A New Dawn in African Basketball: The future of Congolese basketball is bright, and the world is taking notice. With a dynamic mix of rising stars and seasoned leaders, the Leopards are ready to shake up AfroBasket qualifiers and make history.
Last Updated on
February 14, 2025
Despite being placed in one of the most competitive pools in the AfroBasket qualifiers [aka "Group of Death"], the Congolese national team entered the first window of the qualifiers in Dakar with an unwavering sense of purpose and excitement. Group A brought formidable opponents like Morocco, Mali, and last year's Paris Olympic heroes, South Sudan. Still, the Leopards rose to the occasion, marking their territory and establishing themselves as a team to watch.
As the team once again prepares to face stiff competition, there was no doubt that the squad was constructed for something special. The Congolese Federation's commitment to shaping a dynamic, competitive side is evident in the combination of blossoming talent, athleticism, and strategic experience they've assembled. This mix of youth and maturity, skill and speed, power and precision has created a squad capable of making a lasting impact on the continental stage.
This could be the team that Congolese basketball enthusiasts have been waiting for. One that blends the magic of youth with the poise of seasoned professionals.
At the heart of this revitalised Congolese team stands Rolly Fula. The 2022 AFROCAN champion has been the center piece of the national team since their historic victory, and his leadership on and off the court has been invaluable. Fula has earned a reputation for his precision from beyond the arc, honing his craft in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with Espoir Fukash and Bangui Sporting.
His impressive career across multiple African leagues, including winning championships in the Congolese League, the Bangui Basketball League (Ligue de basket-ball de Bangui - LBBB), and the Rwandan Basketball League (RBL) with APR BBC in 2023, places him among Africa's premier talents.
Fula's leadership and experience are expected to carry the team in crucial moments, such as the standout game against South Sudan, where he demonstrated the qualities of a true leader. His shooting ability, court vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him indispensable to the Leopards' success.
The Congolese squad also boasts an impressive crop of young talent, with players like Franck Nyembo and Toto Cuma leading the charge. Nyembo, the youngest player on the team, has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising centers in the country. As the best center for national champions Chaux Sport, Nyembo's tenacity on the boards and his ability to dominate above the rim make him a highlight-reel waiting to happen.
Teammate Toto Cuma, a product of Chaux Sport, is another young prospect to keep an eye on. Cuma's sharpshooting ability, combined with his tenacious defense, gives the Leopards an edge in both offensive and defensive sets. His defensive abilities, in particular, make him a player Coach Michel Perrin will look to for tough matchups, especially against teams with strong offensive players.
In addition to the rising stars of Congolese basketball, the team also benefits from the expertise of experienced international players. Florent Thamba, a key figure for French Pro B club ADA Blois, brings a wealth of experience to the low block. After a successful college stint with Baylor University in the Big 12, Thamba played professionally in Venezuela and Sweden before settling in France. His footwork, size, and dominance in the paint provide the Leopards with a versatile big man capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
Fred Lubaki, another experienced player, adds more depth to the squad, particularly after his recent performances with KSA in the Road to BAL. Lubaki's strong presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor will be invaluable as the team strives to build chemistry and reach its potential.
At the helm of this emerging powerhouse is Head Coach Michel Perrin, whose vision for Congolese basketball is as bold as it is clear. Perrin has not only assembled a team capable of competing in the present but has also ensured that the foundations are being laid for the future. The upcoming qualifiers in Rabat are essential to making DRC a true African basketball powerhouse, and Coach Perrin is determined to lead the team to greater heights.
Perrin's coaching staff includes Pierrot Ilunga, known for his exceptional player management skills and deep basketball IQ. Together, they form a unit dedicated to developing the Leopards and re-establishing the Congo's place among Africa's elite basketball nations.
As the Leopards look ahead to their qualifiers, they face a tough challenge. With games against Mali, South Sudan, and Morocco on the horizon, the team must remain focused, keeping a close eye on South Sudan's thirst for revenge after their previous encounters. However, with the mixture of seasoned leadership and emerging talent, the Congolese team has the ability to shake up the competition and make a statement on the continental stage.
This squad may well be the team that finally brings the Congolese basketball program back to its former glory. The whole continent will be watching as the Leopards march towards success in the Afrobasket qualifiers and beyond.
The future of Congolese basketball is bright, and the world is taking notice.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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