From Wake Forest to Dakar: North Carolina Native will Perry Dribbles to Success in African Basketball League
DAKAR, senegal — Will Perry, a former Wake Forest High School athlete from North Carolina, is making a name for himself not on the baseball diamond, as many might have predicted, but on the basketball courts of Africa. Currently a guard for ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD) in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Perry’s journey to professional basketball stardom is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.
“If you asked me: ‘What’s your sport?’ I would not have said basketball until I was maybe 17 years old [or] 16,” Perry told reporters, reflecting on his late revelation of his true calling. His career trajectory, he says, began to take off after a crucial physical advancement spurt in his late teens.
Perry’s unlikely rise is even more surprising considering the initial expectations of those around him. “If you would have asked my high school coach or my youth coach, they would have been like: ‘Nah, he’s going to have some success in basketball at the school level, but professional is almost impractical, without a doubt.'”
His path wasn’t always clear. While at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a Division II college, Perry began to realize his potential for a professional career. Under the guidance of coach Ryan Odom, now leading the Virginia Cavaliers, Perry’s game flourished, opening doors he hadn’t previously imagined.
Perry is entering his fourth BAL season, representing his third club which has made him a notable figure in African basketball, similar to his favorite rapper, J. Cole, in hip-hop. He missed only the inaugural BAL season in 2021, when he watched J.Cole play for Rwanda’s Patriots BBC with interest.
Before landing in Senegal, Perry navigated the European basketball landscape, including stints in Spain’s third-tier LEB Plata, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Luxembourg. Seeking a change to avoid stagnation, he was drawn to the BAL’s potential.
“Every african guy that I played with was like: ‘Africa’s coming. Just wait,'” Perry recalled. The pivotal moment came during his time in Spain, when a teammate, stephen Ugochukwu, introduced him to the burgeoning Basketball Africa League. “He told me J.Cole was playing in the league and that was my favorite rapper. I was like: ‘Alright – well, let’s watch it.'”
That viewing experience proved to be a turning point. “Me and him sat in Spain and watched the Basketball Africa League’s first edition from start to finish. I was like: ‘Man; this is awesome!'” perry was impressed not only by J. Cole’s presence but also by the overall quality of play. “Not only is J. Cole playing and that’s really cool, but the level of play was good. It was exciting and it was cool.”
In late 2021,Perry’s journey led him to Mozambique’s Ferroviário da Beira,a team he saw as mirroring his own underdog spirit.”I was an under-rated guy. I was a late bloomer. Just making it to the pro level, I was so happy just to be able to say the rest of my life that I played professional basketball – but then, as I started climbing in the ranks, I thoght: ‘Alright, well now I’m really trying to make money in this thing. Let me get to the top level in Europe.'” Though, he added, “Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. I just couldn’t bust into the top layer in Europe… I decided, ‘Let me change something.Let me try to change.'”
Perry cherishes his first season with Beira. “My favorite memory is the first time I played in the Road to BAL with Ferroviário da Beira and the first time we qualified for the BAL. Qualifying for the BAL is awesome. If you play in the Road to BAL and that game that you need to win to get there, you win it, it’s a great feeling.” He specifically remembers the victory against the Cape Town Tigers: “We played against the Cape Town Tigers [in December 2021] in South Africa and we beat them by [two points] and that’s my best memory – that game that took us to the 2022 BAL… That’s my best memory [on the continent] by far.”
His performance in the BAL has been consistently extraordinary, improving his scoring average each year. perry has consistently scored between 14 and 19 points per game in his first three BAL seasons, and his second season in 2023 saw him tie terrell Stoglin’s then-scoring record of 41 points in a game. Jo Lual-Acuil would go on to score 42 in 2024.
Last season, playing for Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers, perry achieved his first top-three finish, with the team defeating the Cape Town Tigers in the third-place playoff in Kigali. One of the reasons for their success, according to Perry, was teamwork.”One good thing about the Rivers Hoopers team I played for and why I think we had a lot of success is: our games fit together perfectly. sometimes, basketball is not just about getting the best, most talented players. It’s about who can fit together in the right way,” he said.
Perry’s sportsmanship has also been recognized, winning the BAL’s Sportsmanship Award twice in a row (2023 and 2024), celebrating his “ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity.” Despite his relatively smaller stature at 6-foot tall, his ability to consistently grab rebounds in a physical league against taller opponents is a testament to his professional attitude.
Playing for ASCVD, Perry will team up with former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Ater Majok in the paint, with Abdoulaye Harouna contributing to the scoring load. Perry’s decision to join the hosts of the Sahara Conference reflects his strategic and emotional considerations. “They gave me a good offer to be honest; I’m not going to lie. Obviously, the economics are something that I had to put into play and I really wanted to play for the home team if that makes sense.I think it’s cool to play when the fans are all behind you.”
ASCVD faces tough competition in the Sahara Conference with teams like Angola’s Petro de Luanda, Tunisia’s US Monastir, and Cape Verde’s Kriol Star.
In addition to his time in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Senegal, Perry’s career has taken him to Burundi, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Before his professional basketball career, Perry envisioned himself as a financial advisor or basketball coach. Now, he enjoys giving financial advice to his fellow professionals in Africa. He advised Lebo Mofokeng, a former Cape Town tigers player who now coaches at Eshot, on finding an agent.
