Not long ago, APR BBC was considered among the teams still learning to compete on the African basketball scene. Today, the team is proudly representing Rwanda in the playoffs of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025, where it will face some of the continent’s top clubs.
The tournament will take place in *Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to June 14, 2025, with APR BBC set to battle seven other teams that advanced from the group stages.
This marks the first time in APR BBC’s history that it has reached the final eight of the BAL. The achievement comes after an impressive performance in the Sahara Conference held in Kigali this past May. The team played as a united and determined group, using the BAL as a platform to prove that Rwanda also has a strong voice in African basketball.
APR BBC made significant adjustments to its roster. One of the biggest additions is Nuni Omot, a South Sudanese international and former BAL MVP in 2023 with Egypt’s Al Ahly. He is known for his scoring ability and all-around performance on the court.
The coaching staff also saw important changes: Sam Vincent, a former head coach of Nigeria and more recently of Cape Verde during the Sahara Conference, has joined as an assistant coach. The presence of internationally experienced figures within the team boosts confidence that APR BBC will step onto the court well-prepared.
APR BBC traveled to Pretoria with a 13-man roster composed of both Rwandan and foreign players.
- Chasson Randle
- Noel Obbadiah
- Nuni Omot
- Youssoupha Ndoye
- Aliou Diarra
- Ousseynou Sambe
- William Robeyns
- Nshobozwabyosenumukiza Jean Jacques Wilson
- Ntore Habimana
- Axel Mpoyo
- Uwitonze Justin
- Dylan Kalecyezi Schommer
- Dick Sano Rutatika
APR BBC will begin the competition by facing Petro de Luanda of Angola on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Petro is the reigning BAL champion, known for its offensive prowess, and has also reinforced its squad with new players, including Samkelo Cele, who previously played for Cape Town Tigers.
