Ubuntu Fan Voting

Fan Voting for the Season 6 edition of the Ubuntu Trophy is now open! The BAL Ubuntu (“I Am Because You Are”) Trophy Presented by Qatar Foundation, the Official Community Partner of the BAL, recognizes a player for their exceptional contributions to their community. Each season, one (1) player is honored for their community engagement. The winner is determined through an online campaign where fans will have the opportunity to vote. Each team is invited to nominate one (1) player, and all players are eligible for this award. The award winner will be recognized during a virtual or in-person presentation, and a $10,000 donation will be made to a charity of the player’s choosing, subject to BAL approval. 

Joshua Ozabor - Johannesburg Giants

Joshua Ozabor is deeply committed to uplifting underserved communities through consistent, hands-on engagement in outreach initiatives. Joshua Ozabor plays an active role in organizing and delivering programs focused on food distribution, educational support, menstrual health, and winter relief. Through his involvement, essential resources such as meals, school shoes, clothing, and sanitary products have reached thousands of vulnerable families and children. Joshua Ozabor’s impact has contributed to supporting over 3,000 community members, while promoting dignity, youth empowerment, and long-term community well-being. His dedication reflects a strong belief in using his platform to create meaningful and lasting change beyond the game.

Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia - Maktown Flyers

Ibrahim Famouke Doumbia is committed to creating opportunities for young African athletes by combining sport, education, and personal development. Through his initiatives, he has supported thousands of youth by providing essential resources, including distributing over 3,000 pairs of shoes across several African countries, while promoting programs that blend basketball training with education, English learning, and life skills. He actively mentors the next generation by organizing camps and tournaments that engage hundreds of young athletes each year, helping connect talented players to international opportunities such as scholarships abroad. Beyond basketball, he emphasizes self-sufficiency, leadership, and community impact by integrating life-skills training, including agricultural education. His overall mission is to empower young Africans to be discovered, developed, and positioned for success on a global stage.

Hasheem Thabeet - Dar City Basketball Club

Hasheem Thabeet, former NBA player and current President of the Tanzania Basketball Federation, is driving the growth of basketball across Tanzania and the continent. Transitioning from elite athlete to influential leader, Hasheem Thabeet is building sustainable structures, strengthening national systems, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of players. Through his leadership, he is elevating grassroots development while inspiring youth with values of discipline, unity, and resilience. His impact extends far beyond the game—opening pathways for aspiring athletes and shaping the future of basketball in Africa. From Tanzania to the global stage, Hasheem Thabeet’s journey stands as a powerful symbol of possibility. His continued commitment to uplifting communities and using sport as a force for change embodies the true spirit of Ubuntu.

Ariel Koranga - Nairobi City Thunder

Ariel Okall Koranga, a veteran Kenyan basketball player, has made a significant impact beyond the court through his dedication to empowering women and creating inclusive opportunities. He founded and leads a women’s basketball initiative, offering young women platforms to grow athletically and professionally while accessing pathways in education, employment, and personal development. Through his leadership, the program combines high-level basketball with mentorship, life skills, and mental health support, reaching over 300 players from diverse backgrounds, including participants from across Africa and the deaf basketball community—many of whom have advanced to professional play, further education, or employment. Balancing his role as an elite player and leader, Koranga continues to compete at a high level while driving meaningful change, using basketball as a powerful tool to uplift communities, empower women, and build a more equitable future.