The motivations behind individuals choosing specific career paths vary. Some are driven by power, influence, fame, rewards, and money, while different values guide others. Naci-Prosper Ndayishimiye wasn’t swayed by any of that when choosing to take on a career in sports. Instead, it was his passion for the game that stirred his interest. What captivated him the most were the fast-paced nature of the game, the importance of teamwork, the ability to bring people together, and the thrill of competition. Currently, Ndayishimiye serves as a video coordinator for both the Rwanda men's and women's national basketball teams. His responsibilities include video analysis, tactical and technical game preparations, and monitoring players' individual progress. Ndayishimiye joined the groups in May, just before the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL). ALSO READ: How Rwanda will benefit from new five-year BAL deal After the BAL, we started training for a few weeks, followed by competitive matches. Representing my country has always been my dream, and the experience has been exceptional, he said. According to Ndayishimiye, his analysis approach consists of two main aspects. Firstly, he focuses on preparing for upcoming matches. This involves reviewing the last three games of the opposing teams, which provides insights into their strategies, tendencies, and the players they will face. He explained that this information allows him to create videos highlighting what his team needs to do to overcome their next opponent, serving as a valuable strategic tool. “Secondly, after each game we play, I review our own performance in detail. By scrutinising our game footage, we can identify both our strengths and areas for improvement. This process helps us learn from our mistakes and translate those lessons into practice during our training sessions.” When asked about the necessity of his role, Ndayishimiye compares it to that of a physiotherapist, scout, or assistant coach. He emphasises that within the organisation, everyone contributes vital components that come together for the team's success. Despite being relatively underrated, he stresses that the role of a video coordinator holds tremendous value as it enhances the team's performance and overall competitive edge. ALSO READ: Success of Women’s Afrobasket 2023 shows how far Rwandan basketball has come – BAL president Ndayishimiye was born in Burundi to Rwandan parents and grew up in Belgium, where he pursued a semi-professional basketball playing career and coaching profession. After gaining coaching experience with professional clubs in Belgium, he worked as a Player Development Coach with an organisation called Corodo, which provides individual training to young players aspiring to become professionals. He explained the experience of joining the two basketball teams as “so rewarding that it’s challenging to describe it in words.” Representing my country and competing alongside my teammates is an incredible feeling. I draw immense motivation from this experience for the future stages of my career. Working with Coach Cheikh Sarr has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the learning opportunities it has brought. Adapting to the team's methods and Coach Sarr's methodologies was initially challenging. Ndayishimiye needed to align with their expectations and deliver what was required. Ndayishimiye's role model is his mentor and friend Patrick Mutombo, a Congolese professional basketball coach and former player who is currently an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. He said growing up with Mutombo, he was amazed by his remarkable career achievements. Additionally, Ndayishimiye is inspired by individuals like Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors and co-founder of Giants of Africa, and Amadou Gallo Fall, president of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), who dedicate themselves to creating opportunities for Africa. “They motivate me to give my all each day to uplift my country, Rwanda, and the continent.” Ndayishimiye plans to continue his involvement with the national team and will soon take on the role of a head coach with a club, which he will announce soon. He also emphasised the significant role technology plays, particularly in player development. For example, when he incorporates video coordination into one-on-one training sessions with players, it proves to be immensely beneficial. Using videos allows us to analyse specific aspects of a player's performance, helping them understand and improve their skills. Various technologies and software are available to assist in this process, ultimately translating these improvements into victories on the court.
