Africa-Press – Rwanda. Ahead of his upcoming participation in the 2024 NBA summer league, Rwandan basketball coach Igor Mugisha has shared some of the expectations he has for the showpiece that will take place on July 12-22 in Las Vegas, USA.
Mugisha who serves as assistant coach for the U-18 national will be on the technical staff of NBA champions Boston Celtics during the summer league, working with top coaches including DJ Macleay, a former assistant coach for the Celtics.
Mugisha’s role will be to closely collaborate with the coaching staff to develop young players, especially rookies and second-year players, helping them adjust to the NBA’s pace and enhance their understanding of the game.
He will be on defensive principles, including transition defence, rim protection, ball pressure, and rebounding.
In an interview with Times Sport, he said he hopes to enhance his coaching skills by working with a diverse group of players and coaching staff.
“This experience will help me become more adaptable and versatile in my coaching approach. Additionally, the experience and knowledge I acquire from the NBA summer league will enable me to bring back advanced techniques and insights to my home country and Africa as a whole,” he noted.
“This will significantly impact the development of basketball at both grassroots and professional levels. Lastly, I want to thank BAL (Basketball Africa League) and NBA Africa for giving us this opportunity to not only learn but also share our experiences with coaches from different parts of the world,” he added.
Mugisha began his basketball journey as a player for the APR Basketball Club, where he played from 2007 to 2014 and contributed to the team’s multiple championship victories, including winning the FERWABA League, Gisembe Memorial, Heroes Tournament, Kenyatta Day Tournament, and Zone V Club Championships.
His coaching career has taken him to APR Basketball Club as a deputy coach as well as the national basketball team.
Mugisha (L) with Celtics’ star forward Jayson Tatum in the USA ahead of the summer league.
Mugisha takes a selfie while inside Celtics’ film room.
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