint, a threat Moreira was able to deal with. Coach Sergio Moreno will have noted these areas of concern and used Wednesday’s off day to tighten the defensive frailties.

Outlook: Petro can get buckets. Moreira, Gardner, and EJ Anosike have established themselves as key players, stepping up when it matters most. With just three games remaining, they have a final chance to prove their worth – or risk becoming only the second defending champion to exit during the conference stage, a fate that befell Monastir last year.

Ivan Almeida Sahara Conference — **Ivan Almeida has been a leading scorer for Kriol Star.**

Kriol Star: A newcomer finding its feet on the big stage

Current form: 1-2

Strengths: Seasoned pros in their line-up

Weaknesses: Not enough quality on the bench

Kriol Star did well getting a W in the second game of their BAL debut versus home side ASC, but can the Cape Verde team build on that victory?

One of the weak points is getting rebounds. Small forward Ivan Almeida is one of Kriol Stars’ leading scorers (16 points per game). Apart from getting buckets, he also leads in crashing boards (10.7 rebounds per game) and blocks (1.0 blocks per game).

The lack of quality bigs to rebound and get blocks could count against Kriol Star, especially with the race to secure playoff spots to Pretoria, South Africa, hotting up.

It will be interesting to see what adjustments coach Hugo da Silva makes to resolve Kriol Stars’ front-court problems.

Outlook: They don’t lack in the scoring department, with Richaud Pack (18 points per game). In addition, Ivan’s brother Joel (12 points per game) is helping to rack up the points. But that is not enough to book a ticket to the playoffs.

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Sané happy to be in Senegal and flying with Monastir

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RETURNING to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) this season, Babacar Sané is experiencing a full-circle moment. The 21-year-old small forward, a former Dakar Université Club (DUC) player and an ever-present in the Senegal senior national team… has found himself on familiar ground, battling for continental honours in the colours of Tunisia’s US Monastir this time around.

For Sané, stepping back onto the BAL stage carries deep personal significance. “I feel good to be back playing in the BAL, where everything started. I feel like this is where part of my career started,” he shared. “Even though I’m not representing a club from my home country, it feels good to be playing in Senegal. Playing in the BAL is something huge for me. I don’t take it for granted.”

A product of NBA Academy Africa, Sané made an early impact internationally, including representing the NBA G League Ignite at the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Most recently, he spent the 2024–25 G League season with the Salt Lake City Stars and the Iowa Wolves, respective affiliates of NBA franchises Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.

G-League player, who averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, feels that experience sharpened his game for the BAL stage, facilitated by the BAL x G-League program, a unique initiative allowing G-League players to enter a selection pool for competing teams to choose from. If selected, the players join the teams competing in the BAL, and the league covers their compensation.

“When I heard about the program, I put my name in and I had a conversation with Amadou Gallo Fall, who allowed me to play the BAL,” Sané explained. “Since my season ended, things have been quiet… So it was a really good thing to come and compete in the BAL.”

Reflecting on his journey, Sané noted the growth in his game and mindset since his first BAL appearance through the Elevate program.

“I was younger back then, so it was a lot of pressure, playing against grown men and other pros,” he recalled. “Now, there’s a big difference. I feel really good, comfortable, more confident around the fans and doing my thing out there.”

Babacar Sane and US Monastir — **Babacar Sané understands that the 2022 BAL champions, US Monastir, are an ambitious club. Pictures: The BAL**

Bouncing Back with Character

US Monastir experienced an early setback on opening night, losing 67–70 to ASC Ville de Dakar, the host team. However, they quickly moved on and responded with a convincing 87–73 victory over the defending BAL champions, Petro de Luanda, on Sunday night.

The battles between Monastir and Petro are well-documented, with the Blue Empire emerging victorious in every BAL matchup. Sunday’s win reinforced that dominance.

Sané played a key role in the victory, scoring a game-high 24 points and showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability at all levels. A former standout at the Academy, Sané proved to be unstoppable, continuously punishing Petro’s defence throughout the game. The Angolan champions struggled to contain his dynamic offensive skills.

