Basketball in Africa

Jose Ruiz is the head coach of the women national team of Mali who are currently unbeaten in group-A of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women holding in Dakar and Thies, Senegal.

The Spanish-born tactician takes a hard look at the standard of the game in Africa and his team chances against host in her last group game tonight and the prospect of African players in a brief chat with www.fiba-afrique.org.

Ruiz who doubles as the head coach French division-one side Lattes Maurin Montpellier basketball club says Africa is the next basketball power house after Europe and the Americas.

On his team last group game against host, Senegal tonight, Coach Ruiz says the Malian will curtail the fast break style of play of the Senegalese and go on to top the group.

“I think the standard of play here is high, the followership is also great even greater than some European countries, the media have also been of tremendous support.

“There are a lots of quality players in this championship and to me it is a thing of joy as a coach, very athletic and skilful players that require just of polishing to become world class players.

“Africa might just be the next basketball power-house after the zones of Europe and the Americas judging by the avalanche of talents on display in this championship.

“Our last group game against the host tonight will be a tough duel but I think I have an answer to the foray of the Senegalese fast-break style of play, they a good defensive side but we hope to unleash our young team on them.