Latest news with #BAL
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
African Representation at National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K26 Summer League 2025
The NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 ( will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 10-20 and once again feature a strong presence of African players, coaches and referees, including: Six former NBA Academy Africa players 23 coaches from 15 African countries as part of the Africa Coaches Program Three referees from the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season The participation of these players, coaches and referees is part of NBA Africa and the BAL's commitment to developing talent and expertise throughout the African basketball ecosystem and contributing to the continued growth of the game across the continent. Below are storylines about the African players, coaches, and referees participating in this year's Summer League, which will air live in Africa on NBA League Pass, the league's premium live game subscriptions service available via the NBA App: PLAYERS Six former NBA Academy Africa players have joined Summer League rosters: Ibou Badji (Denver Nuggets; Senegal) Jean-Jacques Boissy (Milwaukee Bucks; Senegal) Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), who was selected 57 th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Nelly Joseph Junior (Atlanta Hawks; Nigeria) Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda), who was selected 10 th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted former NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Africa League (BAL) player ever. Babacar Sané (Minnesota Timberwolves; Senegal) Three players who participated in the 2025 BAL season will compete in Summer League: Boissy – 2025 BAL champion and MVP with Alahli Tripoli (Libya), Boissy averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game. Aliou Diarra (Mali; Dallas Mavericks) – Two-time Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the Year (2023 and 2025) and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA G League International Draft, Diarra will join the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft – Cooper Flagg – on the Mavericks' Summer League roster. Sané – 2025 All-BAL Second Team as a member of US Monastir (Tunisia). COACHES: Twenty-three coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in Summer League as part of the Africa Coaches Program, which is part of NBA Africa and the BAL's ongoing commitment to developing coaching talent across the continent. The 23 coaches (full list below) include: Four who previously played in the BAL: two-time BAL champion with Zamalek (2021) and US Monastir (2022) Solo Diabate (Bucks; Côte d'Ivoire), 2024 BAL champion with Petro de Luanda Carlos Morais (New York Knicks; Angola), as well as Marawan Sarhan (Miami Heat; Egypt) and Mostafa Kejo (Los Angeles Lakers; Egypt), both of whom competed for Al Ahly (Egypt) during the 2024 BAL season. Two female coaches: Fenan Atobrhan (Eritrea; Houston Rockets) and Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Indiana Pacers). Atobrhan served as an assistant coach with APR during the 2025 BAL season when the team finished third, its best-ever finish in the BAL. Bibeyi served as head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) during the 2023 Road to the BAL qualifying tournament, was part of the coaching staff at the 2025 BAL Combine, and has served as a mentor as part of BAL4HER, the league's platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. REFEREES Three referees who have officiated in the BAL will serve as Summer League officials: Claudio Eiuba (Angola), Vitalis Gode (Kenya) and Erick Otieno (Kenya). Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 as part of the Africa Coaches Program: Name Country NBA Team Lamine Krideche Algeria Cleveland Cavaliers Carlos Morais Angola New York Knicks Francois Enyegue Cameroon Charlotte Hornets Antonio Moreira Cape Verde Atlanta Hawks Solo Diabate Côte D'Ivoire Milwaukee Bucks Pierrot Ilunga Democratic Republic of the Congo Detroit Pistons Mostafa Kejo Egypt Los Angeles Lakers Marawan Sarhan Egypt Miami Heat Wael Badr Egypt Portland Blazers Haytham Kamel Egypt Utah Jazz Fenan Atobrhan Eritrea Houston Rockets Ruth Bibeyi Gabon Indiana Pacers Reda Rhalimi Morocco Denver Nuggets Akil Driss Morocco Toronto Raptors Mohammed Abdulrahman Nigeria Washington Wizards Prosper Naci Rwanda Philadelphia 76ers Abdallah Mbaye Senegal Chicago Bulls Matar Mbodji Senegal Dallas Mavericks Samba Fall Senegal San Antonio Spurs Moratiemang Jr. Mmoloke South Africa Boston Celtics Igor Lunnemann South Africa New Orleans Pelicans Lindokuhle Sibankulu South Africa Sacramento Kings Amine Rzig Tunisia LA Clippers Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Forbes
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
BAL Stars Aliou Diarra And Jean Jacques Boissy Selected In NBA G-League International Draft After Dominant Seasons
PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 9: Aliou Diarra #10 of Armee Patriotique looks on during the game against ... More the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Playoffs on June 9, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Couliau/NBAE via Getty Images) The Basketball Africa League (BAL) was established with a clear vision: to create a professional pathway for African talent to reach the world's premier basketball stage. This vision is coming to life as two of its brightest stars, Aliou Diarra and Jean Jacques Boissy, take significant steps towards their NBA dreams. Both players were recently selected in the NBA G-League International Draft, shortly after earning NBA Summer League opportunities. Their rise signals a pivotal moment not just for their careers, but for African basketball as a whole, proof that the BAL is emerging as a credible pipeline to the NBA's global ecosystem. From BAL Dominance to G-League Prospects Malian forward Aliou Diarra was selected first overall in the G-League International Draft by the Texas Legends, the affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Known for his dominance on both ends of the floor, Diarra was named the Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his BAL career. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: Aliou Diarra #10 of Armee Patriotique accepts the 2025 BAL Defensive ... More Player of the Year award during the game between Al Ahli Tripoli and Petro de Luanda during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Championship on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacotr/NBAE via Getty Images) Diarra had a stellar 2025 campaign, helping Rwandan champions APR secure third place. He averaged 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 blocks, and one steal per game over eight appearances, while maintaining a 55.6% field goal percentage and posting five double-doubles. His efficiency rating was among the highest in the league at 27 per game, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court. Remarkably, despite his physical defensive style and nearly 30 minutes per game, Diarra never fouled out. He also set a BAL record with eight blocks in APR's narrow 77-74 win over Nairobi City Thunder, surpassing the previous record of seven set by Anas Mahmoud and Khaman Maluach in past seasons. In his first season, winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in 2023, Diarra recorded eight double-doubles, leading Stade Malien to a third-place finish. He also earned a spot on the Milwaukee Bucks' Summer League roster that year. Now, following his call-up to the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks, his selection by the Legends positions him to continue progressing in the NBA development system. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: Jacques Boissy #5 of Al Ahli Tripoli receives the 2025 BAL MVP after ... More winning the 2025 Basketball Africa League Championship against Petro de Luanda on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) Senegalese point guard Jean Jacques Boissy, the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player and leading scorer, was drafted fifth overall by the Memphis Hustle, the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. Boissy, who is also playing in the NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks, delivered his most impressive campaign to date with Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya. This year, Boissy was visibly in the best physical condition of his career, armed with a different psychological approach to the game that fuelled his MVP run. Coming off the bench, he averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game, leading his team with consistency and versatility. In previous BAL campaigns, Boissy was often tasked with shutting down opponents' best scorers. This season, his role shifted from game to game, and he rose to each challenge, maintaining his defensive edge while expanding his offensive repertoire. His adaptability earned him spots on both the BAL All-Defensive First Team and the BAL All-First Team, cementing his reputation as one of Africa's top two-way guards. For the Hustle, Boissy's mature playmaking, defensive tenacity, and scoring versatility could make him an immediate asset in their guard rotation, particularly as the G-League continues to prioritise developing dynamic playmakers for NBA systems. A Pivotal Year for BAL Players While BAL players have previously joined Summer League rosters, few have made a lasting impact due to limited minutes and adjustment periods. This year feels different. Diarra and Boissy arrive with major accolades, record-setting performances, and proven leadership in Africa's premier basketball competition. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: Jacques Boissy #5 of Al Ahli Tripoli looks on after receiving the 2025 ... More BAL MVP and winning the 2025 Basketball Africa League Championship against Petro de Luanda on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) Their G-League draft selections, combined with NBA Summer League exposure, mark a significant milestone for the BAL as a credible pipeline for the NBA and its affiliates. It comes amid a year of growing global recognition for African basketball, following Khaman Maluach's selection as the tenth overall pick in the NBA Draft and Rueben Chinyelu's NCAA championship with the Florida Gators, both of whom spent time within NBA Academy Africa structures linked to the BAL ecosystem. What's Next? For Diarra and Boissy, their immediate focus will be on delivering strong Summer League performances to build momentum heading into their G-League seasons. Success there could open doors to training camp invites, two-way contracts, or full G-League deals that keep them firmly within NBA development pathways. As Aliou Diarra and Jean Jacques Boissy take these next steps in their professional journeys, they carry with them not only personal dreams but the aspirations of African basketball. Their achievements are a testament to what is possible when investment, opportunity, and talent align – and proof that the bridge from the BAL to the NBA is becoming stronger with every season.
