FIBA Club Basketball in Africa with Calvin Fowler

Calvin Fowler is a 6-5, 207-pound combo guard that played college basketball for the Bellarmine Knights. He has played professionally in both England and Jordan since leaving Bellarmine. Currently, Calvin is competing in the African Champions Club for Men, a FIBA-sanctioned competition of the top club teams from around the continent of Africa. For the next week, Calvin is going to give us a behind-the-scenes look at playing club basketball in Africa.

Days 1-2: 24th FIBA Africa Champions Club for Men

Calvin, tell me about your team and some more information about the tournament:

The tournament is being hosted in Kigali, Rwanda and it lasts from December 13-22.. I am playing for the APR Lions and we are the host team.

You earned a win on day one. Tell me a little about the first game:

We defeated a team from Congo and they were very athletic! The game was close in the first half due to poor shooting from us. We had great looks and just didn't knock them down. The second half we turned up the pressure and then the game was over. I believe the score was 91-59.

(NOTE: APR Lions 91 ASB Mazembe 59)

As the host team, what was the atmosphere like in that first game?

First game was mind blowing and the atmosphere is like no other. It's like if Rucker Park and European soccer games had a baby! It is constant noise, you can't even hear the plays being called. The fans are great! A couple of my teammates had good games and some fans offered their sisters. Seriously!

Calvin, what's it like staying in Rwanda?

Staying here in Kigali was also another huge, but pleasant surprise! The media only shows us the bad in Africa, so when I got here, I was blown away. It reminds me a lot of California. There are a lot of hills and beautiful scenery and the people here are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. We are staying in a newly built hotel/apartment. It is very nice and includes personal cooks, professional massage therapists and guards outside for security.

What are the basketball facilities like?

The basketball facilities are really cool. Our stadium is mostly indoor but also partially outdoor, if that makes any sense. The top middle half is outside, so some nights at practice you can get a nice breeze. My first few practices here were at night and the lights cut out (he laughs)...pretty scary at first. Its not uncommon for the lights to go out at any given time. One time, I was walking in the house with my teammates and the lights went out. I fell down the steps (laughs again)...almost sprained my ankle!

How are adjusting to the time difference?

I am actually pretty adjusted to the time difference. It's funny, I don't know when or how I did, because it usually takes me a week to get adjusted. But, from day one this time, I was adjusted.

Are there any communication issues with your teammates and coaches?

Communicating with my teammates is very difficult at times due to the fact I only know one language, which is embarrassing because some of teammates know five! Ultimately, hand movements and facial expressions get the job done.

What is the game of basketball like at that level in Africa?

The game is way more physical than any other league that I have played in. Everyone is pretty athletic and quick. The fans here put your ego on another level. After games, they just want to touch, smile and talk to you. Before the game, I had to calm myself down. I was so hype! The energy I felt in that gym was crazy!

Game 1 Recap from FIBA.com

Calvin will have a recap of his team's second game tomorrow. Hint - they are off to a 2-0 start...