FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 23/07/2024

FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 22/07/2024

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With the FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament around the corner, Basketball South Africa and FIBA continue to toil to ensure it's a success. 12 countries are slated to participate in the continental jamboree. The final dates have still not been given despite the tournament scheduled to start in the next few days. The organizing body did confirm that it will be held in the Gauteng province which is the economic and diplomatic hub of the country. The local organizing committee will confirm whether it will be held in Pretoria (capital city) or Johannesburg(economic capital). These cities are not short of good facilities and that gives comfort in knowing that there will be a successful tournament. Despite all the unknowns, we do know that the talent and level of basketball that will be on display will be a true reflection of the continent and also what is to come from African basketball.

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 South African guard and BAL ALL First Team, Samkelo Cele, joined the New York Knicks for Summer League after an impressive season in the BAL with Cape Town Tigers. Although Cele did not get any game time in the first 4 games of Summer League, he stayed ready because when the opportunity was given to him, he played like he belonged on this stage. He was the go-to guy in the fourth quarter against Atlanta Hawks. He scored 9 points in the final quarter to give power the Knicks to a 90-82 win. All eyes are on him to see how the free agency in this offseason goes for him.

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The Hoopers Club Tournament is a tournament that happens every off season. They are held in Spain, Portugal and Brazil. Angolan stars, Carlos Morais and Fernando Francisco, took part in the Portugal edition this year with African Giants. They went on to defend their title and secure the three-peat.

Basket Houndz in Zimbabwe continue with their preparation for Road To BAL. They have been focusing on individual training. They are looking to resume team training in early August. There is an exciting aura in the team because of their young roster. The head coach Tawanda Nemutambwe noted “The future is bright. The team is made up of young boys. Our oldest player is 26 and we get to go and represent the country at this age. The future is bright, not only for Basket Houndz but also for the nation. It’s good for our basketball”. He adds that they are looking for a center to complete their roster.

[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA, Carlos Morais and The Big Tip Off]