REG's Nshobozwabyosenumukiza wins Ubuntu award

Rwanda Energy Group's (REG) point guard Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza has already helped his side to book a place in the Basketball Africa League Playoffs that will be played in Kigali, Rwanda, between May 21st and 28th.

The guard scored 14 points, picked nine rebounds and dished out three assists as REG defeated AS Douanes 69-55 to record their third straight win in the Sahara Conference.

That is, however, just one of the victories for the man with the longest surname in the tournament.

On Wednesday night, the Rwandan international was presented with the 2022 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Ubuntu trophy.

It is an award that recognizes one's contribution to the community.

The Ubuntu Trophy celebrates one BAL player who has made an outstanding effort and impact on the community during the season.

The award recognizes Nshobozwa's efforts with Club Rafiki (CR) in Kigali, Rwanda, through the 2022 BAL season.

Nshobozwa has used the game of basketball to help children and young adults to integrate into society and discover their potential through developmental basketball programming and competitions.

"In recognition of his efforts, the BAL will donate $5,000 to Club Rafiki," read a statement from the BAL.

Nshobozwa had to beat off competition from other Ubuntu Trophy finalists, Forces Armeés et Police Basketball's (FAP) Essome Pierre and Petro de Luanda's Lukeny Gerson.

The point guard emerged as the winner after taking the vote of the BAL executive panel and fans on social media.

He becomes the second BAL player to receive the award, alongside Hichem Benayad-Cherif, who played for Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers in the inaugural BAL season.

"Ubuntu" derives from Nguni and Bantu languages and symbolizes essential human virtues, such as compassion, respect, and humanity.

For now, Nshobozwa will focus on REG's last two games of the Sahara Conference regular season.

REG won the conference last season but struggled to replicate the same performance before the home crowd at the BK Arena.