The Sahara Conference group phase of the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) coming up in May(4-12) in Dakar, Senegal promises intense competition and action-packed basketball. ALSO READ: Basketball: APR’s Mazen Trakh lauds team’s progress after Qatar camp Rwanda’s representatives and debutants APR find themselves in the Sahara conference group alongside Tunisian powerhouse US Monastir, BAL 2023 runners-up AS Douanes of Senegal and Nigerian Champions Rivers Hoopers. ALSO READ: BAL 2024: APR, US Monastir drawn in Sahara Conference The games in Dakar will be the last round-robin matches before the first-ever seeded games, followed by the playoffs and finals in Kigali from May 24 to June 1. Weekend Sport presents to you the four teams that pitted together in the Sahara Conference and what you should expect from them. APR (Rwanda) The army side secured the automatic ticket to BAL 2024 after winning the Rwanda Basketball League championship in September 2023, their first since 2009. Owned by the Rwandan Ministry of Defence, APR has a rich basketball history, dominating the 1990s and 2000s. Making their BAL debut this year leaves the team rated not as favorites but rather dark horses, considering that they will be banking on 2022 MVP Mike Dixon's prowess and the defensive skills of new addition Ulrich Chomche not forgetting Adonis Filer and Jean Jacques Wilson Nsobozwabyosenumukiza. Star Player: Mike Dixon US Monastir (Tunisia) Tunisian giants US Monastir have a storied history, claiming the BAL title in 2022 after overcoming a final loss the previous year. With Ater Majok back in their ranks, they aim to recapture past glory, having faced a setback in the 2023 season. Star Player: Ater Majok Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) The Nigerian champions earned an automatic spot in BAL. Founded in 2009, they have a successful national league history. This year, signing Will Perry signals their intent to improve on past performances and rectify Nigeria's underwhelming BAL showings. Star Player: Will Perry AS Douanes (Senegal) AS Douanes automatically qualified for BAL after winning Senegal's domestic basketball league championship. Founded in 1980, the team made a remarkable run to the BAL 2023 final and after re-signing star guard Jean-Jacques Boissy, they hope to build on last year's success, despite missing some key players. They will be looking to make the most out of their home advantage as they aim to push for a ticket to Kigali for the playoffs and finals. Star Player: Jean-Jacques Boissy.
