Armee Patriotique Rwandaise

Armee Patriotique Rwandaise

Leagues Played
Basketball Africa League 16
Links
Wikipedia

Results

Basketball Africa League 06/13 17:00 50 [1] Matic/Milosevic v APR BBC [2] W 90-123
Basketball Africa League 06/11 14:00 2 [1] Al Ahly Tripoli v APR BBC [2] L 84-71
Basketball Africa League 06/09 14:00 3 Rivers Hoopers v APR BBC W 73-104
Basketball Africa League 06/07 14:00 14 [2] Atletico Petroleos de Luanda v APR BBC [2] W 57-75
Basketball Africa League 05/25 15:30 6 [4] Nairobi City Thunder v APR BBC [3] W 74-77
Basketball Africa League 05/24 15:30 5 [1] Al Ahly Tripoli v APR BBC [3] L 106-102
Basketball Africa League 05/22 17:00 4 APR BBC v MBB Basketball L 88-94
Basketball Africa League 05/20 17:00 3 [1] APR BBC v Al Ahly Tripoli [2] L 68-90
Basketball Africa League 05/18 15:30 2 MBB Basketball v APR BBC W 81-103
Basketball Africa League 05/17 15:30 1 [3] APR BBC v Nairobi City Thunder [3] W 92-63
Basketball Africa League 05/12 17:30 6 [4] AS Douanes v APR BBC [3] L 79-54
Basketball Africa League 05/11 14:30 5 Rivers Hoopers v APR BBC L 78-71

Wikipedia - APR BBC

Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club, commonly known simply as APR, is a Rwandan basketball club based in Kigali. Owned and funded by the Ministry of Defence of Rwanda, the team plays in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) and in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the 2024 season. Nicknamed the "Lions", the team is the most decorated team in the country, as APR has won a record 15 national championships.

History

Originating during the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)'s liberation struggle during the Rwandan Civil War in 1993, the club was established to serve as a means to engage and occupy soldiers during a ceasefire amid the peace talks that eventually led to the signing of the Arusha Accords. Alongside the basketball team, the RPF introduced teams in volleyball and football, which continue to operate successfully.

From 1995 to 2003, APR won nine consecutive national championships.

The Lions were taken over by Kenya-born head coach Cliff Uwuor in 2005. They won the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship in 2008, and won league titles in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010.

In 2008, APR became the first team in league history to finish the regular season unbeaten. Its succeses were partly due to APR's high-quality foreign players, mainly from the DR Congo. After its thirteenth championship in 2009, the team went a decade without notable performances. The club opted to play with homegrown players in these years, a decision that coach Uwuor named as a reason for less titles in these years.

In the 2023 offseason, the Lions acquired national team player Axel Mpoyo, Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza and Ntore Habimana, among others. APR eventually ended its 13-year long title drought before by winning another title in the 2023 RBL season, under head coach Maz Trakh.

APR made its BAL debut in the 2024 season, receiving direct qualification to the main tournament as Rwandan champion. The Lions were allocated in the Sahara Conference, but disappointingly finished in the fourth place in the group, becoming the first Rwandan team in league history to miss out on the playoffs. In August, they won the inaugural Rwanda Cup title. APR also won the 2024 league title, qualifying them for a second BAL season.

In the 2025 BAL season, APR finished in the third place of the league, the best result by a Rwandan team in league history, surpassing Patriots' fourth place in 2021. The Lions also set a league record for most points scored in a game in the third place game, after beating Al Ittihad 123–90. Center Aliou Diarra was named the BAL Defensive Player of the Year.

The Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Basketball Team is a prominent and dynamic force in Rwandan basketball, representing the values of resilience, teamwork, and national pride. Established in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide, the team embodies the spirit of unity and hope, drawing its name from the Rwandan Patriotic Army, which played a crucial role in the country's recovery and rebuilding efforts.

APR Basketball is known for its competitive edge in the national league, consistently showcasing a blend of skilled players, strategic gameplay, and a strong coaching staff. The team's colors, often reflecting the national flag, symbolize their commitment to representing Rwanda on and off the court.

With a dedicated fan base, the APR team plays its home games at the Kigali Arena, where the atmosphere is electric, and the support from the community is palpable. The players are not only athletes but also role models, inspiring the youth of Rwanda through their dedication to the sport and their involvement in community initiatives.

As a team, APR is committed to excellence, striving for championships while fostering a culture of sportsmanship and respect. Their journey in the basketball landscape is a testament to the power of sport in promoting peace, development, and national identity in Rwanda.