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
Ivan and Joel Almeida BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League. As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion: But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age. Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas • Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively. • He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster. • Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court. • Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age. From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose. If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way. Media Contact Company Name: SNW Contact Person: John Dixon Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
Globe and Mail
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League. As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion: Jean Jacques Boissy (Al Ahli Tripoli): BAL champion, 2025 MVP, scoring and defensive leader: An elite two-way guard with poise and measurable upside. Babacar Sané (US Monastir): An explosive wing and former Ignite/G-League prospect, named All‑BAL Second Team and reportedly headed to Summer League with Minnesota. Aliou Diarra (APR): Two‑time Defensive Player of the Year, league‑leading rebounder and rim protector with a 55.7% FG rate — ready for higher-level competition. Majok Deng (Al Ittihad Alexandria): A stretch forward with modern versatility — shooting, defense, and clutch play — named to All‑BAL First Team. Taefale Lenard Jr. (MBB): A dynamic, two‑way wing already in All‑BAL First and Defensive Teams — brings energy and athleticism. Mohamed Sadi (Al Ahli Tripoli): Two‑way guard with composure and defensive acumen, earning All‑BAL Second and Defensive Team honors. But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age. Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas • Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively. • He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster. • Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court. • Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age. From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose. If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way.
TimesLIVE
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
BAL x Hennessy: A night of cultural celebration
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is the premier men's basketball league in Africa, which typically runs each season from March to June and consists of 12 teams. This time the BAL took place from June 6 to 14 at the SunBet arena in Pretoria, featuring eight teams from across the continent. In a thrilling finale, Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya emerged victorious, defeating Petro de Luanda from Angola in the championship game on Saturday. As part of its partnership, Hennessy brought together prominent figures, including Phindile Gwala, Gugu Nyatsumba and Kamo Modisakeng to name just a few, to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the continent through the universal language of sports. We chatted to Lungile Mpharu, Hennessy Brand Manager, to discuss the luxury cognac brand's collaboration with BAL. He said that Hennessy and BAL share many values — a commitment to excellence, self-expression, and crafting experiences that transcend their core offerings. The partnership is about amplifying the energy of the BAL and intentionally enhancing the overall fan experience. 'For Hennessy, the BAL aligned with our legacy of partnering with platforms that shape culture. The opening weekend gave us a chance to contribute authentically, through curated experiences that are rooted in who we are. Whether it was the elevated lounge environment or how we engaged with friends of the house, our approach was to enhance the overall experience, and basketball, particularly through how BAL is opening new ways for people to connect across borders,' he said. We caught up with celebrities and influencers who attended the BAL event to get their take on the exciting fusion of basketball and African culture. South African actress Phindile Gwala said the atmosphere during halftime was fantastic, and it was heartening to see young people showing an increased interest in basketball. The growing enthusiasm from young people indicates a brighter future for basketball in our country and across the continent. She added that the event emphasised inclusivity and highlighted Africa's potential in the sports industry, which can contribute to both global sports and the economy. 'We need more championships like this to nurture our African spirit and grow our economy.'
