May 28, 20245:00 AM ET
Enlarge this imageThe popularity of basketball in Rwanda can be seen on courts around the country.
Jacques Nkinzingabo for NPR
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Jacques Nkinzingabo for NPR
The popularity of basketball in Rwanda can be seen on courts around the country.
Jacques Nkinzingabo for NPR
KIGALI, Rwanda — Dozens of young players sprawl out across a pair of colorful basketball courts at Club Rafiki, a youth center in Kigali, Rwanda. Parents and supporters watch from rows of bleachers.
Coaches work with players of varying ages, boys and girls. From the littlest children come shrieks of joy. From older players, focused stares, determination, precise shots at the basket.
Bizimana Bassam, one of the coaches, says that players show up as early as 7 a.m. on weekends, and that during school vacations, Club Rafiki can host as many as 500 young players.
Bassam played basketball as a child, but began coaching as an adult. He says a lot has changed sin..