BAL Echoes from Dakar Part II: In Conversation with Quintin Denyssen

Full Court Press was able to catch up with, BAL play-by-play commentator, Quintin Denyssen. Denyssen, a former South African international, who played club basketball with Mozambican powerhouse Ferroviário de Maputo, is one of the most recognisable figures in the African media landscape. In South Africa, he is widely considered, “the voice of South African basketball” and by virtue of this pedigree, it was only fair that we get Denyssen’s viewpoints on what went down in Dakar and what he is looking forward to when Nile Conference play commences on 9 April.

What can explain the significant amount of improvement, in the level of play we saw during the first round of BAL 2022 fixtures?

Teams came into Sahara Conference in particular and for the BAL better prepared and this was evident in the way rosters were constructed. We could see they were tailored to suite the style of play envisaged by the various coaches and team management. We also saw that returning participants such as BAL 2021 runner up US Monsatir and AS Sale, were able to build on the previous competition experience. While it was clear that, the BAL debutants including; Dakar Université Club (DUC) Ferroviário da Beira, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Seydou Legacy Athlétique Club (SLAC), bought into league’s objective to serve as an elite basketball platform. As a result, there was a high-level of intensity exhibited by all teams, which was seen in the close score line that we saw in most games. 

Did you think the foreign players did enough to improve the overall performance of their respective teams?

The foreign contingent of players definitely provided a value add during this round of fixtures. This was especially evident with respect to guard play, an area where African players have traditionally been lagging at. In this regard, the American duo of Terrell Stoglin for AS Sale, who scored a BAL record 41 points in their 96-90 loss to US Monastir and Chris Crawford of SLAC, who was a major contributor to his sides unexpected qualification for the BAL playoffs.

What about the contribution of African player?

There were some extremely impressive African players, notably South Sudanese and Lebanese dual national Ator Majok of US Monastir and Nigerian Chris Obekpa of SLAC. Both individuals asserted themselves as the best two way players so far in the competition, demonstrating defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. And while African guard play has historically been underwhelming, a round of applause must got REG guard Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza. Nshobozwabyosenumukiza was in his element for REG and this was most evident when he hit a buzzer beater, to earn REG a hard earned 83-81 win over SLAC. His contribution’s also enabled REG to pull of an upset of US Monastir and finish top of the Sahara Conference.

Who were the most impressive individual performers during the Sahara Conference game?

Terrell Stoglin! Stoglin was unstoppable throughout this round and play as he could always find a way to score, be it in transition, getting to the paint as well as drawing fouls and getting to free throw line. Chris Crawford’s great shooting was a decisive factor, which propelled SLAC to surprising playoff qualification, while Canadian, Jemel Kennedy proved an efficient and smart two way player for Beira. Unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to ensure they advanced to the second round.

What has been the most impactful innovation you’ve seen so far in BAL 2022

The establishment of the BAL Elevate programme, which saw NBA Academy Africa players drafted onto BAL squads, was a tough but positive move by the BAL. The inclusion of the young prodigies, who were guaranteed three minutes of game time per match, served as an invaluable mechanism to ensure talented players get high-level experience at a young age. Moreover, this initiative enables the NBA to pursue its developmental goals on the continent. Although this was a first time (initiative) BAL Elevate players such as Serigne Saliou Mbaye SLAC and from DUC were able to play Babacar Sane meaningful minutes during the first round of play.

How was the atmosphere in Dakar, Senegal?

Overall, there was great fanfare, hospitality and being at the Dakar Arena was reminiscent of being at NBA game, with an added African flare. The basketball specific facilities which host the BAL are also another great aspect of the competition.

Looking forward to Nile Conference fixtures, which will take place from 9-19 April. Denyssen feels the competition will only get better and predicts there would be a literal dog fight. Denyssen unapologetically expressed his happiness that a South African side, Cape Town Tigers, will be present at the tournament, while he is keen to see what continental giants such as Petro de Luanda and BAL 2021 Zamalek will bring to the table this season.