BAL 2023: Delwan Graham joins REG with big ambitions
After appointing an American coach, the Rwandan club's officials have also signed his compatriot Delwan Graham.
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New signing Delwan Graham arrives at Rwanda Energy Group (REG) with big ambitions. The 34-year-old American wants to make an impact at the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL), which starts in March.
Having arrived in Rwanda on Monday, Delwan Graham already loves his new surroundings. He has apparently been made to feel very welcome. "I like the players, the coach. I mean, everybody seems to be good people. So I feel at home," says the Yankee. He believes he can make his own contribution with "a lot of intensity" and experience in the club's upcoming games. "I've been all over the top leagues, in the South American leagues, the Middle East leagues. I've been in the top Israeli leagues. So this BAL season is very interesting for me. I'm happy to be here," explains REG's new player.
Read more on the same subject: BAL 2023 – Elite 16: East division schedule revealed
Before the BAL gets under way, Delwan Graham could even make his debut in the local league. "I've prepared well. As long as I've got my cardio, I can keep running up and down the court", he noted. The power forward (2.1m) was clearly delighted to be in Rwanda, describing the country and Africa as his homeland. He said it is an opportunity not given to everyone in America. "Not everyone in America gets this chance to have this experience of coming to Africa. You really see where your roots come from. So I'm very happy to be here", says Delwan Graham, who will be reunited with his compatriot Dean Murray as coach.
Jim CEESAY
Conference line-ups
Sahara Conference (11-21 March): Abidjan Basket Club (Côte d’Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Kwara Falcons (Nigeria), Rwanda Energy Group (Rwanda), Stade Malien (Mali), US Monastir (Tunisia)
Nile Conference (26 April – 6 May): Al Ahly (Egypt), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), City Oilers (Uganda), Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), Petro Luanda (Angola), Seydou Legacy Athlétique Club (Guinea),