“I just always stay ready and follow the coach’s game plan. The first game, I didn’t play a lot, but I knew my time was coming,” said Sané. “I made sure I stayed ready whenever the coach put me in. Champions don’t lose two games in a row. In that game, we showed character and got the job done.”

Monastir showcased its impressive offensive firepower, successfully landing 17 of 28 three-pointers, highlighting Petro’s struggle to defend against perimeter shots. Notably, Monastir made more shots from beyond the arc than inside, with a shooting percentage of 15 out of 28 for two-point attempts. This disparity was a significant factor in Petro’s defeat.

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A Competitive Sahara Conference

With each team in the Sahara Conference already securing a win, the margins for error are slim. Sané emphasised the importance of bouncing back immediately after their opening loss. “Right now, every team out here is really strong,” he noted. “Getting that first win made us feel good, more confident, and ready for the upcoming games.”

Despite the ongoing narrative surrounding Monastir’s unbeaten (3-0) record against Petro, Sané admitted that he did not focus much on the history leading up to the game. “This is my first time playing for Monastir against Petro,” he shared. “I hadn’t heard much about it before the game.”

Learning from Experience and Eyeing Growth

His comeback to the BAL and playing for Monastir means he shares the floor with veteran Radhouane Slimane, a legend in African basketball, which is an invaluable learning opportunity for Sané. How does he feel about being able to tap into Sekka’s wealth of knowledge?

“He’s a really good person. Being alongside someone like him, who’s been playing the game for years and has so much experience… That’s big for me,” shared Sané. “I want to learn a little bit of everything; the way he moves, how he prepares, his routines. That’s going to help me a lot.”

Babacar Sane playing for DUC — **Babacar Sane made his BAL debut in the 2022 season.**

As for personal goals this season, Sané is focused on showcasing his complete game and contributing to winning basketball. “I want to show my skills. I want to show what I can do to help teams win, and contribute to winning,” said Sane, who scored 13 points in an 88-72 win over Cape Verde’s Kriol Star on Tuesday. “That’s what I’m here for, to help the team win.”

With every game, his confidence will grow. It also helps that he is playing next to an accomplished veteran who will guide him through the rigours of the tournament. Knowing that Monastir, holders of a 2-1 record in the Sahara Conference, is a team accustomed to success and eager to stamp their ticket to Pretoria, Sané will push to make his homecoming one to remember.

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Abada chasing domestic glory with Club Africain

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TUNISIAN virtuoso floor general Omar Abada returned home a year ago after spending two years in the Middle East, after being on what you could call a basketball pilgrimage. The point guard says those years spent between Saudi Arabia and Syria helped refine his game.

Abada, who joined the ambitious Club Africain last year, departed Tunisia after his then star-studded US Monastir team succumbed to an equally strong Zamalek in the inaugural Basketball Africa League final in 2021.

The quintessential point guard says the move to Al-Ittihad Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Al Wahda Damascus (Syria) was worth it for his career. He believes what he learnt in the Middle East has put him in a position to help Club Africain compete at home and qualify for continental competition.

“I enjoyed my experiences (in Saudi Arabia and Syria). I don’t regret the choice to play over there,” said the 31-year-old, speaking to The Big Tip Off. “There are aspects of my game that I wanted to improve on. Those two seasons away were crucial for my growth.

“I am the type of player who is never satisfied. I always want to do better. Any team I play for I must do a good job for them.”

Omar Abada in action for Club Africain — **Omar Abada says Club Africain has learnt from last season’s Championnat A finals mistakes. Pictures: Club Africain**

The two-time AfroBasket winner has since returned to Tunisia. He gave the reasons for returning and why he preferred his current club. “There were a couple of reasons why I came back home. One of them is to win the league and to qualify for the BAL,” said the Tunisian international. “I liked what their board presented to me. I could feel that they were motivated and wanted to win, that’s why I signed with them.”

