The second version of BAL sees 12 groups from throughout the continent compete in a really totally different kind than in 2023, over a three-month interval relatively than a two-week COVID-induced bubble.
The event is split into three durations, with the Sahara Convention in Dakar, Senegal, from March 5-15, the Nile Convention in Cairo, Egypt, from April 9-19, and the playoffs and finals in Kigali, Rwanda, from Could. 21-28.
Defending champion Zamalek returns, taking part in at dwelling in Cairo, whereas new groups comparable to Cape City Tigers, Dakar and Cobra Sport from South Sudan will take part.
Learn: ESPN’s information to all 12 BAL groups for 2023
One other change is the addition of NBA Academy Africa gamers to every workforce, with one teenager from the academy in Saly, Senegal, becoming a member of the groups for the length. Whereas they won’t be eligible for any prize cash, the expertise gained will likely be invaluable to potential NCAA and main league expertise.
Learn: The whole BAL sport schedule
Learn how to watch:
BAL will likely be broadcast throughout Africa on ESPN channels on DStv, in addition to choose Free To Air companions. ESPN+ and ESPN Information will broadcast the event in the US.
Most important content material:
AS Sale coach Liz Mills is revered by all of her gamers
Newly appointed coach Liz Mills at Salé will make historical past when she leads Morocco’s CAF Champions League, changing into the primary girl to teach the BAL workforce, and the primary girl to teach a Moroccan males’s workforce.
Which rapper may fill J. Cole’s kicks in BAL?
This yr Cole won’t be making a visit to Dakar, Cairo or Kigali, [and neither will the Patriots]however there are a couple of different rappers who in all probability would not thoughts doing it.
Terrell Stoglin was at all times at peace with himself
Terrell Stoglin, who will play once more with AS Sale within the CAF Basketball League, is philosophical when he seems again on his soccer profession up to now, saying he is by no means been at peace with himself. Stoglin, who was the primary participant to attain 40 factors on the ball, will return to the event with the Moroccan workforce, though he’s maybe most well-known for his essential feedback on rapper J Cole’s presence within the Bulgarian league final yr.
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Terrell Stoglin of AS Sale reveals the response he acquired to criticism of J.Cole’s participation in BAL.
How Nigeria’s Rivers Hoppers had been kicked out of BAL
The second version of the Africa Basketball League will miss an necessary factor when it kicks off in March, after Nigeria’s Rivers Hoppers had been changed at 11pm by Morocco’s AS Sale. The 2 groups competed within the first version, and Hoppers certified for this yr’s event earlier than the Worldwide Basketball Federation (FIBA), the game’s governing physique, deemed them ineligible and changed them with Sale, who reached the quarter-finals in 2023.
Cape City Tigers coach Al Harrington on Black Buses
Al Harrington, a former NBA veteran and assistant coach of the Cape City Tigers, has criticized the NFL for failing to emulate basketball’s perspective towards hiring black coaches.
Ike Diogo says LeBron James is one of the best participant he is ever confronted
Nigeria captain Ike Diogo has performed in opposition to the likes of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal throughout his close to decade within the NBA, however stated LeBron James stands out as essentially the most full opponent he is ever confronted.
