As the clock ticks down to the tip off of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference in Kigali on Saturday, May 17, APR Basketball Club has confirmed its final roster, demonstrating its intent to compete at the highest level in African basketball. The Rwandan champions, renowned for their storied legacy and dominance in the national league, have bolstered their lineup with a blend of returning talent and carefully selected new signings to strengthen their push on the continental stage.
Among the headline additions is American point guard Obadiah Noel, who rejoins APR after briefly returning to the United States. Noel played for APR during the 2024 season and left a lasting impression before an injury forced him out during the BAL Sahara Conference in Dakar, Senegal. Noel is known for his dynamic offensive skills and tough defensive presence. The 6'4 explosive guard brings valuable professional experience from the NBA G League, where he featured for the Indiana Mad Ants and Westchester Knicks.
Joining him in APR’s final lineup are three new faces who bring both talent and international experience. Swiss-based Rwandan forward Dylan Schommer offers versatility in both the power forward and center positions. He has previously represented Rwanda at the international level, including notable performances in the FIBA AfroBasket championship. Sano Rutatika, a Rwandan forward who plays for the University of West Florida, also joins the squad, adding youthful energy, size, and depth to the forward rotation. Completing the quartet of new additions is American small forward Dane Miller Jr., who is expected to bring maturity, leadership, and a well-rounded game to the team.
These roster changes were necessary following injuries to two key players during the 2025 Basketball Genocide Memorial Tournament. Osborn Shema, 27, tore his ACL and is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months, while 36-year-old Nobel Boungou suffered a torn Achilles tendon, ruling him out for eight to twelve months. Their injuries have left a significant void in APR’s lineup, but the team has responded with decisive and strategic recruitment to maintain its competitive edge.
With the final roster set and preparations well underway, APR Basketball Club heads into the BAL 2025 Nile Conference with renewed focus and ambition. The team’s mix of local talent and international experience, guided by the steady hand of Coach Moses Bass, positions APR as more than just a participant—they are clear contenders. As Kigali prepares to host some of Africa’s top basketball clubs, all eyes will be on APR to see if their revamped squad can rise to the occasion and make a lasting impact on the continental stage.