Four-time league champion Abada and Club Africain came close to winning the Championnat A last season, but US Monastir stood in their way. He recalled the 3-2 Championnat A finals loss to the 2022 BAL champions.

“It was a very competitive final. Homecourt advantage was key. It was painful to lose the final after a five-game series. We gave it everything, but this is sport and only one team wins,” said Abada.

Club Africain, four-time league champions, is again in the throes of the playoffs and likely to compete in the domestic finals again. Abada is confident about the team’s title charge. He feels the lessons from the past and the arrival of new players have improved the club’s chances this year.

“We have a big chance to win the league this season. We have learnt from the mistakes we made in last year’s finals. Our roster has improved with the imports brought in and moves made locally,” said Abada.

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The signings Abada referred to are Montenegro big man Gligorije Rakocevic, who has played continental basketball in Europe for Mornar Bar and point Michael Dixon Jr, a BAL champion and MVP with US Monastir.

Al Lfriki also brought in former youth international Mohamed Selmi, who played for Tunisia at the 2016 U18 AfroBasket. The Seward County Saints player was a 2014 Basketball Without Borders All-Star and three-points champion.

Abada says the trio are part of a “special group of players.”

“We have great talents in the team and definitely a lot of quality. We are like a family. That is what makes us a special group of players,” said Abada.

On the day of the interview with Abada, Club Africain had a 5-1 record in the playoffs and stretched their record with another victory over DS Grombalia. Abada scored 12 points and had three assists in his club’s emphatic 96-48 win on Saturday. Before the match, he said winning on their opposition’s home court helped the team’s momentum.

“We have five wins in a row. A win will be good for our momentum because we have an objective. We have to play our best basketball to reach it. It is what we have been doing since the beginning of the season and it is what we are doing now in the playoffs,” said Abada.

Omar Abada in action of Club Africain — **Omar Abada believes three teams have a shot at the Championnat A title.**

US Monastir, his former employer, has been a dominant force in the last league for six years. This year again Monastir is among the contenders for the coveted Championnat A title. Can Abada and his teammates end the Blue Empire’s rampage?

Entering the final year of his contract, Abada expressed his determination to win while wearing Club Africain’s red and white striped jersey. However, he acknowledged there are at least three contenders in the race.

“Club Africain, US Monastir and JS Kairouan… We are all in. We all have a shot at the title,” said Abada. “It is a crucial season for the team and I. We have set ourselves a goal. We must play our best basketball to reach it.”

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BAL playoffs: Who are the contenders, who are the pretenders?

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KIGALI – The highly anticipated BAL (Basketball Africa League) playoffs officially tip off later today (Friday) at BK Arena. The Big Tip Off reflects on the conference play and previews the eight teams ahead of the seeding games.

Cape Town Tigers

The Tigers had a rocky start to their home debut during the Kalahari Conference, managing a single win against Petro de Luanda in their penultimate game of conference play. In that game (against Petro), the South African champions showed sparks of their potential. The Tigers also shared the ball better and reduced turnovers.

Several players demonstrated they could shoot the ball well and draw contact to put their opponents in the penalty. The Tigers sometimes seemed too reliant on “iso” plays despite it being ineffective in certain stretches of play. They also struggled to defend at the three-point line, and their average of 37.2 total rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 45.0 total rebounds per game led to them giving up second-chance opportunities to their opponents in the paint.

Samkelo Cele is a vital contributor to the Tigers, and a solid team player when needed to fulfil certain roles. As the leading scorer for the team, Cele showcased his ability with an average of 20.5 points per game. Additionally, he led the team with 2.3 steals per game.

Cape Town Tigers player Samkelo Cele — **Samkelo Cele has been the fulcrum for the Tigers in offence and defence. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

The Tigers are one of the six teams who have made roster changes ahead of the BAL playoffs. The likes of Billy Preston, co-captain Lebesa Selepe and rookie Storm Gilchrist are no longer with the team. However, the additions of former Dynamo BBC guard Dheiu Deing, former Stade Malien forward Brian Bridgeforth and centre Mouhamadou Ndoye could stabilise the South African team.

