Three-time AfroBasket winner and BAL champ Slimane helps Miami Heat to 2024 Summer League title

MONASTIR (Tunisia) – With three FIBA AfroBasket titles and a plethora of domestic trophies and cups, Tunisia’s Radhouane Slimane is one of the most decorated players in African basketball.

He added another piece to his already rich career, this time, by calling the play from the sidelines.

A FIBA Africa-NBA partnership saw him land a coaching stint as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat for the 2024 NBA Summer League, which he helped to a stunning 120-118 overtime win over Memphis Grizzlies at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Monday, July 22.

This was not his first appearance on the coaching staff of an NBA franchise. In 2023, he was part of the Brooklyn Nets  coaching although he did not meet with the same success.

Radhouane Slimane

When three-time AfroBasket winner (2011, 2017 and 2021) was offered another assistant coach gig  he capitalised from it.

“When you get this kind of opportunities, there’s no thinking. You say “yes” right away. It’s a personal pride to call the game from the sidelines with coaches who have had a long and rich NBA experience, to learn from them,” says Slimane.

His time with the Heat saw him participate in pre-game meetings, prepare game tactics and discussing strategy with the players and other staff members. "I liked it very much. My opinion was heard and debated. I'm very happy to have been a part of the team's success."

In addition to his three AfroBasket titles, Slimane helped US Monastir to the 2022 Basketball Africa League title

The 2024 Summer League saw the Miami Heat finish with a 6-0 streak. They reached the decisive game after a nail-biting 102-99 triumph against the Golden State Warriors 24 earlier.

When it mattered most, the Heat coaching staff, led by Dan Bisaccio, called in Cole Swider from the bench to turn things around and the 2.03m (6ft 8in) forward from Syracuse delivered. He hit straight at the target from behind the arc to give his side a three-point advantage.

But with 20 seconds left, Memphis Grizzlies gave all they had, and Gregory 'GG' Jackson levelled up both teams with a long-distance shot.

With overtime looming, Miami Heat had to go at it again. With both teams swapping the lead, the overtime had the fans on the edge of their seats. It took Pelle Larsson all he had of composure to score the winning point, that saw Miami Heat win the Final 120-118.

"I'm so happy to have won the title. I did not want to relive what happened the previous year. So when Larsson scored the winning point, I was so relieved," he added.

Slimane is seen here in action for his country at 2017 FIBA AfroBasket

With his coaching abilities clearly underlined, Slimane admits he already has his eye on the coaching job with the Tunisian national team.

But he's giving himself a little more time, setting his sights on the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket and a ninth appearance in FIBA Africa's flagship competition. "I have been proposed with the job, but I'll give myself another year or two before I retire as a player."

When asked about the secret to his long-lasting career, which spanned over more two decades Slimane, who turns 44 in August, says that it all comes down to discipline, commitment and consistency.

“I always loved playing basketball, and I think I derive my discipline from the love of the game. As long as you remain professional in your approach, you can last as long as you want”, he concluded.

FIBA