Rwandan men’s basketball powerhouse APR on Wednesday, August 21, announced the appointment of American James Maye Jr as the team’s new first assistant coach.

Maye, a basketball personality who made rounds in top European professional basketball leagues and one season in the NBA G League will now assist club head coach Mazen Trakh.

Until his appointment, Maye was an assistant coach for US-based College Park Skyhawks, which is also an NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks.

It is also not the 41-year-old’s first international stint, after previously coaching in countries like Venezuela.

His addition comes at a time when APR is gearing up for the domestic basketball league playoffs which tip off on August 28.

"Coach Maye Jr. brings a wealth of experience to the team, having most recently served as the head coach of Gladiadores de Anzoátegui, one of Venezuela's top clubs,” a statement released by the club on Wednesday reads in part.

"APR basketball club administration believes that the addition of Coach Maye Jr to our technical bench will be of significance as we fight to retain the league trophy,” the statement added.

Maye’s coaching journey includes working as an assistant coach with the Long Island Nets in New York City and the Greensboro Swarm in North Carolina.

As it stands, APR tops the charts on the league standings with 34 points, one point ahead of rivals Patriots who have played a game less.