AS Douanes

The Senegal club had a mixed performance throughout the Sahara Conference. A loss of concentration down the stretch in games proved costly as they suffered three losses. However, their three wins, including a buzzer-beater by Mike Fofana with three seconds left in the game against Rivers Hoopers, showcased that the Senegalese champions can compete and win against the best of them.

AS Douanes struggled shooting the ball, averaging 33% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc. However, they averaged 16.8 offensive rebounds, giving them second-chance opportunities to put numbers on the scoreboard.

Abdoulaye Harouna was AS Douanes’ key player. Harouna struggled to find his footing in the first game, scoring only eight points, but bounced back with a 35-point performance against US Monastir in their second game. In the end, Harouna led the team with 17.6 points per game. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s defence led to an average of 3.6 steals per game, fuelling some much-needed transition offence in stretches when AS Douanes struggled to convert.

AS Douanes maintained their roster ahead of the BAL playoffs – they have the momentum from the Sahara Conference, but can it lead to an appearance in the final?

Al Ahly Egypt

Al Ahly finished at the top of the Nile Conference once again. But the reigning BAL champs, who have exhibited a composed demeanour found themselves a little shaken on a few occasions, including their upset loss to Uganda’s City Oilers.

To their credit, Al Ahly’s depth and versatility across all positions allowed them to aggressively attack their opponents, giving them comfortable leads in games. The Egyptian giants excelled in rebounding, averaging 43.8 total rebounds per game, indicating strong performance on both ends of the court.

Ehab Amin in action of Al Ahly — **Can Ehab Amin lead Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a second BAL title?**

The Egyptian Champions’ defence proved effective as they managed to hold their opponents to an average of 78.3 points per game and forced turnovers at a rate of 13.3 per game.

Ehab Amin led the charge for Al Ahly with 13.5 points per game. It may seem like a low number, but it showcased Al Ahly’s depth in offence. Against Bangui Sporting Club, Amin delivered a clutch three-pointer in the final minutes to seal Al Ahly’s 85-79 win. The guard led the team in rebounding.

The reigning champions have replaced Marwan Sahran and Ahmed Moheib with Omar Azab and Seifeldin Saied.

Petro de Luanda

The Angolans had a disappointing Kalahari Conference campaign despite clinching one of the automatic qualifications for Kigali. Petro, usually strong during the regular season, suffered two losses in regular season play.

Historically, Petro is a team that excels at moving the ball well and creating opportunities to showcase their ability to shoot from beyond the arc and stretch the floor. However, this season, they struggled and could not adjust as expected. Despite their offensive struggles, Petro maintained a competitive defensive presence by limiting their opponents’ shooting percentages and rebounding numbers. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers contributes to their defensive effectiveness.

Childe Dundao was the standout player for the Angolan side, and his 25-point performance was crucial in their must-win game in the second round against FUS Rabat. The guard averaged 13.5 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, and shot 37% from the three-point line. Dundao, part of last season’s BAL All-Defensive Team, was able to disrupt the opponents’ offence and use his speed to push the ball and create transition scoring opportunities for Petro.

The Angolan champions have possibly made the biggest adjustment to their team, replacing coach Jose Neto with Sergio Moreno. Anthony Nelson and Edmir Lucas were replaced by guard Nicholas Faust and forward Clesio Castro. Castro will help to provide a strong interior presence, while Faust will be an additional scoring option.

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FUS da Rabat

The Moroccan club were the Kalahari Conference’s most exciting team. FUS showcased their versatility as each player stepped on the floor.

FUS was able to maximise scoring opportunities through their shot selection as well as offensive execution. This is reflected in their 46.4% field goal percentage. The Moroccan champions’ strong rebounding presence at both ends of the floor limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities.

