Dar City spoil Giants' BAL debut

The Johannesburg Giants had a disappointing start to the 2026 Kalahari Conference, losing 100–70 to newcomers Dar City.

The Giants struggled to contain Dar City’s offensive players for most of the game, particularly Nisre Zouzoua and David Michineau, who scored a combined total of 62 points.

Pieter Prinsloo scored the opening basket with a low-post move, but that was the only time the Giants led.

Although the Giants won the rebounding battle 40–36, Dar City appeared more polished in attack.

At one point, the Tanzanian champions were leading by as many as 36 points, mainly thanks to their exceptional three-point shooting.

Zouzoua scored 24 of his 35 points from behind the arc, while Michineau — who played for AS Monaco as recently as last month — was unstoppable, shooting 12 for 15 from the floor to finish with 27 points. Nigerian forward Daniel Utomi added 14 points. 

Jakobi Heady led the Giants in scoring with 26 points, while Nino Dim, the only other Giants player to score in double figures, added 13. 

Junior Madut, who came off the bench to contribute 10 points for the victors, told the BAL.NBA.COM website: “This is the first time Tanzania is represented in the BAL. This moment is special for the country. No limits for this team, we stay ready for what’s next.”

Despite the 30-point defeat, Giants centre David Craig remained positive.

The seven-foot player finished with seven points and four rebounds, acknowledging that there is room for improvement. 

Craig said: 'Not the start we wanted, but it’s just the first game. We’ll adjust and come back stronger; we just need to improve our defence and take better care of the ball.”

He continued: 'Our hopes of progressing are still alive. Hundred per cent. This is just the first game, and there's a lot more basketball to be played.” 

The main things for us are focusing on our defensive rotation and taking care of the ball.” 

When asked about facing Hasheem Thabeet, a player of his height, the 7'3" Craig said: 'I have a lot of respect for Hasheem Thabeet. He was someone I admired as a child. It was great to bring some physicality to the game against him, but someone with his experience made some fantastic plays for his team. He definitely made it tough for me in some situations.”

The Johannesburg Giants will return to action on Sunday, when they face the Nairobi City Thunder, who will play Dar City on Saturday.