# APR BBC

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For the women's team, see [APR WBBC](/source/APR_WBBC).

Basketball team in Kigali, Rwanda

APR 2026 BAL season Nickname The Lions Division Division 1 Leagues Rwanda Basketball League BAL Founded 1993 History APR BBC (1993–present) Arena BK Arena[1] Capacity 10,000 Location Kigali, Rwanda Chairman Richard Murefu Head coach James Maye Jr. Ownership Ministry of Defence 2026 position 1st of 14 Championships 14 Rwandan Leagues Home Away Third

**Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club**, commonly known simply as **APR**, is a Rwandan [basketball](/source/Basketball) club based in [Kigali](/source/Kigali). Owned and funded by the [Ministry of Defence of Rwanda](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_(Rwanda)), the team plays in the [Rwanda Basketball League](/source/Rwanda_Basketball_League) (RBL) and in the [Basketball Africa League](/source/Basketball_Africa_League) (BAL) for the [2026 season](/source/2026_BAL_season). Nicknamed the "Lions", the team is the most decorated team in the country, as APR has won a record 16 national championships.[2]

## History

Originating during the [Rwandan Patriotic Front](/source/Rwandan_Patriotic_Front) (RPF)'s liberation struggle during the [Rwandan Civil War](/source/Rwandan_Civil_War) in 1993, the club was established to serve as a means to engage and occupy soldiers during a ceasefire amid the peace talks that eventually led to the signing of the [Arusha Accords](/source/Arusha_Accords_(Rwanda)). Alongside the basketball team, the RPF introduced teams in volleyball and football, which continue to operate successfully.[3]

From 1995 to 2003, APR won nine consecutive national championships.[3]

The Lions were taken over by Kenya-born head coach Cliff Uwuor in 2005. They won the [FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=FIBA_Africa_Zone_5_Club_Championship&action=edit&redlink=1) in 2008, and won league titles in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010.[4]

In 2008, APR became the first team in league history to finish the regular season unbeaten.[5] Its succeses were partly due to APR's high-quality foreign players, mainly from the DR Congo. After its thirteenth championship in 2009, the team went a decade without notable performances. The club opted to play with homegrown players in these years, a decision that coach Uwuor named as a reason for less titles in these years.

In the 2023 offseason, the Lions acquired national team player Axel Mpoyo, [Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza](/source/Jean_Jacques_Nshobozwabyosenumukiza) and [Ntore Habimana](/source/Ntore_Habimana), among others. APR eventually ended its 13-year long title drought before by winning another title in the [2023 RBL season](/source/2023_RBL_season), under head coach [Maz Trakh](/source/Maz_Trakh).[6]

APR made its BAL debut in the [2024 season](/source/2024_BAL_season), receiving direct qualification to the main tournament as Rwandan champion. The Lions were allocated in the [Sahara Conference](/source/Sahara_Conference), but disappointingly finished in the fourth place in the group,[7] becoming the first Rwandan team in league history to miss out on the playoffs.[8] In August, they won the inaugural Rwanda Cup title.[9] APR also won the 2024 league title, qualifying them for a second BAL season.[10]

In the [2025 BAL season](/source/2025_BAL_season), APR finished in the third place of the league, the best result by a Rwandan team in league history, surpassing [Patriots'](/source/Patriots_BBC) fourth place in 2021. The Lions also set a league record for most points scored in a game in the third place game, after beating [Al Ittihad](/source/Al_Ittihad_Alexandria_(basketball)) 123–90.[11] Center [Aliou Diarra](/source/Aliou_Diarra) was named the [BAL Defensive Player of the Year](/source/BAL_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year).[12] On July 12, 2025, they won their 16th national championship.[13]

## Honours

### National

**[Rwanda Basketball League / National Basketball League](/source/National_Basketball_League_(Rwanda))**

- **Champions (16):** 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, [2023](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_RBL_season), [2024](/source/2024_RBL_season), [2025](/source/2025_RBL_season) - *Runners-up (2):* 2013, 2014

[**Rwanda Cup**](/source/Rwanda_Basketball_Cup)

- **Winners (1):** [2024](/source/2024_Rwanda_Basketball_Cup)

**[Rwandan Heroes Cup](/source/Rwandan_Heroes_Cup)**

- *Runners-up (1):* 2020

**Genocide Memorial Tournament**

- **Winners (1):** 2024[14]

### International

[**Basketball Africa League (BAL)**](/source/Basketball_Africa_League)

- *Third Place (1):* [2025](/source/2025_BAL_season)

**[FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup](/source/FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup)**

- *Third Place (1):* [2009](/source/2009_FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup)

[**FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship**](/source/FIBA_Africa_Zone_5_Club_Championship_(men))

- **Winners (3):** 2002, 2007, 2008

### Friendly

**Legacy Basketball Tournament**

- **Winners (1):** 2024[15]

## In FIBA and BAL competitions

**[FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup](/source/FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup)** (3 appearances)