Johnathan Jordan was a factor in FUS’ success. The guard averaged the most minutes played for the team, averaging two personal fouls per game. A good facilitator, Jordan averaged 4.5 assists per game, and his ability to convert, as he led the team’s scoring with an average of 16.3 points.

FUS have made no changes to their team as they will head into the BAL playoffs as they look to continue their dominance.

Al Ahly Libya

Al Ahly Benghazi’s debut in the Nile Conference saw them display individual brilliance and collective effort. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and disciplined play were hallmarks of their campaign. With solid contributions from their starters and bench, Al Ahly Benghazi showed that they are a well-rounded and resilient team capable of competing at a high level.

Throughout the regular season, Al Ahly Benghazi demonstrated a balanced scoring approach with five players averaging in double digits. This balanced attack made them less predictable and more challenging for opponents to defend. The team’s dominance in rebounding at the offence end provided crucial second-chance opportunities, allowing them to remain a threat in the paint. Al Ahly Benghazi also excelled in maintaining possession, resulting in minimized turnovers.

Jo Acuil was the standout player not only for Al Ahly, but he also gave a standout performance in the final regular season game against the City Oilers. In that game, Acuil set the BAL record for the most points scored (42). Throughout the Nile Conference, Acuil maintained a consistently high level of play, averaging a double-double. His regular season averages were 23 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is a dual threat as both a prolific scorer and a formidable rebounder, making him an asset for the Libyan club. Acuil is a defensive pillar with great shot-blocking ability, rim protection and can alter shots.

The Libyan champions let go of their primary point guard, Pierre Jackson and Anees Almansouri and brought in Omar Aldirfeeli and Robert Wilson Golden. The loss of Jackson, who was a key contributor in his scoring, pushing the ball up the floor, could prove detrimental to them in the BAL playoffs.

Rivers Hoopers

Rivers Hoopers had a strong debut in the Sahara conference, remaining undefeated in the first round of the competition. But they would suffer two defeats later. The first was a buzzer-beater in a game against AS Douanes and the other because of visible fatigue in the final fixture against US Monastir. The last game saw star point guard Will Perry get a DNP.

At a glance, there is not much difference between the Hoopers’ and their opponents statistically. But it came down to their team chemistry, a component which many other teams have struggled to find so far this season. The Hoopers demonstrated their cohesive team dynamic. They have a balanced distribution of responsibilities and scoring support from Will Perry, Devine Eke, Kelvin Amayo, and Peter Olisemeka, who were able to step up for the team on any given night.

Perry emerged as the primary scorer and facilitator for the team, averaging 18.6 points per game and 5.4 assists. His efficiency in shooting the ball from beyond the arc made him a threat to the opponents but also allowed the Hoopers to spread the floor and make big shots while also getting some good looks for his teammates.

The Nigerian side let go of Michael Daramola and brought Victor Damiola Mohammed. Mohammed is no stranger to the tournament following his time with the Kwara Falcons last season. He will surely look to help the Hoopers as they try to make a deep run into the BAL playoffs.

The Tunisian club emerged as a phoenix from the ashes to secure their spot in the BAL playoffs. After losing their first three games of the Sahara Conference, Monastir came out swinging in the second round. The Blue Empire won three straight to secure the last third-best place ticket.

While the team struggled in the first round, going 0-3, they showed resilience. Monastir managed to find their identity and corrected their mistakes. The impact of Firas Lahyani on the defensive glass and his steals allowed them to limit the opposition’s offensive opportunities and create opportunities for them to take advantage of their offensive arsenal and convert offensively.

Chris Crawford was the Tunisian side’s offensive catalyst, leading the team with 19.2 points per game. Crawford showcased his versatility in his consistent production on the offensive end, creating opportunities for his teammates. He averaged 8.5 assists per game – the record for the regular season.

Monastir made one change to their roster – the addition of guard Avry Marshall Holmes, who brings experience from South America. He will provide an additional scoring option to the Tunisian side. Holmes replaces Amrou Bouallague.

