RSSB Tigers will characterize Africa on the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, which is able to happen in Beijing, China, from September 22 to 27.
The Rwandan membership earned its place within the match after profitable the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title in Kigali in Could.
Tigers have been drawn in Group A alongside Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania and hosts Shanghai Sharks of China.
Occasions Sport takes a better take a look at Tigers’ two group-stage opponents.
Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania)
Rytas Vilnius enter the match because the reigning Basketball Champions League (BCL) champions after beating AEK BC 92-86 in extra time within the ultimate in Badalona, Spain.
The Lithuanian aspect produced a exceptional comeback, overturning a 20-point deficit within the second half earlier than forcing extra time and finishing the victory. It was their seventh consecutive win within the competitors.
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Like Tigers, Rytas will probably be making their debut on the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Star man: Simonas Lukosius
Lukosius will probably be trying to shine on the worldwide after his stellar performances within the BCL 2026 season the place he was named finals MVP after scoring 23 factors within the ultimate. He additionally set a finals document with seven three-pointers, making him one of many gamers Tigers might want to hold an in depth eye on.
Shanghai Sharks (China)
Shanghai Sharks are one in every of China’s best-known basketball golf equipment and are maybe greatest identified internationally for creating Yao Ming, who went on to turn out to be an NBA star.
The Sharks gained their first Chinese language Basketball Affiliation (CBA) championship in 2002 after reaching the finals in three consecutive seasons. They defeated the Bayi Rockets within the title collection.
Yao Ming later grew to become concerned within the membership’s possession, taking up the staff in 2009 when it was going through monetary difficulties.
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The Sharks head into the 2026 season with a mix of skilled home gamers and worldwide recruits.
They certified for the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup via a direct choice by FIBA to characterize Asia, after the Basketball Champions League Asia was not performed in the course of the 2025–26 season and due to this fact couldn’t function the standard qualification pathway.
Star man: Wang Zhelin
Wang Zhelin is among the Sharks’ key home gamers and a significant determine of their lineup. The skilled centre is predicted to play an vital function for Shanghai alongside the membership’s worldwide recruits.