- - [2007](/source/2007_FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup) – 6th Place - [2008](/source/2008_FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup) – 8th Place - [2009](/source/2009_FIBA_Africa_Clubs_Champions_Cup) – [‹See Tfd›](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_April_13#Medal_templates_2) Third place

**[Basketball Africa League](/source/Basketball_Africa_League) (BAL)** (1 appearance)

- - [2024](/source/2024_BAL_season) – *To be determined*

## Season by season

Season Regular season Playoffs Cup competition Finish Wins Losses Pct. APR 2017–18 Season was not held 2018–19 4th 7 6 .538 Lost semifinals (Patriots) 2–3 2019–20 3rd[a] 2 1 .667 Lost semifinals (Patriots) 68–75 Runners-up (HC) 2020–21 4th 10 1 .909 Won quarterfinals (UGB) 93–51 Lost semifinals (Patriots) 0–2 2021–22 3rd 21 3 .875 Lost semifinals (REG) 1–2 2023 3rd 19 3 .864 Won semifinals (Patriots, 3–0) Won finals (REG, 4–0) 2024 2nd 16 2 .889 Won semifinals (REG, 3–0) Won finals (Patriots, 4–2) Winners (RC) 2025 1st 15 1 .938 Won semifinals (Patriots, 3–2) Won finals (REG, 4–1) Regular season record 90 17 .841 Play-down record 25 13 .658

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** In the 2019–20 season, the season was shortened due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), and as such APR only played a group phase of three games.

## Players

### Current roster

This section is [transcluded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Transclusion) from [2024 APR BBC season](/source/2024_APR_BBC_season). ([edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2024_APR_BBC_season&action=edit) | [history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2024_APR_BBC_season&action=history))

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at [FIBA](/source/FIBA)-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

APR roster Players Coaches Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Age G 00 Filer, Adonis 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) 32 – (1993-07-11)11 July 1993 G 2 Noel, Obadiah (I) 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) 80 kg (176 lb) 26 – (1999-06-28)28 June 1999 F/C 4 Hunt, Dario 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 37 – (1989-05-02)2 May 1989 F 5 Ruta, Christopher 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 25 – (2000-11-09)9 November 2000 SG 6 Robeyns, William 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 30 – (1996-02-23)23 February 1996 F 7 Mpoyo, Axel 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 29 – (1997-01-05)5 January 1997 G 11 Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, Jean Jacques 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) 28 – (1998-06-26)26 June 1998 PF 14 Wamukota, Tom 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) 32 – (1993-09-28)28 September 1993 PG 15 Habimana, Ntore 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 28 – (1997-08-15)15 August 1997 SF 23 Kimasa, Dan 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 31 – (1995-01-01)1 January 1995 G/F 28 Camara, Mohamed (E) 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 21 – (2005-04-01)1 April 2005 F/C 34 Abdullah, Mohamed (I) 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 22 – (2003-11-03)3 November 2003 PG 45 Larson, Niyibizi 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) 19 – (2006-10-14)14 October 2006 Head coach Maz Trakh Assistant coach(es) Bill Bayno Daniel Zigirinshuti Legend (C) Team captain (I) Import player (E): BAL Elevate player Injured Roster Updated: May 4, 2024

### Notable players

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at [FIBA](/source/FIBA)-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Criteria To appear in this section a player must have either: Set a club record or won an individual award while at the club Played at least one official international match for their national team at any time Played at least one official NBA match at any time.

See also: [Category:APR BBC players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:APR_BBC_players)

- [Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza](/source/Wilson_Nshobozwabyosenumukiza)

- [Elie Kaje](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elie_Kaje&action=edit&redlink=1)

- [Cedric Isom](/source/Cedric_Isom)

- [Ntore Habimana](/source/Ntore_Habimana)

- [Ulrich Chomche](/source/Ulrich_Chomche)

- [Kami Kabange](/source/Kami_Kabange)

- [Darko Balaban](/source/Darko_Balaban)

- [Tom Wamukota](/source/Tom_Wamukota)

## Head coaches

The following people have been head coaches of APR:

- [Cliff Uwuor](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cliff_Uwuor&action=edit&redlink=1): (2005–2023)[4][16]

- [Maz Trakh](/source/Maz_Trakh): (2023–2024)

- [James Maye Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Maye_Jr.&action=edit&redlink=1): (2024–present)[17]

## Women's team

APR WBBC is the club's women's team plays in the [Rwanda Women's Basketball League](/source/Rwanda_Women's_Basketball_League) and have represented the country in the [2022 FIBA Africa Women's Champions Cup](/source/2022_FIBA_Africa_Women's_Champions_Cup).[18]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club â€" Rwanda Basketball Federation"](http://rwanda.basketball/apr-bbc/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Tracing the evolution of basketball in Rwanda"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/186050/Sports/tracing-the-evolution-of-basketball-in-rwanda). *The New Times*. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2023. Rebuilding came with the birth of clubs like APR Basketball Club which has since won seven league titles,

