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Kubwimana Kazingufu Ali (Rwandese born on 29 December 1995) is a Rwandan professional basketball player (FERWABA) in French Fédération Rwandaise de Basketball, currently playing for the national basketball team and Patriots basketball club. He wears a number 8 jersey and is a point guard for the Patriots.
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Early life
Ali was born on 29 December 1995 in Rubavu (Western province). He and his four siblings are children of local business people Kazingufu Jean and Uwamariya Marie. His little brother and sister are also into basketball and they consider him as an inspiration. He has studied at Stella Maris, a well-known local primary school; pursued his Ordinary level at ESEGI in Rubavu, then completed high school in History Economics and Geography (HEG) combinations at College APE Rugunga, in Kigali. He is currently completing his bachelor's degree in Business Management at the University of Tourism and Business (UTB) in Kigali.
Ali is a point guard mostly known for his speed, as some fans often call him "Homme à quatre poumons" (Man with 4 lungs); he can alsobe deployed as a Shooting Guard, and is an excellent three point shooter. He has played with several other well known professionals such as Shime (point guard at IPRC Kigali Basketball club); Sani Eric (center at IPRC South Basketball club) and Marc Rushagaza (Shooting Guard at Patriots BBC).
Basketball career
Ali started playing basketball as a hobby when he was 12, played within the school basketball team as he went to high school then in 2008; he joined the Marine Basketball Club juniors where they got the opportunity to train with the Club’s seniors at times.
Professional career
During a local interschool championship in 2011, Ali was noticed by the Kigali Basketball Club (KBC) President Rutajogerwa Callixte. He recommended Ali to the team’s Coach Kalima Cyril who welcomed him in the club that same year.
season 2012-2013 with Kigali Basketball Club(KBC)
After he joined KBC (KIGALI BASKETBALL CLUB), in his peoffesional debut he had 22-points,7 assists, 4 rebounds and 6 Steal ;He helps the team won the 2012 championship pre-season; came second during the FIBA Africa Zone 5 championship and that same year, he was among the selectees representing team Rwanda in the EAC Military Games where they won the gold medal.
In 2013, Ali received the Improved Player award by the Rwandan Basketball Federation (FERWABA) with averages of 23.6 points;3.8 rebounds,3.1 assists and 4.4 steals per game.
Season 2014-2015 with Patriots Basketball Club
He left KBC in 2014, and then joined the Patriots Basketball Club where he currently plays. In October 2015; he was selected for the 3 on 3 Rwandan team during FIBA Zone 5 championship where the team won Ali was awarded the Best Three Point Shooter.
Ali has been playing for the Rwanda national basketball team from 2014.