South Africa’s Made By Ball (MBB) has appointed former NBA champion Sam Vincent as the head coach for the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Despite not qualifying through traditional routes, MBB received a wild card entry due to their potential. Vincent aims to strengthen the team with new signings and guide them through the playoff stages. The BAL season will feature matches in multiple locations beginning in April 2023.
Made By Ball (MBB), based in Johannesburg, has appointed former NBA champion Sam Vincent as head coach for their participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Vincent, who played for several NBA teams and won a championship with the Boston Celtics, also has coaching experience with the South African national team and the Dallas Mavericks. MBB’s owner Cyril Shabalala confirmed they received a wild card entry into the BAL despite not qualifying through the usual route.
Vincent expressed his enthusiasm for coaching in South Africa again, noting the significant improvements in player and coaching quality since his last involvement. He aims to lead MBB to success in the upcoming BAL playoffs, with matches scheduled to be held in Pretoria from June 6-14, 2023. MBB is determined to leverage the element of surprise to make a strong impression in the league.
Shabalala revealed plans to allow Vincent to assemble a competitive team, blending new talent with key players from MBB’s current roster like Lebesa Selepe and Neo Mothiba. By facilitating Vincent’s authority as head coach, Shabalala indicated he would maintain a supportive role focused on stakeholder relations. This approach aims to foster a collaborative environment leading up to the BAL.
The BAL season kicks off in Rabat, Morocco, starting April 5, 2023, and will run through several other cities, including Dakar and Kigali. MBB’s journey in the league will be particularly scrutinized, especially after last season when the Cape Town Tigers reached the semifinals amidst their own organizational challenges. As the BAL unfolds, MBB’s performance under Vincent will showcase the progress of South African basketball on the continental stage.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) represents a significant opportunity for African basketball teams to compete at a higher level. As South Africa continues to develop its basketball scene, MBB’s involvement under an experienced coach like Sam Vincent is seen as a crucial step forward. MBB’s earlier qualification struggles highlight the challenges faced by teams in the evolving African basketball landscape, but their wild card entry signifies potential and promise as they join the continental competition.
MBB’s appointment of Sam Vincent as head coach marks a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare for the BAL. With Vincent’s extensive experience in basketball, particularly within the NBA and as a coach, MBB is positioned to make a strong impression. Through strategic team building and a focused approach, the club aims to navigate the challenges ahead and establish its presence in African basketball.
Original Source: africa.espn.com
