Chris Matthews, widely known as Lethal Shooter, had always dreamed of witnessing Africa’s premier basketball league firsthand. But for three years, a packed schedule kept that dream just out of reach. With the Basketball Africa League (BAL) celebrating its landmark fifth season, Matthews made sure this year would be different, determined not to let another opportunity slip away.

“My schedule has always been packed. This year was tough as well, but I told myself that I really wanted to come here. I wanted to experience it,” Matthews shared.

And experience it he did. From the moment he touched down in Rwanda’s capital for the final leg of the BAL regular season, the Nile Conference, Matthews was captivated. The high level of basketball on display was only part of the allure. What struck him even more was the electric atmosphere inside the arena: the rhythmic pulse of the drums, the roaring crowd, and the animated mascot combined to create an environment rich in culture, energy, and community—something that transcended sport.

In a conversation with Forbes.com, Matthews reflected on his long-awaited introduction to the BAL and the growing influence of African basketball on the global stage. He emphasized the league’s potential as a serious pathway for rising talent and shared practical advice for young athletes, especially those with limited access to resources, on how to elevate their game through focused, high-level training

Matthews, a globally recognised shooting coach who has worked with elite NBA and WNBA talent, is no stranger to high-level competition. Yet what he witnessed at the BAL reinforced his beliefs on long-standing narratives about the athletes on and from the continent.

“This is by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Matthews shared. “To me personally, I think these are the best athletes in the world. That narrative that African players are raw and unpolished? That’s ignorant.”

Now in its fifth season, the BAL is evolving into more than a continental league by positioning itself as a legitimate global destination for aspiring professional athletes. Matthews sees it as a league with the potential to rival more established competitions, like EuroLeague, in the eyes of rising talent.

“The level of play, the intensity, the skill, this is some of the best basketball I’ve ever seen,” he said. “It’s not just about talent; it’s about heart, discipline, and hunger. More people need to know about this.”

According to Matthews, greater exposure is key. He believes the media has a crucial role to play in changing perceptions by spotlighting the BAL’s quality, passion, and professionalism. He also offered a forward-thinking solution: hosting American-based tryouts for the BAL to improve access and visibility.

“A lot of players don’t know how great this place is,” he explained. “If I don’t make it to the NBA, I go to EuroLeague, and I could go to the BAL. That should be the mindset. The talent is out there. What’s needed is more access, more stories, and more belief in what African basketball can offer.”

Matthews didn’t make the trip to the land of a thousand hills just to observe, he came to contribute. As part of his trip, he hosted a coaches’ clinic, equipping over 100 local trainers with the same shooting drills and techniques he uses with his high-profile clients.

“In Africa, some of the resources aren’t there yet,” Matthews said. “But the knowledge is. The internet is. We have the ability to put out free content. We just need to commit to it.”

This grassroots investment, he believes, is key to sustainable development. His mission is clear: empower coaches, equip players, and support the next generation of African stars.

“I feel like it’s my obligation to come back to Africa, to help all the trainers here, to help all the coaches, to give them free knowledge so we can continue to push the game of basketball.”

More than mechanics, Matthews stressed values: humility, effort, and respect, as fundamental to sustainable growth. “Even if players make the same mistake over and over, just make sure they understand. Look me in the eyes. Don’t put your head down. Listen to your coach,” he said.

Then, turning directly to the next generation, he added:
“If you’re a young player watching or listening, just make sure you always respect your coach. And if you do that, you’re always going to be successful.”

Reflecting on what he hopes his contribution to the sport on the continent will be, Matthews said, “Hopefully, when I’m like 60 or 70 years old, I have an impact on the game of basketball here that I want to have in the world.” This statement reveals a vision that goes far beyond the present moment, a vision rooted in legacy, purpose, and unwavering dedication.

For Matthews, his journey to Kigali was far more than a visit; it was a commitment to the future of African basketball. By sharing his expertise through coaching clinics, mentoring local trainers, and amplifying the incredible talent within the continent, he is sowing seeds that will nurture the game’s growth for generations. He knows that true influence isn’t measured by instant success, but by the lasting imprint left on players, coaches, and communities.

Within that enduring legacy lies a powerful hope, that the BAL evolves into a global hub for rising stars, that African basketball talent gains the recognition it deserves on the world stage, and that the core values of discipline, respect, and passion become the foundation for a new era.

Matthews’ time in Kigali stands as a testament to the fact that basketball here is far more than a sport, it’s a movement with the power to unite, inspire, and transform. And with passionate leaders like him dedicated to its advancement, the impact he dreams of is not only possible, it’s inevitable.