Posted by J. Cole officially made his pro basketball debut in the Basketball African League on Sunday (May 16) and although Cole didn’t blow away skeptics with a crazy stat line, he managed to inspire a few fans in the process.
Cole took the court for the Rwanda Patriots on Sunday, coming off the bench in an 83-60 win over the Nigeria River Hoopers. In 17 minutes of action, the 36-year-old North Carolina standout scored three points, grabbed three rebounds, two assists and three turnovers.
J. Cole is really about to play in this Basketball Africa League game. I thought they were playing pic.twitter.com/RpHHJsk14v
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 16, 2021
“Those Big Perk Numbers!!!” Perkins exclaimed on Twitter. “I see @JColeNC.”
Those Big Perk Numbers!!! I see @JColeNC ??? https://t.co/lN5DFQh2Ow
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 16, 2021
There were a few notable highlights for J. Cole. He scored his first pro bucket on a putback attempt following a fast break and showed he had court vision in setting up teammates for scoring opportunities. Most of all, he looked like a legit pro going up against potential NBA talent. According to multiple reports, Cole is only suiting up for three to six games for the Rwandan club as they attempt to win the inaugural Basketball African League crown.
J. Cole Predicted To Earn Sixth Consecutive Billboard No. 1 With ‘The Off-Season’
Cole’s pro debut capped off a big week for the Dreamville boss, following the release of his sixth studio album The Off-Season. According to early projections, the project will debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week, securing Cole’s his sixth consecutive No. 1 debut.
See more reactions to Cole’s pro basketball debut below.
Damn I just watched my boy play a professional basketball game on TV. Crazy.
— Ibrahim H. (@KingOfQueenz) May 16, 2021
Watching J. Cole hoop on ESPN ? pic.twitter.com/lod9i5dJRS
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) May 16, 2021
Two points for @JColeNC … https://t.co/5kRzB6M2lT
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 16, 2021
Excited and proud of my dawg @JColeNC , takes some real guts to chase a new dream while also dedicating your life to multiple other goals and dreams. