After APR withdrew from the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL), coach James Maye Jr. joined RSSB Tigers as assistant coach after the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) designated the club to represent the country at the continental competition. Maye Jr is part of a strong technical bench led by head coach Henry Mwinuka alongside assistant coach Kenny Gasana, another former player with BAL experience. The trio guided the Tigers during the Kalahari Conference in March, where the team topped the standings to secure qualification for the playoffs scheduled for May 22–31 in Kigali. ALSO READ: RSSB Tigers camp locked in for BAL championship chase At the Tigers, Maye Jr has been tasked with several technical responsibilities, including offensive systems, tactical planning and game formations. Speaking to Times Sport, he said the coaching staff has made significant progress despite initially having very limited preparation time. “We didn’t have much time, but I think we did a good job blending our abilities together and working a lot on tactics, offense, strategy and different aspects of the game,” he said. RSSB Tigers had less than a week to prepare for the Kalahari Conference but still managed to impress. With the playoffs now approaching, the 2025 Rwanda Cup champions have enjoyed more time to strengthen team chemistry and improve their tactical understanding. According to Maye Jr, the additional preparation period has allowed the technical staff to analyse game footage, evaluate the squad’s different strengths and better understand how individual talents can complement one another on the court. The American coach added that the extra time has also helped the team study potential opponents, anticipate defensive schemes and develop ways to create scoring opportunities for both the shooters and interior players. Discussing the club’s latest additions, APR forward Osborn Shema and Malian center Oumar Ballo, who plays in Italy’s top division, Maye Jr said the pair bring added size, flexibility and balance to the squad. “They allow us to stretch the floor a little more and give us additional height,” he explained. “We didn’t have a lot of size during the conference, but Shema gives us rim protection, length on the perimeter when we need to switch defensively, and he can also run the floor and shoot the ball, which is very important for this group.” On Ballo, Maye Jr highlighted the Malian’s physical presence in the paint and his impact around the basket. “Adding Ballo gives us real pressure in the paint. He finishes well, he’s very strong on the block, physical, rebounds well and can block shots. He gives us a true inside presence,” he said. Maye Jr also emphasized the importance of home support during the playoffs, calling on basketball fans across the country to rally behind the Tigers as they represent Rwanda on the continental stage. “As I mentioned last year, BAL is an international competition. It doesn’t matter which local club you support, whether it’s green and white, red and white or black and white. When you come here, you have to come as Tigers supporters because we are representing the country,” he said. “We need everyone behind us. Let’s come together, support the team and work towards victory.”
