Star point guard Adonis Filer has said that Rwandan teams struggle in the Basketball Africa League because they don’t get enough time to prepare for the finals.
Filer, 29, is a household name in Rwandan basketball and has been a regular figure at the BAL finals when he twice represented REG during the past two editions.
Despite boasting state-of-the-art facilities like the BK Arena, Rwandan teams have struggled to make a lasting impact at the BAL Finals, exiting early in each attempt despite playing before their home supporters in host city Kigali.
It’s a bad trend has left fans pondering whether Rwanda has what it takes to excel in basketball.
In the BAL 2021 tournament, Patriots BBC secured a fourth-place finish, while in both the 2022 and 2023 editions, REG BBC participated but failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals on both occasions.
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Asked what stops Rwandan teams from excelling in the BAL finals, the American said, "our limited preparation time is one issue we face. It's challenging to pinpoint the exact cause, but let's be honest about it. I don't possess all the details regarding our preparation and punctuality, which is crucial for success.”
"I'm one of the biggest competitors you'll ever meet. I love to win, and I hate to lose, Rwandan teams struggle with chemistry, and this is a significant concern,” he added, speaking exclusively to The New Times’ Sanny Ntayombya in the Long Form Podcast.
Filer, who embarked on his basketball journey in Rwandan during the 2020/21 season with the Patriots before he later signed with REG, insists that Rwandan teams lag behind when it comes to investing time in preparing a team ready to challenge for championship just like previous champions Al Ahly, US Monastir and Zamalek do.
"Winning teams like Al Ahly and Monastir have prepared extensively, with months of training. Some of their players also represent their national teams, contributing to their strong chemistry. Our team's chemistry doesn't develop over time; Once the playoff winner is determined, our team often struggles with the timing of getting everyone together, which is my primary concern. We, as players, have raised this issue,” he said.
"It usually involves assembling players from different teams like Patriots, APR and retaining some from our REG team to create a talented squad on paper. However, even with a skilled roster, sufficient time is crucial. We have to adapt to a new coach, learn their system, understand the plays, and identify our offensive and defensive roles. These aspects require time and trust to build chemistry. Without that chemistry, success is elusive.”
Filer admits that losing is an integral part of the game and he is convinced that there may be other factors behind Rwandan teams’ persistent woes in the BAL but "it's worth noting that injuries and last-minute roster changes have had an impact on us before. This season, when facing champions like Al Ahly, it was indeed an uphill battle. However, we firmly believe that, with proper preparation and teamwork, every game remains within our grasp."
Despite the recent disappointments, he said, each season offers a stepping stone for improvement, part of the ongoing process of finding ways to win.
The point guard also emphasized on the importance of supporting players financially, particularly those who have other jobs alongside their basketball commitments.
"Money is a universal motivator, and providing these players with higher salaries would allow them to fully commit to basketball. While some may have jobs outside of the sport that offer better financial security for their families, offering increased compensation could make them prioritize their basketball careers,” he said.
"In my view, investing in players is essential for success and progress in the game, and sometimes you need to spend money to achieve these goals.”