Your weekly dose of FIBA Africa Zone 5 News: Embark on a basketball journey across East Africa from Kenya's domestic league news, huge signings in Rwanda and Egypt, the electrifying courts of Uganda's National League, and the Dynamo jersey BAL fiasco.
Last Updated on
March 19, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
Basketball Africa League veteran, William Perry put up a remarkable performance as Patriots beat rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 73-67 in Friday night league action at the Lycee de Kigali Gymnasium. Perry posted 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. On REG’s side, point guard Benjamin Mukengerwa led the team with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.
According to The New Times of Rwanda, the Patriots, four-time champions of Rwanda, have recently acquired Serbian center Nikola Scekic. The 28-year-old has prior experience in African basketball, having played in Morocco and Libya.
The top-tier men's and women's leagues organised by the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) are shaping up, with Nairobi City Thunder leading the men's division and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech Sparks dominating the women's division, remaining undefeated thus far.
However, in a surprising turn of events, former champions Ulinzi Warriors faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of struggling ABSA Bank. This loss marks the side's fifth defeat in 13 matches, a situation unfamiliar to the Bernard Mufutu-led team.
Currently, Nairobi City Thunder leads the men's league with 28 points, followed closely by Equity Dumas and the USIU Tigers. USIU Flames hold the top position in the women's league, having played 15 matches, five more than KPA.
Following their defeat to nemesis Nam Blazers a fortnight back, 9-time league champions City Oilers returned to their winning ways, triumphing over KCCA Panthers, 85-73. The side added another win on Sunday, defeating the Kampala Rockets, 83-59.
Israel Otobo, Nigerian sensation and former MVP of the Burundi league, has decided to leave Dynamo after a year and join Rwanda's APR. However, reports indicate he will not be available to play for the team during their upcoming Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference regular season games.
Dynamo Basketball Club were disqualified from the 2024 Basketball Africa League due to a uniform dispute. This decision came after the team's second forfeit, prematurely ending their BAL campaign for this season.
Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the BAL, confirmed the expulsion, citing Dynamo BC's repeated violations of league uniform regulations. The controversy arose when the team obscured the "Visit Rwanda" logo on their uniforms with black tape during their initial game against the Cape Town Tigers, sparking considerable debate.
Al Ahly Cairo, the defending champions of the Men's Premier League A, have secured the signing of 18-year-old Egyptian international guard Seifeldin Hendawy, who stands 201 cm / 6' 5" tall.
Hendawy is returning to Cairo, where he previously played. The guard honed his skills at the NBA Academy and gained valuable experience with Atletico Petroleos de Luanda in the Angolan league last season.
The Memphis Grizzlies have inked a deal with 26-year-old South Sudanese international power forward Wenyen Gabriel, a former standout at Kentucky in college basketball. Gabriel, who most recently showcased his talents for the Herd in the NBA G League, boasted impressive stats this season, averaging 14.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Before joining the Grizzlies, Gabriel had brief stints with the Celtics and the Lakers earlier in the season. He's also had spells with other NBA teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans, LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, and Stockton Kings.
