Highlights:
- J. Cole is expected to play for Rwanda’s Patriots BBC in the Basketball Africa League.
- According to sources, J. Cole’s signing with the Rwandan club is expected to be announced on Thursday.
- J Cole is known for his basketball talent in addition to his musical skills.
J Cole, a Grammy winner, whose latest album “The Off-Season” is scheduled to be released this week, is reportedly preparing to play professional basketball for a team in the new Basketball Africa League. The signing will reportedly become official on Thursday.
Cole is now in Rwanda, according to the New Times Rwanda, and is on the roster of the Rwanda Patriots BBC.
J. Cole is reportedly clearing quarantine after arriving in Africa over the weekend, just in time for the start of the inaugural FIBA/NBA league later this week. The “No Role Modelz” rapper is set to make his debut against Nigeria on Sunday (May 16).
#BREAKING: American rapper J. Cole @JColeNC is in Rwanda and could feature for local side Patriots at the upcoming Basketball Africa League.
— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) May 9, 2021
The New Times has learned he is on the club's roster for the competition. pic.twitter.com/mhHOBCAvhx
Cole is expected to play in three to six games in the first season of the Basketball Africa League, which will feature 12 teams this year, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Also Read: 25 basketball facts that will make you crazy
Cole was a standout basketball player at Sanford High School in North Carolina before joining the St. John’s Red Storm basketball team as a college student in New York City. He eventually dropped out of the programme to pursue a music career and never appeared in a Division I game.
J. Cole was rumoured to be offered a tryout with the Detroit Pistons prior to the 2020 season, and he has continued to work on his game in the gym since then. Master P explained at the time that Cole was trying to get a shot in the NBA like he once did.
This weekend marks the start of BAL’s inaugural season. It’s a collaboration between FIBA and the NBA, and it’ll be the NBA’s first time operating a league outside of North America.
There will be a total of 26 games in the inaugural season, with each of the league’s 12 teams beginning with an 18-game group phase. The top eight teams from each division will advance to the playoffs, which will be single elimination over the three rounds.
On Sunday, May 30, the first BAL finals will be held.