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Former BAL champions Monastir to look for redemption

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AFTER their humiliating exit in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 3 last year, Tunisian club US Monastir will be looking to redeem themselves in this season’s competition.

The Big Tip Off gives insights into Monastir ahead of the upcoming BAL Season 4.

Team: US Monastir

Country: Tunisia

History: Monastir are eight-time champions of the Championnat Pro A. The five-time Tunisian Cup champions have been among the top teams in their local league, but on the continent, Monastir has been the country’s bright light.

Following their appearance in the final of the inaugural BAL season, Monastir went one better by being crowned champions in Season 2.

The following season saw the Blue Empire falter at the Sahara Conference stage of the BAL.

Monastir earned a third-place finish in the former FIBA Clubs Champions Cup in 2017.

Route The BAL: Tunisia are one of six countries whose league winners get direct entry to the BAL, and Monastir will now make a fourth appearance at the continental competition.

Adel Tlatli during the 2017 FIBA Champions Cup — **Adel Tlatli has a wealth of experience in international basketball. Pictures: FIBA**

Coach: In terms of landing a big-name coach, it does not come better than Adel Tlatli. He led the Tunisian national team to an AfroBasket gold medal in 2011 and achieved a third position twice in 2009 and 2015 in the same tournament.

Tlatli’s other achievements include leading the North African giants at the 2010 FIBA World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.

With Tlatli on their bench, Monastir has a fighting chance to reclaim the BAL trophy won in 2022.

Star player: Firas Lahyani has been a mainstay of the Blue Empire since the inaugural BAL tournament.

The Tunisian international was not a starter in the start-studded team that made the final in 2021, but he contributed 5.0 points per game from the bench.

In their championship season (2022), Lahyani played a prominent role for the Tunisian club. His minutes (24.7 minutes per game) and production increased. He averaged 12.5 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.

If Lahyani can get back to the level of production of two seasons ago, it could change and improve Monastir’s outcomes.

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Dakar stepping stone to great things for Thomas and Monastir

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Monastir have a target on their back

LISTENING to Senegalese big man Ibrahima Thomas speak, you get a sense of a man oozing confidence and one willing to give his blood and sweat to help US Monastir defend their Basketball Africa League (BAL) title.

A sense of familiarity also engulfs the 2.13m (7 ft0) centre, who joined the Tunisian super club before the start of the BAL. Some of his teammates were once his rivals when Thomas wore the colours of 13-time Tunisian league champions Etoile Sportive de Rades in 2018.

Also, the Sahara Conference leg of the BAL, which is underway, is taking place at a geographical location well-known to Thomas. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal and Thomas’ birthplace, is the setting where Monastir hope to take the first step in retaining their continental crown.

**Ibrahima Thomas wanted to join a team with a winning culture. Pictures: Getty Images**

And so far, it’s been a decent start for the Tunisians, who have a 2-1 record in their Conference. Monastir secured wins over Stade Malien and Kwara Falcons, while their solitary defeat came at the hands of ABC Fighters on Friday night.

Thomas, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Thursday, says playing at the Dakar Arena has been a gratifying experience.

“It’s a great feeling… Getting to play in front of your friends and family. We play overseas or in other parts of the continent, and they watch us on tv. But there is nothing better than playing at the stadium and them watching you,” said the 36-year-old. “It’s not only at the stadium but also you being mentioned ‘at home’. I cannot describe that feeling.”

While savouring the feeling of playing in his backyard, Thomas revealed that joining a successful club like Monastir was a no-brainer. A history factor also pushed the former Lion of Teranga player to join the North African club.

“It was easy. I played in Tunisia, and we beat them in a final when I was with Rades. So, I know the players of Monastir, and some of them are my close friends. When I was with our national team, I would also have encounters with them. Some of them were also teammates of mine, so it was an easy decision to make,” said Thomas, who played in the inaugural BAL season for Mali’s AS Police. “They are also a championship team. When you come to a tournament like this, you want to join a winning team. So, joining a team with a winning history and having teammates I know well has made things easy.”

