Rwanda's Bizimana lands basketball scholarship to US
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Bizimana has moved to the United States after securing a fully funded scholarship to attend Worldwide Prep Academy in Orlando, Florida.

Rwandan basketball prospect Plamedie Bizimana has moved to the United States after securing a fully funded scholarship to attend Worldwide Prep Academy in Orlando, Florida.

The 18-year-old forward earned the opportunity following an impressive showing for Rwanda's junior national team at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, held from August 5 to 16.

Despite Rwanda failing to progress beyond the classification stage, Bizimana stood out as the team's leading performer, averaging 15 points and 8.8 rebounds in five games. He ranked seventh among the tournament's top scorers and fifth in rebounding.

His standout performances included a 21-point display against Cameroon and a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds against Gabon in the classification round. He also recorded double-digit rebounds against Senegal and Nigeria.

Bizimana first represented Rwanda at the 2023 FIBA U16 African Championship, where he averaged 6.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in seven appearances.

He went on to feature at the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, although his playing time was limited. He averaged one point and three rebounds in six games.

His progress became more evident at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt, where he averaged 8.5 points and 12.3 rebounds in four matches.

He played a key role in Rwanda's 76-65 double-overtime victory over Uganda in the semi-finals, recording 10 points and 20 rebounds to help the team secure qualification for the continental championship in Abidjan.

His performance in Cairo set the stage for an even more impressive showing at the final tournament, where he emerged as one of Rwanda's standout players.

At club level, the 1.96-metre forward plays for Intare Academy, an APR Basketball Club-affiliated side competing in Rwanda's second division.

Bizimana secured a fully funded scholarship to attend Worldwide Prep Academy in Orlando, Florida.
Rwandan basketball prospect Plamedie Bizimana.
Rwandan basketball prospect Plamedie Bizimana.