19 October, 2021
19 December
14/12/2021
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Who set the scene alight during the Elite 16 in Johannesburg?

 

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa) - We take a look at the top performers during the Elite 16 Division East qualifying tournament, recently in Johannesburg, South Africa.

There's been a number of eye-catching performers, but some of them came up with dominant displays, and in no particular order, here is the list of players who set the scene alight during the Elite 16 Division East in Johannesburg. 

ISMAEL NURMAMADE

The Ferroviario da Beira's star was one of the star performers for the Mozambican club in this phase of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.

Shooting guard Nurmamade put in a solid display in the group stages, scoring 14 points against Cobra Sports and Ulinzi Warriors. The 30-year-old had an even better showing in the Semi-Final against host club Cape Town Tigers. His 24 points in the must-win encounter was a sight to behold.

Ismael Nurmamade

Nurmamade was 5-for-6 in the painted area and 4-for-7 from three-point range in Beira's 77-75 victory over the Tigers, which ensured that the Mozambican club's ticket to the second edition of the BAL next year.

Nurmamade would end the tournament with a 25-point performance against Cobra in the final match for bragging rights.

WILLIAM PERRY

Perry was another consistent performer for Ferroviario Da Beira. The point guard was the heartbeat of the Mozambican club's offence.

Perry's ability to drive and collapse opposition defences helps create scoring opportunities for his teammates and himself.

William Perry

The American point guard consistently scored double figures in all four games as Beira went on their unbeaten run and eventually qualified for the BAL.

He is also not afraid to take on defensive assignments despite his small frame, as witnessed in all the games.

HELTON UBISSE

Beira big man Helton Ubisse is a sturdy presence in the paint, and his ability to finish at the rim was crucial. The forward started the tournament with a strong attacking display in Beira's opening game against South Sudan's Cobra Sports.

Ubisse troubled Cobra's defence all game as he helped himself to 17 points. The 26-year-old showcased his all-around capability in the Semi-Final battle against Cape Town Tigers.

Helton Ubisse

The Mozambican international player was an effective scorer and crashed boards on his way to a double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds). His ability to be at the right places on the court to score and crash boards was a huge plus for Beira.

DIEUDONNE NDIZEYE 

Rwanda's Dieudonne Ndizeye was a great acquisition for South Sudan's Cobra Sports. The shooting guard, who played in the inaugural season of the BAL Patriots Basketball Club, can be lethal from behind the arc.

Cobra benefitted when Dieudonne had a hot hand. The Rwandan scored a game-high 32 points against Kenya's Ulinzi Warriors to help the South Sudan club advance to the Semi-Final.

Dieudonne Ndizeye

In the last four, the shooting guard came off the bench to score a valuable 20 points to help Cobra hang on by a thread in their close-fought 78-76 victory over Burundi's New Star.

ALVARO MASA

Spanish player Alvaro Masa's experience saw New Star of Burundi make a surprise run at the tournament. The forward, who played for Ferroviario de Maputo in the first BAL tournament, helped guide the East African club to the Last Four.

Masa, who can create his own shot from the dribble, was in scintillating form, scoring 25 points, as the Burundians danced their way to victory over the much-vaunted Cape Town Tigers in their opening group game.

Alvaro Masa

He can also deliver in clutch situations, like in the clash against Matero Magic. After struggling for much of that game, he showed his class scoring crucial buckets saw New Star fight and win the game.

Unfortunately, his A-game, a 33-point performance against Cobra Sport, was not enough to earn New Star direct qualification to the BAL after their brave fightback in the semi-final match.

KENNY GASANA

Veteran player Kenny Gasana, who was also part of New Star's eye-catching performance, showed leadership and was the figure of calm during the tournament.

The Rwandan shooting guard delivered inspirational performances in victories against Cape Town Tigers and Matero Magic. Apart from his two 20-point performances in the two wins, he would also take over the point guard duties and helped to settle the team at crucial stages of the games.

Kenny Gasana

His presence in the semi-final against Cobra Sport, while felt, it was not enough to see New Star through. It also did not help that his offence was below par.

LANDRY NDIKUMANA 

Small forward Landry Ndikumana was a silent grinder for New Star. Ndikumana was a trooper for the Burundian team, scoring putbacks and contesting rebounds.GASA

NUThe only thing fancy about him on the court is his dreadlocks. Other than that, he lets his game do his talking for him. For an undersized big man, Ndikumana can hold his own at both ends of the court.

Landry Ndikumana

He notched a 19-point game in the opener against Cape Town Tigers and had two double-double games against Matero Magic and Cobra Sports.

BILLY PRESTON

Cape Town Tigers forward Billy Preston moves smoothly for a player his size, and he likes to dribble drive to the rim. He is also blessed with a good mid-range and outside shot.

Billy Preston

He posted double-doubles two games for the Tigers. Preston's scoring and rebounding was not enough to help his team, as they suffered defeats to New Star in the group stages and Ferroviario Da Beira in the Semi-Final.

EVANS GANAPAMO

Cape Tigers forward Evans Ganapamo can score in many ways. Like his teammate Preston, France-born Ganapamo is a good shooter inside and outside the paint.

The Central African Republic international is quick and can slash to the rim for a layup or dunk. His hang time also makes it hard for defenders to block or divert his shot. On his day, he can be a good rebounder of the ball.

Evans Ganapamo

After a forgettable performance against New Star, Ganapamo came to the party for Tigers, scoring a double-double (19 points and ten rebounds) in the win over Matero and had a 17-point game in the Semi-Final loss to Ferroviario da Beira.

FIBA