Dubai Basketball’s new acquisition, Canadian big man Mfiondu Kabengele, has joined the emirate’s newest elite sports team with ambitions that extend beyond just improving his game on the court—he also aims to grow as a person and deepen his faith. Standing tall at 2.08 meters, Kabengele brings a wealth of experience from his NBA days with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, during which he played 55 games between 2019 and 2022.
Kabengele’s recent stint with Reyer Venezia in Italy showcased his impressive skills, especially in the EuroCup, the second tier of the prestigious EuroLeague competition. He dominated the boards as the EuroCup’s top rebounder, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game alongside a notable 15.4 points. His stellar performance earned him a coveted spot on the All-EuroCup First Team. In the Italian league, he continued to impress, averaging 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds, underscoring his consistency and impact.
After discussing his potential role with Dubai’s coaching staff, Kabengele expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase not only his traditional strengths but also develop other aspects of his game. “Rebounding, setting good screens, and being a defensive anchor are the cake of my game,” he said. “But the icing, the decoration—that’s what makes the cake pretty—is the shooting, attacking mismatches, pushing the break, and potentially shooting outside the paint, including three-pointers.”
What ultimately attracted Kabengele to Dubai was the team’s vision and belief in his untapped potential. He explained, “A lot of people see me how I am and want me for how I am, not for what I could be. That enticed me to come here because I know there’s room for me to grow.” This growth mindset aligns well with his willingness to work hard—he acknowledges the challenge ahead but is committed to putting in the effort to steadily expand his role.
Commenting on the level of competition, Kabengele highlighted the EuroLeague as the second-best league globally and the best in Europe. He appreciates the seasoned, skilled veterans in the league, recognizing the strategic depth and differing style compared to American basketball, describing it as “top-notch” in terms of ability and tactics.
Dubai’s basketball team, fresh from an impressive debut season finishing third in the Adriatic ABA League, earned an invitation to compete among Europe’s elite clubs in the EuroLeague. To strengthen their roster, they recruited several experienced EuroLeague stars and former NBA players, demonstrating their commitment to compete at the highest level.
Kabengele’s move to Dubai isn’t just about basketball—it’s a step in his personal journey as well. Having converted to Islam on February 11, 2023, he sees living in Dubai, with its vibrant Muslim culture and community, as an opportunity to grow spiritually and personally. “I feel like I’d be a better Muslim and a higher character because you are who you surround yourself with,” he reflected. Dubai’s environment, with its mosques and cultural richness, represents a supportive setting for him to uphold the gentlemanly values he cherishes.
Joining Kabengele is Serbian point guard Aleksa Avramovic, a player bringing experience, energy, and scoring ability to the team. Avramovic, an Olympic bronze medallist, signed a three-year deal from CSKA Moscow, where he averaged 12.2 points and 3.4 assists. He underscored the importance of team chemistry, noting the familiarity he shares with several teammates from past club and national team experiences. Speaking Serbian among many teammates from the ex-Yugoslavia region creates a comfortable and cohesive environment.
Avramovic stressed the significance of starting strong in the EuroLeague, emphasizing that early success can define the season’s momentum. Although a minor injury might delay his debut, he expressed eagerness to face his former team, Partizan Belgrade, in Dubai’s first EuroLeague match.
With a squad blending seasoned pros, NBA veterans, and talented internationals, Dubai’s basketball project is ambitious. Kabengele’s multi-faceted motivation—player development, faith, and cultural enrichment—adds a unique and compelling layer to the story of Dubai Basketball’s rise in the elite European basketball scene.