“I did start an agency – me and my dad – and it’s going kind of well. It’s not something that I wanted to do full-time. It’s actually illegal to be a player and an agent, so I had to call my dad and ask him if he could be the head of it… It’s something I’m definitely interested in after basketball,” he said. Perry sees a notable need for player support. “I think there’s a huge market for helping players off the court and for just being a mentor and guiding guys. A lot of times, that’s all a really talented guy needs – just somebody to point him in the right direction and keep him on the right path.”
perry is open to coaching and management roles in the future, but is currently focused on winning a BAL championship.
FAQ: Will Perry’s journey to the BAL
Q: How did Will Perry get into professional basketball?
A: Perry’s path was unconventional.He didn’t fully commit to basketball until his late teens, gaining prominence after a growth spurt and excelling under the tutelage of coach Ryan Odom at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Q: What inspired Will Perry to play in the Basketball Africa League?
A: After playing in Europe, Perry sought a change. Watching J. Cole play in the inaugural BAL season sparked his interest, as he was impressed by the league’s level of play.
Q: What is Will perry doing after his BAL career?
A: Perry is considering coaching, management, and is currently involved in a sports agency run by his father.
Q: How big of a deal is the basketball Africa League (BAL)?
The BAL, backed by the NBA, represents a significant investment in African basketball and provides a platform for African players to compete at a high level. The league aims to develop talent, improve infrastructure, and create economic opportunities related to basketball across the continent. While not yet as popular as the NBA, the BAL’s viewership has grown annually in africa and has opened doors for talent globally.
Q: What impact has will Perry had on the Basketball Africa League?
Perry has achieved significant success in the BAL,winning the Sportsmanship Award twice and contributing to the success teams. His consistency on the court and positive attitude have made him a valued player and an critically important figure in the league.
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From Wake Forest to Dakar: Archyde Interviews Basketball Star Will Perry on his African Dream
Archyde News Editor,Alex Johnson recently sat down with Basketball Africa League (BAL) star Will Perry,point guard for ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD),to discuss his remarkable journey from North Carolina to the pinnacle of African basketball.
A Late Bloomer’s Journey
Alex Johnson: Will, welcome to Archyde. Your story is truly inspiring. You didn’t pick up basketball seriously until your late teens. What sparked that transition?
Will Perry: Thanks for having me. well, it was a bit of a surprise even to me! I was more focused on other sports growing up. But a growth spurt and a newfound passion for the game around 16 or 17 really changed everything. Suddenly,basketball felt like the right path.
From Underdog to African Basketball Icon
Alex Johnson: You’ve mentioned your college coach, Ryan Odom [now with the Virginia Cavaliers]. and the impact he had on your career. Can you elaborate?
Will Perry: Coach Odom at Lenoir-Rhyne University saw potential in my game that I hadn’t quite recognized. He helped me develop my skills and believe in myself. He gave me the foundation to even begin to think about professional basketball.
Alex Johnson: Let’s talk about the BAL. What drew you to the league after your time in Europe?
will Perry: I had reached a point of stagnation and was looking for a change of scenery that would propel me in my career. I’d heard the league was the future. A teammate who played with me in Spain – Stephen Ugochukwu, clued me in, and then, when I saw J. Cole play, I was hooked.
The Road to Success: Key Moments and Awards
Alex Johnson: Can you share a particular standout memory from your BAL career so far?
Will Perry: Certainly.Qualifying for the BAL with Ferroviário da Beira after that win against the Cape Town Tigers in South Africa. That’s my favorite memory. I’ve played in multiple different countries, and it was amazing!
Alex Johnson: That’s fantastic! You’ve also won back-to-back Sportsmanship Awards, which is a huge accomplishment. How do you foster that spirit of fair play and integrity on the court?
Will Perry: It’s simple – if you treat everyone with respect when I step on the court, and play hard, but play fair, that’s what I’m all about. The spirit of sportsmanship should always be present, irrespective of the score.
Looking Ahead: Dakar and Beyond
Alex Johnson: Now with ASCVD,you’re playing in Dakar. How does it feel to join the home team?
Will Perry: I wanted to represent the host city! It’s great to know the fans are behind me. It’s an awesome experience.
Alex Johnson: You’ve also established a sports Agency with your father. Is that something you want to pursue after you are done playing?
Will Perry: Absolutely. There’s a massive need to support players off the court, to be a mentor. I think I can provide a lot of value by helping younger players, and I’m excited to help them on their journeys.
Alex Johnson: The Sahara Conference looks competitive this year. What are your thoughts on the opponents?
Will Perry: very tough. We’ll be facing teams from across Africa. we are excited to compete and fight for a spot in the final.
Fan Engagement
alex Johnson: what advice do you have for aspiring athletes who have a dream of playing professional basketball, either here or in the BAL?
Will Perry: Believe in yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with people who support your vision. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace the journey. It’s not always easy,but it’s worth it.
Alex Johnson: Will,Thanks so much for your time to us at Archyde! We’re excited to follow your journey this season
Alex Johnson is a news editor at Archyde.
