Rwanda Basketball League champions APR will host their training camp in Qatar in February in a move the club says will further "bring the group in good shape” ahead of the upcoming regular season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024.
ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Basketball: APR clinch first championship in 14 years
The military side will represent Rwanda at the BAL 2024 after it earned an automatic qualification considering that the country will be hosting the finals of the tournament.
READ ALSO: Trakh opens up on tactics, background work that ended APR’s 14-year title jinx
The teams is currently camping at Acacus apartment in Kigali and holds daily training sessions at Stecol basketball court.
In Qatar, APR will spend 10 days in the camp which will begin on February 20 and run through March 1.
During their stay, APR will play a number of build up games and the Qatar basketball national team is on the list of friendly matchups that coach Mazen Trakh is considering.
READ ALSO: A glance at APR’s ambitious preparations for BAL 2024
"They got a professional league, three Americans, two African players, we are going to be there for 10 days, engage in intense practices, drills and scrimmages to improve our team’s skills,” Trakh said in an interview.
The American tactician emphasized that hosting such a training camp not only builds the team's chemistry but also gives players a chance to learn the team’s strategies and plays.
"We make roster decisions depending on these camps but it also sets the tone for all the competitions we have ahead.”
"It is a crucial period for players to showcase their abilities and for the team to establish its identity.”
The American tactician was monitoring the performance of his team during its first scrimmage game between two groups of its players.
He said he was "very happy” with the first exercise but tipped his players to get even better.
"For our first scrimmage against each other, I was very happy. I looked at our personnel, at our players, you know we expected it to be a little sloppy here and there. But we also expected them to play very, very hard. And they played hard, it was a good game, both teams were exhausted.”
"So I am very pleased about the way we played. Going forward, we are going to have to get better.”
Trakh praised the team’s improved shooting, citing names like star point guard Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, American guard and former BAL star, Michael Dixon, and Adonis Filer, among others.
"Our shooting is coming along. Nshobozwa played a very good second half. He's going to be one of our main guys. Dixon had a really good game, and Adonis. So I think people will be excited to see us play when we play.”
Trakh also hinted at adding two players on the roster, including Rwandan international center Osborn Shema as well as another player whom he said "currently plays for the NBA G-league (also known as the official minor league of the NBA).”
Reacting to the local basketball league which tips off on February 9, Trakh said that his team is ready.
"We can't take anything for granted. The Patriots and REG are going to be very good teams. So you know, we will not wait for the final day.”