Local basketball fans will turn their attention to the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) playoffs starting June 20, following the conclusion of the regular season. The four teams that have qualified are United Generation Basketball (UGB), Patriots Basketball Club, APR Basketball Club, and Rwanda Energy Group (REG). ALSO READ: Basketball: APR edge REG after overtime The semi-finals will be played in a best-of-five format, while the finals will follow a best-of-seven series. In this article, Times Sport looks at the playoff contenders, their strengths, and key players. 1. APR Basketball Club APR, the reigning back-to-back champions, head into the playoffs as favourites. Over the past two seasons, they have emerged as the team to beat, outperforming traditional rivals like Patriots and REG. Their success is largely attributed to strong recruitment, featuring a mix of top local talent and international stars. The club has also gained valuable experience representing Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for two consecutive seasons. ALSO READ: APR shatter BAL scoring record, secure bronze medal In the recently concluded BAL season, APR secured third place and set a tournament record by scoring 123 points in a single game against Egypt’s Al Ittihad (123–90). Key player Aliou Diarra, a dominant forward/center, was named BAL’s Best Defensive Player, averaging 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. During the playoffs, APR is expected to maintain a solid core of local stars like Axel Mpoyo, Ntore Habimana, and Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, while potentially retaining or recruiting new international talent. 2. Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Despite falling short of the title in the past two seasons, REG remains a powerhouse in Rwandan basketball. They gave APR a serious challenge in the regular season, even pushing one game to overtime before narrowly losing 64-61. Under the leadership of Nigerian coach Ogoh Odaudu who was named BAL Coach of the Year in 2024, REG brings strong tactics and experience to the playoffs. Their standout player is Senegalese point guard Jean Jacques Boissy, who was named BAL 2025’s Most Valuable Player after helping Al Ahli Tripoli win the title. Boissy averaged 19.7 points, 2 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game, while coming off the bench. Other key players include experienced local forward Olivier Shyaka. REG is expected to beef up its roster ahead of the playoffs and is seen as a major contender for the title. The team has won the league three times (2017, 2021, 2022) and made quarter-final appearances in the BAL in 2022 and 2023. 3. United Generation Basketball (UGB) UGB has been the surprise package of the season, finishing in the top four to earn a playoff berth. Traditionally a mid-table team, they have significantly improved, thanks in part to smart recruitment. One of their key signings is Ghanaian star James Amatoe, who has played a crucial role in their campaign. For instance, in a key game against Espoir in the run to the playoffs, Amatoe scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead UGB to a 93-88 win. Senegalese center Mohamed Doumbya is another important addition. An example of his contribution was in April where he tallied 18 points and 14 rebounds in a 78-71 win over Kepler. 1. Patriots Basketball Club Regarded as the country’s most popular team, the Patriots managed to secure a playoff spot despite major roster challenges, as they lost star forward Dieudonne Ndizeye and American guard Will Perry before the beginning of the season. Coached by 35-year-old Rwandan tactician Sunny Niyomugabo who took over from former head coach Henry Mwinuka, the team will be relying on resilience, fan support, and their usual confidence as they go into the playoffs. ALSO READ: Basketball: Elliott drops 19 as Patriots end APR’s unbeaten run Leading the charge is American guard Elliott Cole, a skilled shooter and tireless playmaker who has been the team’s top performer all season. The Patriots also have good talented local players such as Steve Hagumintwari, known as one of the league’s best two-way players. Just like other teams, they are expected to strengthen their roster with international signings ahead of the playoffs. The club first appeared in the BAL in 2021, reaching the semi-finals and finishing fourth overall after a strong campaign in Kigali.
