After landing a wild card to play in the Elite 16 East Division, and going on to qualify alongside Nairobi City Thunder, Kriol Star make their BAL debut with the aim of breaking new ground for Cape Verde basketball
Last Updated on
April 25, 2025
Kriol Star are on a first-of-many run for their country's burgeoning basketball scene, community, culture and industry. As they take to the hardwood at the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) fast-approaching Sahara Conference in Dakar on April 26 against defending champions Petro de Luanda, they will surely add to that growing list.
Established in 2024 by Cape Verdean siblings and basketball legends Joel and Ivan Almeida in 2024, they became the first club from the Island nation to play in FIBA's continental qualifying tournaments as they played in Road to BAL 2025, making it to the premier African club competition as the second best team from the East Division Elite 16.
The Islanders are in arguably the toughest conference of the three as they take on former BAL (2022) champions US Monastir and hosts ASC Ville de Dakar as well.
"The mindset we are trying to implement in every competition is that of title challengers. We've got to go out there and do whatever it takes to do it," Joel told ESPN in a recent interview.
Portuguese Hugo Miguel Da Silva Salgado, who has coached Galito Basket in Portugal's Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol, the country's premier basketball league, is at the helm of the Cape Verdean champions.
While coach Salgado got a baptism by fire on his African coaching debut with Kriol in the Road to BAL group phase as all his experience had been in Europe, coaching in Portugal, Iceland, Norway and the Czech Republic, a quick turnaround after the team received their wild card to the Elite 16 did not stop him from leading the side to qualification.
However, Coach Salgado is more prepared today as the club gets to work in Dakar with their newly recruited squad for the conference.
American Patrick McGlynn IV, the side's star player in the Elite 16 East Division held in Nairobi, scored 35 points in the semifinals against Burundi's Urunani, helping the team advance alongside Division winners Nairobi City Thunder. The guard averaged 24 points over three matches.
"His (McGlynn) leadership, experience, and impact on both ends of the floor were unmatched-and now, he's back to finish what we started," Kriol Star wrote while announcing his return on their social media platforms.
Also joining the Islanders is American/Sierra Leonean Richaud Pack and Angolan center Teotónio Dó.
"We're also excited to announce two new additions to the squad-hungry, high-level talents ready to bring energy, toughness, and skill to our BAL 2025 journey. Whether it's getting stops, knocking down shots, or making plays, these guys are ready to make their mark. The mission is clear. The mindset is locked in. Let's get to work," the announcement continued.
Coach Salgado has also roped in Nigerian center Lewis Uvwo, who joined from the NBA Academy. Cameron Parker and Joel Ntambwe, who is Golden State Warriors power forward Jonathan Kuminga's brother are also up for selection, adding to Kriol Star's depth.
"Parker's addition signifies a strategic move to strengthen the team's backcourt and leadership. His track record of excellence and commitment to the game make him a player to watch as Kriol Star competes on the continental stage," the team wrote about the player's signing.
On Ntambwe, they wrote, "His size and skill set will be key in anchoring Kriol Star's defense and providing energy on the glass. With a professional mindset and a hunger to grow, Joel is ready to make an impact and help lead the team through a competitive BAL run."
The Almeida brothers headline the Cape Verde players' list with Ivan playing for the outfit in the continental competition for the first time.
"With a decorated career and unmatched leadership. A versatile guard/forward, Ivan is a multi-time champion with Benfica and was named MVP of the Polish League in 2018 during his standout season with Anwil Włocławek.
He has competed across Europe's top leagues and currently plays professionally in Italy. Now bringing his championship mentality and national pride to Kriol Star, Ivan is ready to lead both on and off the court as the team embarks on a historic BAL journey," the team wrote about his inclusion in the squad.
Along with the Almeida brothers and CBL duo Tavares and Helton Correia; the other confirmed Cape Verdean players on the roster are Kenneti Mendes, Anderson Correia, Luis Teixeira, and Davide Buccilli.
"I think the roster has a little bit of everything. It has the two pillars: great national talent and a very good bunch of imports that fits the vision and the strategy of not only the coach, but also the team - our DNA," Joel said.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA / BAL Instagram]
