Nile Conference head coaches pick most impactful players so far

The 2025 Nile Conference has reached its halfway point, with each of the four teams having played three games.

While it’s too early to predict the conference's outcome, Libyan champions Al Ahli Tripoli took a significant step towards next month's playoffs by winning all three of their conference games.

The first six games of the 2025 Nile Conference showcased many storylines, and some players have performed exceptionally well.

For instance, Aliou Diarra recorded two straight double-doubles before sitting out a crucial game against Al Ahli Tripoli due to injury.

Jean Jacques Boissy has been spectacular coming off the bench; nonetheless, the Senegalese player leads the league in scoring with 28 points per game.

Nasseim Badrush provided some lethal shots for the Libyan champions.

Teafale Lenard Jr. and Pieter Prinsloo had solid performances to keep the South African champions, MBB, in the playoff race.

Chasson Randle’s four three-pointers per game have given APR fans reason to remain hopeful in the conference.

There is a saying that coaches have the ability and skillset to spot what the public usually doesn't see.

So, the BAL.NBA.com asked the four head coaches to pick the player who has had the greatest impact in the first round of the 2025 Nile Conference.

Find below their answers.

Sam Vincent – MBB Head Coach

"I'll probably pick No. 50 (Yossoupha Ndoye), the big kid from APR. I like how strong he is around the basket, how he makes outside shots, and how tough he is on defense inside. He has been a very solid player in this tournament so far."

(Editor’s note: Yossoupha Ndoye averaged 15ppg, 10rpg, 2bpg)

"From my team, I would say Teafale. He is providing the consistent scoring we need and playing solid defense.

"But we have a lot of guys doing some really good things. Pieter Prinsloo is playing really well. Our point guard, Jovan Mooring, is doing a good job. The guys are doing a pretty good job."

Brad Ibs – Nairobi City Thunder Head Coach

"Boissy impacts the game in a lot different of ways. Obviously, he has been scoring the ball at a really high level, shooting.
Moments when they need ball pressure turned up he can go in backcourt be a dog. He can change the complexion of the game. And you can see his teammates feed off his energy. He is a guy that really plays the game for the joy of the game."

(Editor’s note: Jean Jacques Boissy averaged 28.3 ppg, 6.7 three-points per game, 3.3 steals per game)

"This is our first time, so we are learning game by game. You can see us improving with each game. We are figuring out which combinations work best. There’s a group of guys who were in the starting lineup yesterday—Eugene Adera, Garang Ding, and Tylor Ongwae—and when we see those three guys on the court together, there’s lots of chemistry and tenacity. When you look at their plus-minus, it’s typically our best."

James Mayes Jr – APR Head Coach

"Outside of our team, I think it’s been Boissy. He has been extremely explosive. He’s showing people that he can shoot the basketball. He has high energy."

"On our team the most impactful player is Aliou Diarra; He’s been a BAL MVP so far, protecting the rim, dunking, being a crowd favourite, executing, I think he is playing great."

Fouad Abou Chacra – Al Ahli Tripoli

“Mohamed Sadi is a triple-double guy. He plays with heart, and he is our captain. He has great charisma on the floor. He motivates his teammates to play defense and goes the extra mile. In addition to his technical skills, he is a great scorer. In my opinion, he is the MVP of the 2025 Nile Conference.”

"After Mohamed Sadi, I pick Aliou Diarra."

“Diarra is a rebounder and shot blocker, and he is key to his team. He is a top prospect. You can work with him to improve his game.”

(Editor’s note: Aliou Diarra averaged 21.5 points and 13 rebounds in the first two games of the 2025 BAL season, setting a season-high six blocked shots in APR’s 92–63 win over Nairobi City Thunder on May 17.)

“Jean Jaques Boissy is also a high-level player. Despite his young age, he has charisma and plays bigger than his size."

"Other impactful players in the conference are Chasson Randle (APR), Uchenna Iroegbu (Nairobi City Thunder), and Jovan Mooring (MBB)."