CAN FAKUADE WIN HIS SECOND BAL TITLE?

Michael Fakuade could enter the BAL history books if he is able to help Al Ahly beat AS Douanes in the 2023 BAL Final on Saturday, May 27.

The only player in the 2023 Final to have lifted the BAL trophy before, Fakuade was absent from the Nile Conference campaign, and only joined the Egyptian champions days before the ongoing BAL Final round taking place in Kigali.

And, he is already making his presence felt, contributing 8.5 points per game in the Quarter and Semi-Finals.

What makes his story special?

Two years ago, Fakuade played a huge role in helping Al Ahly’s rivals Zamalek become the first Egyptian club to win the BAL title.

They beat US Monastir 76-63.

In that game, Fakuade had a 7 for 10 successful shooting to finish with a game-high of 15 points off the bench.

As Al Ahly prepare to take on AS Douanes on Saturday, Fakuade shared his experience of being a BAL champion in an exclusive interview with the bal.nba.com.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” he said. “I feel really good about it… just the experience…”

Asked to detail his role within Al Ahly’s rotation, Fakuade replied: “I try to bring energy. I just try to bring calm and cool-headed to the game and try to lead the team the best way I can.”

After helping Zamalek to the historic BAL trophy, Fakuade joined Al Ahly during the 2021 Arab Championship.

He is now firmly looking to help BAL debutant Al Ahly to the top step of the podium on Saturday.

He continued: “We are a great team. Energetic and high offensive team. Good atmosphere within the team.”

“This is my second time playing with the team. I know all the guys, pretty familiar with them. This is a great opportunity to come to play with them.”

One of the familiar faces Fakuade has worked with in the past is Al Ahly head coach Agustin Bosch, who he won the BAL title with at Zamalek.

“Great coach. Great basketball mind. Good person. I know him very well in other contexts. Happy to play for him,” Fakuade said of Bosch.

Asked if he ever shares his BAL success with Zamalek with his Al Ahly teammates, Fakuade said that he prefers to focus on the current season and get the job done.

“I just try to start a new trail and bring positives to this team.”

To win a BAL title, Fakuade revealed, the mindset and game-plan must be: “Play as hard as you can. Leave everything out there and give all energy and try to produce a win,” he said.

About AS Douanes, Fakuade describe it as: “Really good defensive team. high energy. Good rebounding team. I think they lead the league in skills and/or forced turnovers.”

Al Ahly and AS Dounaes will take to hardwood on Saturday, May 27 at 18:00 (Local time).