A Growing Basketball Scene in Rwanda
The 2025 men’s basketball season in Rwanda marked a significant milestone, showcasing the league's growing influence and talent. Key highlights included the presence of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Most Valuable Player (MVP), Jean-Jacques Boissy, and the tournament’s most defensive player, Aliou Diarra. These achievements underscore the high level of competition within the domestic league and its ability to attract international talents from around the world.
Over the years, the Rwandan league has gained global recognition, drawing attention from top-tier players and coaches, some even coming from prestigious leagues like the NBA G-League. This influx of talent has led to increased sponsorship deals and new employment opportunities across various roles, including players, coaches, strength and conditioning experts, video analysts, videographers, social media handlers, ticketing staff, and ushers. These positions were virtually non-existent a decade ago, highlighting the rapid growth of the sport in the country.
The development of modern sports infrastructure has played a crucial role in this progress, supported by visionary leadership that continues to invest in the future of basketball. While the local league has successfully elevated players to the continental stage, it is essential to ensure that this growth does not come at the expense of local talents.
Challenges Facing Local Players
Despite the league's success, there are growing concerns about the treatment of local players. As the competition intensifies, teams often opt for quick fixes by signing foreign players rather than investing in the long-term development of local talent. This approach has led to a decline in both the quantity and quality of local players, with serious implications for the national team.
Recent statistics highlight the challenges faced by local players. No local player appeared in the top 10 scorers of the season, and only one, Jean de Dieu Niyungeho from Espoir BBC, made it into the top 10 for assists. In terms of rebounds, only three local players were among the top 10, with Cadeaux de Dieu Furaha, Prince Muhizi, and Olivier Shyaka occupying the sixth, eighth, and tenth positions respectively.
Additionally, only two Rwandan players, Justin Uwitonze and Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, were part of the APR BBC roster in the BAL 2025. Their playing time was minimal, reflecting the broader issue of limited opportunities for local players in the national league.
The Offseason Struggles
The offseason has become a period of uncertainty and hardship for many local players. Despite having multi-year contracts, they often receive only partial payments during the season and are left without support during the off-season. This lack of financial stability makes it difficult for them to focus on improving their skills, as they struggle with basic needs such as food and accommodation.
Local players also face disparities in treatment compared to their foreign counterparts. They are less likely to receive benefits such as gym memberships or access to wellness programs. Additionally, when injured, they do not always get the necessary care, affecting their recovery and long-term development.
This situation raises questions about the sustainability of the current approach. Teams bring in foreign players, often in their late 30s, on short-term contracts with generous pay and benefits. Meanwhile, young local players are left without proper support, creating an imbalance that undermines the league's long-term goals.
A Call for Change
It is time for local teams to reassess their strategies and prioritize the development of local talent. Investing in dedicated talent detection and development programs can help bridge the gap and ensure a more sustainable future for the league. While foreign players can contribute valuable experience and skills, their inclusion should not come at the expense of nurturing local talent.
The author is a FIBA-licensed agent.