José Neto voted 2022 BAL Coach of the Year

José Neto has been voted the 2022 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Coach of the Year.

It’s the first time – since its inception in 2021 - that the BAL presents such award. 

The Brazilian tactician is in his second BAL season with Petro de Luanda. 

The award was presented during the Third-Place game between Zamalek and FAP, a day before Petro face US Monastir in the 2022 BAL Final on Saturday, May 28.

Neto’s Petro de Luanda reached this year’s BAL final with a 7-1 mark.

Neto is the only head coach – in the current BAL season – who returned from the inaugural season. 

FAP’s Francois Eneyegue was promoted from assistant to head coach this year.

The main criteria for the award is based on the development of a mutually respectful relationship with league, game officials, media, opponents and fans.

Another important criterion is that the coach has the best results based on the resources at their disposal.

Meanwhile, the BAL presented two other awards on Friday.

Zamalek center Anas Mahmoud, who won the 2021 Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the Year, took home the BAL this year’s Sportsmanship award.

According to the BAL, the Sportsmanship award exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court with ethical behaviour, fair play, and integrity throughout the entire season. 

The award is voted by head coaches, team captains, broadcasters and journalists. The 2022 All-Defensive Team consisted of Childe Dundão and Abou Gakou (Petro de Luanda), Brice Bidias (FAP), Ater Majok (US Monastir) and Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza.