Ntore Habimana has withdrawn from Rwanda's men's national basketball team that will take part in the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers, slated for 22-24 November 2024 at Dakar Arena in Senegal.

The left-handed point guard told B&B Kigali that he had "decided to take some time to rest and work out."

"I am not joining the national team for this window," Ntore told B&B Kigali.

Ntore has not yet joined Rwanda's camp that began on 1 November, despite being handpicked for Cheikh Sarr's 15-man squad, which was announced last month. The Canada-based player and Axel Mpoyo are the only players who have not yet joined the camp in Kigali, Rwanda.

There is obvious competition for a spot in Cheikh Sarr's final squad, particularly at the point guard position, as the Senegalese coach summoned five point guards in his 15-player roster – Alexandre Aerts, Antino Jackson, Ntore Habimana, William Robeyns, and Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza.

Rwanda are positioned in Group C along with Cameroon, Gabon, and Senegal.

They will start their quest for the 2025 AfroBasket berth, squaring off against hosts Senegal in the opening game on 22 November before taking on Cameroon and Gabon on 23 and 24 November, respectively.

Cheikh Sarr's side will play two friendly games against Mali and South Sudan on 19 and 20 November as part of their preparations for the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers, with both games taking place in Dakar.

Rwanda men's basketball team

Photo: Belgium-based Alexandre Aerts and Prince Muhizi take part in Rwanda's training at Petit Stade.

Rwanda basketball NT