The NBA, Basketball Africa League Amplify The Sport In Rwanda

In 2021, the National Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation came together to create the Basketball Africa League, with a vision of exposing the African continent to basketball on a large scale. In 2024, their efforts, particularly in Rwanda, have paid off. Not only are Rwandan children paying attention to the game of basketball , but some see it as a path to a brighter future. 



As NPR reported, although there is excitement from the young players, some, like 19-year-old Lilliane Uwase, see a barrier, too. “If I study well, and I get some scholarship outside the country, I [can] go outside [the country] to show my talent … I will be a good player, and I would be a good doctor.” Uwase told NPR.



She continued, “Here in our country, some children who are poor cannot afford [basketball]. They see it is for rich girls and boys who want to joke around, but the poor ones cannot get that opportunity.” She is also not very tall, so she sometimes feels overlooked by scouts who may be looking for the next Kamilla Cardoso.





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