[VIDEO & PHOTOS]: Africa has a lot of potential, says NBA star Biyombo

There is hope and potential. It’s just a matter of the young talent to grasp the basketball fundamentals. These were the words of Orlando Magic centre Bismack Biyombo Sumba on Wednesday when asked about the future of basketball in Africa.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Richard Bishumba

Orlando Magic centre Bismack Biyombo Sumba (L) greets Patriots All-Star players and officials before their game against the U-18 team on Wednesday at Amahoro indoor stadium. Centre in a blue T-shirt is FERWABA president Desire Mugwiza.( F. Niyigena)

Wednesday

Patriots All-Star 65-53 Biyombo All-Star

U18 Team 62-65 IPRC-Kigali

There is hope and potential. It’s just a matter of the young talent to grasp the basketball fundamentals.

Biyombo poses with referees Sauveur Ruhamiriza and Desire Zigama on Wednesday. (All photos by Faustin Niyigena)

These were the words of Orlando Magic centre Bismack Biyombo Sumba on Wednesday when asked about the future of basketball in Africa.

VIDEO: NBA Star Bismack Biyombo Sumba in Rwanda. Source: TheNewTimes/YouTube

"I am just excited about the future of basketball in Africa,” the basketball star told Times Sport.

The Congolese NBA star was in the country as a guest at the 2016 FERWABA All-Star Game played on Wednesday night. He shared words of advice and encouragement with young players at a fully packed Amahoro indoor stadium.

Biyombo with Patriots All-Star players and coaches.

In a highly entertaining and fun-filled game, Patriots All-Star team led by point-guard Ali Kubwimana came out on top against Biyombo’s All-Star team 65-53.

Bismack Biyombo Sumba exchanges hi-fives with the U18 team players before their game against IPRC-Kigali on Wednesday at Amahoro indoor stadium. (Courtesy)

Most of the enthusiastic fans inside the arena came hoping to see Biyombo do his thing on court, but they were left disappointed as he appeared on the technical bench for ‘his’ side later in the fourth quarter.

Biyombo also posed with the 'Biyombo All-Star' team players and coaches.

Patriots won the first, second and fourth quarter 14-11, 21-10 and 20-16, respectively while Biyombo All Stars took the third quarter 16-10.

The game was marked by multiple unsuccessful dunks until Steve Havugintwari of Biyombo All-Star team came off the bench in the third quarter to thrill the crowd with incredible slam dunks.

Biyombo with the U-18 national team.

After the game, the former Charlotte Hornets kingpin, said, "I have been in this situation; I started playing basketball when I didn’t even have shoes. The most important thing is that we are trying to find a way of establishing infrastructure, get coaches and the right environment. I believe in African basketball.”

Biyombo poses with the sons and daughter of President Paul Kagame at Amahoro Stadium on Wednesday.

"There are few of us in NBA and other advanced leagues today, but in the long-run, we are in the right direction and surely we will get a lot more in the future. We have a lot of talent and with hard work and right infrastructure, more Africans will achieve their dream,” Biyombo noted.

The 23-year old Congolese star, spoke to basketball players and fans at Amahoro stadium.

Biyombo poses with a group of teenage players.

The friendly game between Patriots All-Star (white) and Biyombo All-Star was an interesting one.

Biyombo with fans, staff and management of Patriots Basketball Club.

Biyombo takes photos at Amahoro stadium.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw