Kriol Star Basketball (Cape Verde) guard Joel Almeida will be honored with the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Trophy during an on-court ceremony at SunBet Arena ahead of the second semifinal game on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. CAT.

The Ubuntu Trophy recognizes the Basketball Africa League (BAL) player who has made a significant impact in the community during the season. Almeida is being celebrated for his continued efforts to uplift and inspire youth in his native Cape Verde through the game of basketball.

Together with his brother Ivan, Almeida played a vital role in transforming Kriol Star Basketball from a grassroots club and foundation into one of Africa’s top teams, helping them and their country qualify for the BAL for the first time this season.

Off the court, Almeida has spearheaded numerous basketball clinics and camps that have reached over 100 young players and coaches over the past year, advancing basketball development and promoting the sport in underserved communities. The club’s mission centers on creating opportunities and inclusion through sport — especially for vulnerable youth.

During the 2025 BAL regular season, Almeida appeared in all six games, competing against top teams including US Monastir (Tunisia), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal). He averaged 9 points and 3 rebounds per game, helping Kriol Star Basketball secure a postseason berth as the No. 7 overall seed with a 3-3 record in the Sahara Conference.

Almeida also represents his country as a member of the Cape Verde Men’s National Team.

Past Ubuntu Trophy recipients include:

Hichem Benayad-Cherif (Algeria’s GSP; 2021)

Jean-Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (Rwanda Energy Group; 2022)

Tonny Drileba (Uganda’s City Oilers; 2023)

Alkaly Ndour (Senegal’s AS Douanes; 2024)

WHEN: Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. CAT
WHERE: SunBet Arena

The post Cape Verde’s Joel Almeida to Receive 2025 BAL Ubuntu Trophy appeared first on HYPE Magazine.