April 25, 2024

Al Ahly Ly’s Pierre Jackson calls Rolly Fula the best shooter in the BAL

A thorough look into the stats leaders of the ongoing 2024 Nile Conference one name stands out: Rolly Fula Nganga.

The DR Congolese international player is one of the reasons why Bangui Sporting Club emerged as a potential playoff contender.

He led the Central African Republic champions on Wednesday to shocking a 96-93 win against a star-studded Al Ahly Ly to improve to 2-2. In the process, Fula signed out with a career-high of 30 points.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 24: Rolly Fula #15 of the Bangui Sporting Club shoots the ball during the game against the Al Ahly Ly during the Nile Conference Group play for the 2024 Basketball Africa League season on April 24, 2024 at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo, Egypt. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nacer Talel/NBAE via Getty Images)

Even opponents acknowledge how impactful the 31-year-old has been throughout the conference.

Commonly known as Fula or Rolly in basketball circles, the 1,98m (6-foot-6) leads the scoring charts with 23.4 points per game.

In just four 2024 Nile Conference games Fula averaged a season-high (for players with more than 10 attempts) an incredible (17-for-29) 59% from behind the arc.

“He’s easily the best shooter in the BAL, for sure. I definitely take my hat off to him for shooting the ball that well,” said Al Ahly Ly shooting guard Pierre Jackson, a terrific shooter on his own right.

“He shoots the ball amazingly in general, not just against us. In the first game he had a good game against us as well.”

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 19: Pierre Jackson #5 of the Al Ahly Ly looks on during the game against the Bangui Sporting Club during the Nile Conference Group play for the 2024 Basketball Africa League season on April 19, 2024 at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo, Egypt. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jackson was so impressed by Fula’s shooting ability that he wanted to learn more about him. “I was just asking during the game how old he was; where his next job was going to be,” Jackson revealed in an exclusive interview with bal.nba.com.

Fula is in his second BAL season, having played for BC Espoir Fukash two seasons ago although the DR Congo side were eliminated in the Nile Conference with a 1-4 record.

In 2022, Fula averaged 18 points per game while making 2.6 three-pointers per game.

But his second BAL experience has been something else.

‘Rolly is our first scoring option,” said Bangui SC captain Jimmy Djimrabaye.

“He is consistent; he brings the right energy to the team; he never forces plays; he lets the game come to him. As one the leaders of this team, we trust him. We are lucky to have him on our team.”

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 22: Rolly Fula #15 of the Bangui Sporting Club shoots the ball during the game against the Al Ahly during the Nile Conference Group play for the 2024 Basketball Africa League season on April 22, 2024 at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo, Egypt. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Matthieu Metivet/NBAE via Getty Images)

Asked about his pre-game routine and preparation, Fula said he has become more mature with time and shooting repetition and hard work have made things easier for him.

“I am a team player,” he pointed out, adding: “If I miss a shot I always try to get better in my next attempt; that’s what natural shooters are like. I always try to be a better player.”

For now, he says, he appreciates the admiration that he is getting, but his primary goal is “to try to help my team and myself to make it to the playoffs for the first time.”

When asked if Bangui SC can win their next two tests two games against City Oilers and hosts Al Ahly SC and secure one of the two spots for the playoffs in May? “We are a group of warriors. We are here to fight until the end,” he replied.