**Ibrahima Thomas has put on great individual performances for Monastir.**

Thomas also feels the BAL champions have a target on their back, and as they navigate the Sahara Conference, they are still having to find their feet as a team.

“In the first BAL, this team finished second, and now they arrive as champions, so they are the team to beat. We have been together for a short time, so we are still building the chemistry. For players like me, Jerome (Randle) and the coach (Linos Gavriel), who got here before the tournament started, it’s a learning process,” said Thomas, a bronze medal winner at the 2013 AfroBasket. “This is not tennis. It’s a team sport. As a team, we can get better when we do things right on the court. Hopefully, it will pay off, and we will qualify for the playoffs in Rwanda. If we do, it will give us time to improve our chemistry because we will have played together for a month.”

Despite Thomas’ notion that team chemistry is an issue, his productivity and numbers have made for good reading. Thomas has notched two double-doubles and one twenty point game (11 pts and 12 rebounds against Stade Malien, 22 pts against Kwara Falcons and 14 pts and ten rebounds against ABC).

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While he has had a great start in his first three games, Thomas has not gotten carried away.

“It’s basketball, and I have come here to play. As I said, this is a team sport. Yesterday (Wednesday), I had a twenty-point game, and maybe in the next game, I might have a twenty-rebound game,” said Thomas. “You have to see what the opposing defence gives. You have to study the ins and outs of the game. So far it’s been good for our team.”

Despite the slip-up against ABC Fighters, third-placed Monastir are still on course to qualify for the quarterfinals in Kigali. Their championship pedigree could count in their favour in the final fixtures against REG, who have already qualified for the last eight, and AS Douanes.

And with a seasoned campaigner like Thomas performing at peak level, the chips could still fall in the direction of Monastir.

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Majok talks BAL ambition and life after the game

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WHEN it comes to life after basketball, Ater Majok is already clear on which path he will follow when the curtain falls and he takes a final bow from the game.

The US Monastir centre says he wants to engage more in philanthropic endeavours on the African continent. He has already targeted the kind of projects he wants to be involved in.

“I have a passion for helping out at orphanages and building homes on the continent. It’s where my heart lies and where my focus is,” said Sudan-born Majok, who spoke to The Big Tip Off via Zoom.

Although his name is synonymous with basketball, Majok stated he will have very little to do with the game once his playing days are over.

“You will not see me in the basketball sector very often. Maybe now and then, I’ll do something related to basketball, but once I put that ball down and hang up my shoes, it will be rare that I’m seen on the court,” said 34-year-old Majok, emphasising his goal-orientated nature. “I am a person who sets goals for himself. Once that is done, I close that chapter and move on to the next one. I am nearing the end of my career. So, I feel like I am satisfied and I have given everything. I am happy with where I am. There is no point in looking back to ask yourself what could have been.”

**Ater Majok has prepared himself for life after the game. Pictures: Basketball Africa League**

Majok, who once lived in Australia as a refugee, stressed that his desire to give back was born after a harrowing experience during a visit to South Sudan. He also implored other Africans who are in the same position to give their time and money to uplift the continent.

“We as Africans need to start giving back to Africa. We need to start building things by Africans for Africans. That’s where the next chapter of my life will start,” said Majok, who reflected on his visit to South Sudan. “It was in 2016 when I went back home to South Sudan. I saw a couple of orphaned kids, and witnessed one who had passed away on the street. What shocked me is that people were walking past his body with no one wanting to help. It hurt me and I felt it was unacceptable. From that point on, I told myself I must make a difference. I have a name, a voice and resources. I also know the relevant people to speak to. We have to help the next generation of Ater Majoks, Loul Dengs, presidents, ministers or teachers to reach their dreams.”