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) ["APR (RWANDA)"](https://bal.nba.com/teams/apr). *The BAL*. Retrieved 3 May 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_4-1) Bishumba, Richard (27 February 2015). ["Owuor weighs in on the future of APR BC"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/116457/Sports/owuor-weighs-in-on-the-future-of-apr-bc). *The New Times*. Retrieved 22 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["APR makes history"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/11955/Lifestyle/apr-makes-history). *The New Times*. 6 October 2008. Retrieved 9 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Sikubwabo, Damas (9 September 2023). ["PHOTOS: Basketball: APR clinch first championship in 14 years"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/10626/sports/basketball/photos-basketball-apr-clinch-first-championship-in-14-years). *The New Times*. Retrieved 10 September 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Sikubwabo, Damas (13 May 2024). ["BAL 2024: AS Douanes end APR's playoffs hopes"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/16719/sports/basketball/bal-2024-as-douanes-end-aprs-playoffs-hopes). *The New Times*. Retrieved 22 August 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Gatera, Emmanuel (23 May 2024). ["Will Rwanda's absence at BAL playoffs affect the turn up?"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/17015/sports/basketball/will-rwandas-absence-at-bal-playoffs-affect-the-turn-up). *The New Times*. Retrieved 22 August 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sikubwabo, Damas (10 August 2024). ["APR wins inaugural Rwanda basketball cup tournament"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/19086/sports/football/apr-wins-inaugural-rwanda-basketball-cup-tournament). *The New Times*. Retrieved 22 August 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Sikubwabo, Damas (23 September 2024). ["PHOTOS: APR see off Patriots in Game 6, win record 15th championship"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/20333/sports/basketball/photos-apr-see-off-patriots-in-game-6-win-record-15th-championship). *The New Times*. Retrieved 23 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:5_11-0)** ["APR clinch third place in the 2025 BAL in a record-breaking game"](https://bal.nba.com/news/apr-clinch-third-place-in-the-2025-bal-in-a-record-breaking-game). *The BAL*. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Diarra wins second BAL Defensive Player of the Year award"](https://bal.nba.com/news/diarra-wins-second-bal-defensive-player-of-the-year-award). *The BAL*. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Sikubwabo, Damas (12 July 2025). ["APR see off REG in Game 5, win record 16th championship"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/28003/sports/basketball/apr-see-off-reg-in-game-5-win-record-16th-championship). *The New Times*. Retrieved 14 July 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Sikubwabo, Damas (21 April 2024). ["Basketball: APR overcome Patriots to lift GMT title"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/16136/sports/basketball/basketball-apr-overcome-patriots-to-lift-gmt-title). *The New Times*. Retrieved 23 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Sikubwabo, Damas (28 January 2024). ["Basketball: APR, Kepler crowned 2024 Legacy Tournament winners"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/14097/sports/basketball/basketball-apr-kepler-crowned-2024-legacy-tournament-winners). *The New Times*. Retrieved 29 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Sikubwabo, Damas (20 December 2020). ["APR basketball re-sign coach Cliff Owuor"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/182619/Sports/apr-basketball-re-sign-coach-cliff-owuor). *The New Times*. Retrieved 12 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Sikubwabo, Damas (11 October 2024). ["Basketball: APR coach James Maye Jr. on playoffs victory, working in Rwanda"](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/20845/sports/basketball/basketball-apr-coach-james-maye-jr-on-playoffs-victory-working-in-rwanda). *The New Times*. Retrieved 12 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["APR WOMEN BBC at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2022"](https://www.fiba.basketball/africa/womenschampionscup/2022/team/APR-WOMEN-BBC). *FIBA.basketball*. Retrieved 18 January 2023.

## External links

- [APR Basketball Club](https://www.afrobasket.com/team/Rwanda/APR-Basketball-Club/22625) at Eurobasket.com

- [Official APR BBC site](http://rwanda.basketball/apr-bbc/)

v t e Basketball Africa League Seasons 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Qualifying rounds 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Playoffs 2021 (F) 2022 (F) 2023 (F) 2024 (F) 2025 (F) Teams 2026 season teams Al Ahly Al Ahly Ly APR ASC Ville de Dakar Club Africain FUS Rabat Jeunesse Club d'Abidjan Petro de Luanda US Monastir Former teams ABC Fighters Al Ahli Tripoli AS Douanes AS Police AS Salé Bangui Sporting Club Cape Town Tigers City Oilers Cobra Sport DUC Dynamo Espoir Fukash FAP Ferroviário da Beira Ferroviário de Maputo GS Pétroliers GNBC Kriol Star Kwara Falcons Nairobi City Thunder Patriots REG Rivers Hoopers SLAC Stade Malien Zamalek Arenas BK Arena Dakar Arena Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall Salle Moulay Abdellah SunBet Arena Competition stages Road to BAL Sahara Conference Nile Conference Kalahari Conference Finals Awards Most Valuable Player All-BAL Team All-Defensive Team Defensive Player of the Year Sportsmanship Award Ubuntu Award Records and statistics Records list (Single-game points record) Annual statistical leaders Associated NBA FIBA FIBA Africa FIBA Africa Basketball League (Defunct) Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [APR BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APR_BBC) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APR_BBC?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.