With the decisive playoffs in Kigali set for 22-31 May, all eight teams have reshaped their rosters. Some standout players from the Kalahari and Sahara Conferences have been released, while fresh arrivals have strengthened squads across the board. Most teams now feature BAL-tested players and new additions as they chase the Baobab-inspired trophy, to be lifted on 31 May at BK Arena. Here is a breakdown of roster changes since the regular season ended on 3 May. RSSB Tigers In: Oumar Ballo (Mali), Osborn Shema (Rwanda) Out: Viny Okouo (Congo) Ballo, a 2.13m centre, is a key addition for the Tigers. He currently plies his trade in the Italian topflight, but also boasts experience from US college basketball where he played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Arizona and Indiana University. He rose to prominence with Mali’s youth teams, including a runner-up finish at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup. Joining him on the team is Osborn Shema, a 7-foot Rwandan international, who plays as a forward. Shema boasts good shooting abilities, team play qualities, and great defence. FUS Rabat In: Uchenna Iroegbu (Nigeria) Out: Anthony Pritchard (USA), Abdoulaye Harouna (Niger) Iroegbu is a familiar BAL figure, having played for SLAC in 2023 and Nairobi City Thunder last season, where he averaged 14 points and 4.7 assists. The 6-foot-1 guard is a proven playmaker and regular Nigeria international. Harouna missed the end of the Sahara Conference due to a hand injury. Petro de Luanda In: Chasson Randle (USA), Raphiael Putney (USA) Out: Javion Blake (USA), Chinemelu Elonu (Nigeria) Putney, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 15 points and five rebounds for Rivers Hoopers last season, providing scoring and size. Randle, a former NBA guard with the Philadelphia 76ers and EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid, also returns after averaging 15 points and four assists in his BAL debut with APR last year. Al Ahly LY In: Assem Marei (Egypt), Charlie Moore (USA) Out: Damion Baugh (USA), Jean Jacques Boissy (Senegal) Coach In: Fotios Katsikaris (Greece) Coach Out: Ahmed Soliman (Egypt) Marei, a key figure for Egypt and a 2025 BAL champion with Al Ahli, strengthens the frontcourt with size and experience. The team also brings in Moore to add backcourt depth. Boissy was sidelined by a foot injury, while Baugh’s absence was not publicly detailed. Dar City In: Anas Mahmoud (Egypt), Jonas Oberlin Mushi (Tanzania) Out: Junior Madut (South Sudan) Mahmoud, former BAL Defensive Player of the Year, boosts rim protection and rebounding. He previously helped Zamalek win the inaugural 2021 title and most recently played for Al Ittihad Alexandria. Club Africain In: Makhtar Gueye (Senegal) Out: Achref Gannouni (Tunisia) Gueye, a Senegal international, brings energy and scoring in his third BAL season, having previously featured for Ferroviário da Beira and ASC Ville de Dakar, where he averaged 11 points across two campaigns. Al Ahly EGY In: Nuni Omot (South Sudan), Amr Zahran (Egypt) Omot, the 2023 BAL MVP, returns. He and Zahran were key to Al Ahly’s 2023 title win in Kigali. ASC Ville de Dakar In: William Tavares (Cape Verde) Out: Deng Deng (South Sudan) Tavares, a 6-foot-4 guard, adds scoring and defensive energy. He is a regular for Cape Verde’s national team and brings athleticism to the Senegalese side.