Majok added: “We need to start looking after these kids. If you look at our kids, even in the diaspora, we are losing them. We need to start taking care of them. If we don’t, there will be a lost African generation.”

The next chapter of Majok’s life is still taking shape, and whilst one eye is focused on the future, the other is firmly placed on the present. The big man is still playing the game at a high level, which he showed in his team’s opening game of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara conference. He is also on a redemption seeking mission following last year’s painful final loss to Egyptian club, Zamalek.

Majok, a former UConn Huskies player, has returned for the second season of the BAL in Dakar, Senegal, and again in the colours of last year’s finalists, US Monastir of Tunisia.

The North African club opened their campaign with a hard-fought 77-71 victory over opponents, Ferroviario da Beira of Mozambique. Majok was a dominant figure for Monastir at both ends of the court on Sunday.

At six-foot-ten, Majok was a defensive anchor for Monastir as he produced four blocks against Beira. In offence, he was a handful for the Mozambican club as he powered his way to 19 points and crashed 12 boards to earn the player of the game award.

While it was not the most polished of performances, Majok says the team will get into its stride when the time arrives.

“Beira played really and hard. There were moments in the game where they also outplayed us,” said Majok. “I must emphasise that our goal is not to peak too early. We want to peak at the right time. Sunday’s game was only the beginning for us. It was not good enough, but we got the win. We have to work hard. So when the time comes, we are at our best.”

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Despite receiving the player of the match accolade, Majok gave credit to his teammates and stated that his focus was on winning the opening game.

“I did not think about the stats. I did not even realise that I had a double-double. For me, it was about getting the victory. Even if I scored 19 points and get 12 rebounds. I give credit to my teammates because of their actions on the court, it freed me up and allowed me to score, and the defensive plays that they executed gave me the opportunity to get rebounds. So it’s not only about myself, credit must also go to the team,” said Majok, who has had a decorated playing career.

Monastir may have started on the right footing with the W over Beira, and as Majok admitted, they took some time to settle into their style of play in their opening game.

The reason could be the team based at the Tunisian coast have different personnel this year. Monastir had to replace international stars Makrem Romdhane and Omar Abada, who both played a crucial role in the team making it to the final in the inaugural tournament. Despite this challenge, Majok took a positive view of the situation.

“We are definitely going to miss the guys that are not here, but we have a good unit. These guys are going to play hard. We are a blue-collar calibre group of players. We are going to out-work and out-hustle every team,” said the veteran Majok. “Everything will be about hard work and trying to prove a point. We are a young team with alot to prove.”

Ivory Coast guard Souleyman Diabate, who won the inaugural BAL season with Zamalek, and American-born Michael Dixon, are the new faces added to the Monastir set up and they were impactful against Beira at different stages of the game.

“I was with my national team when the two signed on for Monastir. I think the coach (Miodrag Perisic) and management did a fine job welcoming and making them feel part of the team,” said Majok, who competes internationally for Lebanon. “Most of us were with our national teams, so Sunday’s game was our first time together.”

In the second instalment of the BAL, Majok is as ambitious as he was ahead of last year’s BAL. He rates his team’s prospects and feels the Tunisian Championnat A side is good enough to win the tournament.

“The goal is not only to reach the final. We want to come in first place. The journey will not be the same. We will have ups and downs. This time we will try a different way of doing things,” said the two-time Championnat A winner. Majok also reflected on what he learned from last year’s final loss against Zamalek.

“I felt like I let my team down and I could have done more in that final. I felt like I should have been carried out on a stretcher because I gave everything. There is nothing else I can say. I’ll have to do my talking on the court,” concluded Majok.

Majok has a second shot at fulfilling his and the team’s ambition at the BAL tournament. He now has the best teacher: experience. Coupled with the latter is his undying desire and competitive edge that could ignite Monastir and make them hard to beat.

*Tuesday’s fixture: US Monastir (Tunisia) vs SLAC (Guinea) at 17:30 (GMT)

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Majok on a mission to cement legacy at the BAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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