Nigerian American forward Devine Eke has officially announced his transfer to Senegalese powerhouse ASC Ville de Dakar ahead of the highly anticipated Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference. While Eke looks forward to a new chapter in his basketball journey, he took a moment to reflect on his time with Rivers Hoopers, expressing deep appreciation and admiration for the Nigerian club that helped propel his professional career on the African continent.
In a heartfelt message, Eke thanked the Rivers Hoopers organization for the opportunity to represent them during his debut BAL season, emphasizing that the club and its fans will always remain close to his heart. �Rivers Hoopers gave me a platform to showcase my game on one of the biggest stages in African basketball. I�m forever grateful to the team, the coaches, the management, and the incredible fans who supported me from day one,� he shared.
Eke�s stint with Rivers Hoopers during the 2023 BAL season was nothing short of remarkable. He quickly emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, averaging an impressive 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. His consistent dominance on both ends of the court earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-BAL Second Team�a major accolade that solidified his status as a rising star in African basketball.
Though he won�t be suiting up for the Hoopers this season, Eke is optimistic about the future and is eager to continue contributing to the growth of basketball across Africa. �It�s a new challenge, a new environment, but the goal remains the same�to grow the game and represent at the highest level,� he said. �I�m proud to be joining ASC Ville de Dakar, and I�m looking forward to what we can achieve together.�
Eke�s basketball journey since his BAL breakout has been both dynamic and inspiring. Beyond the African continent, he has gained experience in the United States with stints in the NBA G League and a brief run with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League. Through it all, he has remained grounded, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work. �No matter where I play, I�ve learned to be patient, stay focused, and give it my all. That mindset has carried me through every high and low,� Eke reflected.
Adding to the excitement of his move to Senegal, Eke will reunite with his former Rivers Hoopers teammate and star guard Will Perry at ASC Ville de Dakar. The duo, known for their chemistry on the court, is expected to play a pivotal role for the Senegalese club as they gear up for the Sahara Conference�a division packed with some of the most talented and competitive teams in the league.
With the BAL Season 5 officially underway, the spotlight will soon shift to the Sahara Conference, where ASC Ville de Dakar will battle for a spot in the playoffs. The Kalahari Conference tipped off the action earlier this month, and the Nile Conference is scheduled to take place in Kigali from May 17 to 25. The playoffs, featuring top qualifiers from each conference, will culminate in a thrilling finale set for Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to 14.
As Devine Eke embarks on this next phase of his career, fans across Nigeria, Senegal, and the broader African basketball community will be watching closely, eager to see how he continues to elevate the game with his passion, talent, and determination.
