Grammy award-winning rapper J. Cole will play basketball for the Rwandan Patriots of the Basketball Africa League, The New Times Rwanda announced on Twitter. 

#BREAKING: American rapper J. Cole @JColeNC is in Rwanda and could feature for local side Patriots at the upcoming Basketball Africa League.

The New Times has learned he is on the club’s roster for the competition. pic.twitter.com/mhHOBCAvhx

— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) May 9, 2021

According to USA Today, the rapper will play for the team during the Basketball Africa League’s inaugural season. The official announcement of the artist starring with the team is expected to be announced Thursday. 

J. Cole played basketball at Sanford High School in North Carolina and he walked on to the St. John’s University men’s basketball team, but he began his music career before playing for the Division I team. 

? 5 days until #theBAL tips off ? pic.twitter.com/IOZMuCp9eW

— Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) May 11, 2021

The Basketball Africa League features 12 teams. The Rwanda Patriots will set off against the Nigeria River Hoopers on Sunday. 

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