BAL to allow limited fans in arena after Rwandan government approval
Kigali Arena in Rwanda will host the entire inaugural season of the BAL.
The BAL
The Basketball Africa League will be played in front of fans after all, with the Rwandan government opening Kigali Arena up to limited numbers of spectators under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.
The tournament, which is affiliated with the NBA, tips off in Kigali on May 16, and has been under bubble conditions during the build up, with players kept apart for the most part and no fans allowed.
But Rwanda sports minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju told local outlet The New Times, confirmed to ESPN by the BAL, that fans would be allowed under masked and social distancing rules.
Rivers Hoopers star Robinson Odoch Opong will be representing no less than four countries at the Basketball Africa League, which tips off on May 16 in Kigali, Rwanda.
BAL s Ater Majok learned his work ethic from Lakers legend Kobe Bryant
play
How hard was it to stop Kobe? (2:41)
From Jalen Rose to Metta Sandiford-Artest, Kobe Bryant s toughest rivals detail how difficult it was to guard him. (2:41)
US Monastir s Ater Majok has paid tribute to former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant ahead of the Basketball Africa League, telling ESPN that Bryant inspired his career after meeting Majok in high school for the first time.
According to Majok, who would go on to be drafted by the Lakers in 2011, the pair met when Majok attended a youth camp which Kobe hosted in Los Angeles, and the Sudanese-Australian promised the superstar that they would one day share a court.
AS Sale coach Said El Bouzidi has played down his side s chances of winning the Basketball Africa League, saying they can maybe reach the quarterfinals, and names four other teams who could win.
Jordan Clarkson plans to play for Gilas at 2023 Fiba World Cup
PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
UTAH Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson wants to play for Gilas Pilipinas again in 2023 particularly in the Fiba Basketball World Cup, hopefully as a local.
A story ran by the New York Times on Monday bared Clarkson’s desire to suit up once again for the Philippines in two years time when the country co-hosts the Fiba Basketball World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.
The World Cup is also expected to be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, just like the 2019 edition in China.
MORE FROM SPIN