Latest news with #KriolStar
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
Ivan and Joel Almeida BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League. As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion: But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age. Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas • Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively. • He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster. • Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court. • Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age. From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose. If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way. Media Contact Company Name: SNW Contact Person: John Dixon Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Highlights from the Basketball Africa League finals in Pretoria
PICTURES: Highlights from the Basketball Africa League finals in Pretoria For the first time in Basketball Africa League (BAL) history, South Africa hosted the Season 5 Playoffs and Finals. Emmanuel Onoja of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) in the basketball game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli during the BAL Season 5 Final at the Sunbet Arena. Pictures: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The competition saw eight teams from across the continent competing at Pretoria's SunBet Arena from 6-14 June. The game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) during the BAL Season 5 Final at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa on 14, June 2025. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE A close-up of a branded Basketball Africa League ball is seen during the tournament. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Sneakers are seen during the 3rd place playoff between Al Ittihad (Egypt) and APR (Rwanda). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The BAL mascot entertains the crowds. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Mohamed Bashir Sadi, captain of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and team celebrate with the mascot. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Joel Almeida, captain of Kriol Star (Cape Verde) competes for the ball with Assem Mohammed Marei of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) during the first quarterfinal game. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Ivan Almeida of Kriol Star (Cape Verde) during the 1st QF game against Al Ahli (Libya). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE A player sneakers seen during the 1st QF game between Al Ahli (Libya) and Kriol Star (Cape Verde). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE General view during the 1st QF game between Al Ahli (Libya) and Kriol Star (Cape Verde). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Mohamed Bashir Sadi, captain of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) lifts the trophy after his team beat Petro de Luanda in the finals. The competitions' trophy is inspired by the adansonia (more commonly known as baobab). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE PICTURES: Proteas receive heroes welcome in Johannesburg
Libya Observer
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Al-Ahly Tripoli advances to BAL semifinals after beating Cape Verde's Kriol Star
Libya's Al-Ahly Tripoli basketball team has qualified for the semifinals of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after a dominant victory over Kriol Star of Cape Verde, with a final score of 107–81, in a match held Sunday evening at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The game saw an impressive performance by the Libyan side, as Al Ahly Tripoli asserted control from the outset, winning the first quarter 29–18, and extending their lead in the second quarter 25–22, to close the first half comfortably ahead at 54–40. In the second half, Al-Ahly maintained both physical and technical superiority, taking the third quarter 29–17, and the fourth quarter 24–27, securing a comprehensive final score of 107–81. With this victory, Al-Ahly Tripoli secures a well-deserved spot in the tournament's final four, continuing its march toward the continental title in what marks a historic achievement for Libyan basketball. Tags: basketball Al-Ahli Tripoli
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs - Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) And Al Ittihad (Egypt) Advance to BAL Semifinals in Pretoria
In the first of two win-or-go-home quarterfinal matchups, Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) secured a dominant 107–81 victory over Kriol Star (Cape Verde). The win was powered by a standout performance from Fabian White Jr., who recorded 34 points and 13 rebounds, while Jaylen Adams contributed 19 points. For Kriol Star, Joel Ntambwe led the way with a team-high 25 points and seven rebounds. The second game of the night was arguably the most thrilling in Pretoria so far, as Al Ittihad (Egypt) edged out FUS Rabat (Morocco) in an 86–83 overtime victory to stay alive in the competition. FUS Rabat's Nisre Zouzou hit a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime, but Al Ittihad held firm in the extra period, preserving their perfect record. Al Ittihad delivered a balanced offensive effort, led by Lual Acuil's double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Kyle Vinales also scored 16 points and added seven assists, while Majok Deng contributed 15 points. FUS Rabat's Jonathan Jordan led all scorers with 23 points. The BAL Quarterfinals continue tomorrow as APR (Rwanda) takes on Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) at 4 p.m. before US Monastir (Tunisia) faces Petro de Luanda (Angola) at 7 p.m. CAT. Postgame Press Conference Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Zawya
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
2025 Basketball Africa League Playoffs - Kriol Star (Cape Verde) and Al Ittihad (Egypt) Open Basketball Africa League Playoffs with Victories in Pretoria
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) ( Playoffs are officially underway at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, tipping off in thrilling fashion as Kriol Star (Cape Verde) edged FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco) in a 91–88 nail-biter. Joel Ntambwe led Kriol Star with a team-high 22 points, while Ivan Almeida posted a triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Jalan McCloud also added 21 points. For FUS Rabat, Yacine Baeri delivered a team-high 22 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from three-point range. The second game of the night featured a clash of titans between two undefeated teams, Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) and Al Ittihad (Egypt), with Al Ittihad emerging victorious in an 85-74 win. Majok Deng led the charge with 19 points, while Lual Acuil posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. For Al Ahli Tripoli, Fabian White Jr. delivered a game-high 24 points along with 10 rebounds. Jean Jacques Boissy and Naseim Badrush also contributed with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Tonight's seeding games set up the win-or-go-home quarterfinal matchups on Sunday – Al Ahli Tripoli will take on Kriol Star at 4 p.m. and Al Ittihad will face FUS Rabat at 7 p.m. CAT. Tomorrow's seeding games will feature the defending champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) taking on APR (Rwanda) at 4 p.m. and 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia) facing last year's semifinalist Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) at 7 p.m. CAT. The 2025 Basketball Africa League season is reaching fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid TV broadcast partnerships, including on Canal+, ESPN, FIBA's digital platform Courtside 1891 and livestreaming on the NBA App ( ( ( and the BAL's YouTube ( channel. PRESS CONFERENCES Opening Press Conference ( NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave Postgame Kriol Star vs FUS Rabat (coaches and players) ( Al Ahli vs Al Ittihad (coaches and players) ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
