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The qualifiers are set to be held in Dakar, Senegal, from November 22 to 24, 2024. Among the players chosen, four are making their debut with the national team, marking the emergence of new talent that could help elevate Rwanda's basketball scene on the international stage. This article will introduce these fresh faces, highlighting their backgrounds, achievements, and what they bring to the national team.
Antino Jackson: A Global Asset to the
National Team
At 28 years old, Antino Jackson stands out as one of the
most experienced players in Rwanda’s new squad. His career journey is a
testament to his dedication and skill, having played professional basketball
across multiple countries, including the United States, Hungary, Estonia,
Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, and Turkey. This international experience has not
only honed his individual skills but also broadened his basketball IQ, making
him a valuable asset to Rwanda's national team.
Currently playing for REG BBC in Rwanda, Jackson has been
a standout player in the current season. His versatile style of play, combined
with his ability to perform under pressure, has earned him recognition both
locally and internationally. His extensive background, particularly in
high-level competitions across various continents, gives him an edge that will
be critical for Rwanda's success in the upcoming AfroBasket qualifiers.
Antino's experience with teams from different cultural and competitive environments
will likely play a pivotal role in Rwanda's strategy, making him a key player
to watch.
Shema Bruno: The Rising Star
Shema Bruno is another exciting new addition to Rwanda's
national basketball team. At just 22 years old, Bruno has already shown
remarkable growth in his game. Despite only being a year into his career at the
senior level, Bruno's potential has caught the attention of both local and
international scouts. His journey in basketball began at Royal BBC Brainois in
2014, where he developed his foundational skills. However, it was his move to
Spirou Charleroi in 2023 that truly set the stage for his rapid improvement.
Spirou Charleroi is one of Belgium’s most prestigious
basketball clubs, having won 10 championship titles and several other honors.
This environment has provided Bruno with the opportunity to compete at a high
level, further refining his skills. His experience with a top-tier European
team adds a layer of sophistication to his gameplay, which is expected to
benefit the national team immensely. Bruno's rising star status indicates that
he could become a cornerstone player for Rwanda in the years to come, especially
with the experience he brings from playing in one of Europe’s most competitive
leagues.
Alexandre Aerts: A Versatile Guard with a
Bright Future
Alexandre Aerts, 23, is another promising addition to
Rwanda’s national team. Currently playing for Ciney Royal Basketball Club in
Belgium’s third division, Aerts is still at the beginning of his professional
career but has already shown impressive versatility and adaptability on the
court. His background in the youth systems of Liège Basket has prepared him for
the challenges of playing at a senior level.
Aerts' versatility is perhaps his greatest strength.
Primarily a guard, he has showcased his skills across multiple positions,
making him a dynamic player who can contribute in various aspects of the game.
In addition to his club career, Aerts is also involved in 3x3 basketball,
having represented Belgium in various youth tournaments. His experience in this
fast-paced, competitive format will add an extra dimension to his play with the
national team. As he continues to grow, Aerts could become a key figure in
Rwanda’s future basketball successes, thanks to his strong work ethic and
willingness to push himself in every situation.
Manzi Kenny: A Young Talent with
International Experience
At just 20 years old, Manzi Kenny is one of the youngest
players selected for Rwanda’s national team, but his basketball journey has
already taken him across the globe. Initially introduced to the sport in his
home country of Rwanda, Kenny’s basketball development accelerated when he
moved to Australia to join the Norths Bears, a part of the Northern Suburbs
Basketball Association’s youth system. His time in Australia helped him gain
the foundational skills necessary for a successful career.
In 2019, Kenny made another major leap in his career by
moving to the United States to join West Coast Elite in Southern California,
one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the region. This move marked
a critical step in his development, allowing him to compete against some of the
best young talent in the world. Currently, he is committed to playing for
Rolling Hills Prep, where he continues to hone his skills and grow as a player.
Kenny’s diverse basketball background and international exposure make him a key
player for Rwanda’s national team as they prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.
His agility, shooting range, and court vision have already made an impact on
the teams he’s played for, and his potential is limitless.
Rwanda’s National Basketball Team: Building
for the Future
As Rwanda continues to build a strong basketball program,
the inclusion of these new players signals a promising future for the sport in
the country. The four debutants—Antino Jackson, Shema Bruno, Alexandre Aerts,
and Manzi Kenny—bring a wealth of international experience, youthful energy,
and a diverse range of skills that will help strengthen Rwanda’s squad for the
upcoming AfroBasket qualifiers and beyond.
Coach Dr. Cheikh Sarr’s selection of these players is
part of a larger strategy to elevate Rwanda’s basketball profile on the
continental and global stage. The team’s preparation for the 2025 qualifiers in
Dakar, Senegal, will be crucial as Rwanda looks to build momentum toward future
tournaments, including the African Championship and the FIBA World Cup. With
these new faces, the national team is poised to compete at the highest levels,
leveraging both seasoned experience and youthful potential to challenge some of
the best teams in Africa.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for
Rwanda’s Basketball Team
The inclusion of Antino Jackson, Shema Bruno, Alexandre
Aerts, and Manzi Kenny in Rwanda’s national basketball team is a clear
indication that the country is investing in its basketball future. Each player
brings unique qualities and experiences that will contribute to the team’s
growth and success on the international stage. Whether through Jackson’s
international experience, Bruno’s rapid development, Aerts’ versatility, or
Kenny’s global exposure, Rwanda’s national basketball team is stronger than ever.
As the team prepares for the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers,
expectations are high, and the future of Rwanda’s basketball scene looks
incredibly promising. With a blend of seasoned professionals and exciting
newcomers, the national team is on track to achieve greater heights in African
basketball, and these new faces are just the beginning of what promises to be a
bright era for Rwandan basketball. The journey ahead is filled with challenges,
but with these talented players leading the way, Rwanda’s basketball future has
never looked more promising.