RSSB Tigers BBC have strengthened their roster ahead of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals with the return of Mali international centre Oumar Ballo, as the team intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece set for Kigali.
Ballo, 23, is expected to arrive in Kigali on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The 2.13-metre centre currently plays for Italian side Pallacanestro Cantù and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising frontcourt talents.
His basketball journey includes a spell at Gonzaga Bulldogs after graduating from NBA Academy Africa in 2019, followed by standout years at the University of Arizona between 2021 and 2024, where he earned multiple individual accolades.
Ballo later transferred to Indiana University before turning professional in Italy. In 2025, he also featured for the Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League, further elevating his international profile.
On the international stage, he played a key role in Mali’s historic run to the FIBA AfroBasket final, scoring 19 points in the semi-final victory over Senegal before finishing runner-up to Angola.
Tigers also add Shema reinforcement
The Rwandan champions are also reported to have reinforced their squad with Osborne Shema, who plays for APR BBC, as they prepare for the decisive phase of the competition.
RSSB Tigers secured qualification for the BAL Finals after topping the Kalahari Conference in South Africa, where they delivered a strong group-stage performance.
The team won four of their five matches, finishing ahead of continental heavyweights including Al Ahly Ly and Petro de Luanda.
The BAL Finals are scheduled to take place in Kigali from May 22 to May 31, 2026, bringing together Africa’s top club basketball teams in the continent’s premier competition.
