Tyrus Thomas

🏀 #Burundi has unveiled a 16-player squad for the upcoming @FIBA Africa U18 Zone 5 Championship, with the young talents set to represent the country in #Kampala, #Uganda, from June 14 to 19, 2026. ⛹️ The selected players began preparations on May 26 at the Sports Department grounds, according to the #FEBABU. Training sessions are being led by head coach Aimé Bitagoye, assisted by Fernand Ndamama, as the national U18 side intensifies preparations ahead of the regional tournament. 🏀 Burundi’s rising basketball generation is now attracting growing attention, with hopes that the country could be entering a new era for the sport. 🇺🇸 Former @NBA player @tyrusthomas , best known for his time with the @chicagobulls , joined the team’s first training session on Tuesday, May 26, bringing international experience to the young squad. ⛹️ Thomas, who arrived in #Burundi on May 21 at the invitation of Febabu, is expected to assess local talent and explore potential collaboration opportunities aimed at developing Burundian basketball. Febabu officials say discussions could lead to future partnerships that would allow young Burundian players to train or play in the #unitedstatesofamerica as part of a broader talent development program. 💬 According to the federation’s vice president, at least one player each year could eventually earn an opportunity to continue their basketball journey in the #usa. 🏀🇧🇮 The U18 national team camp officially opened on Tuesday, May 26, as Burundi steps up preparations for the FIBA Africa Zone 5 competition scheduled for next month in #Uganda. The opening training session was supervised by former NBA star Tyrus Thomas alongside Burundi’s national technical staff. Best wishes to Burundi’s Intamba U18 as they prepare to compete on the regional stage. #andikamagazine #writeyourownstory #basketball #Burundi #Africa #U18 📸: @LaFebabu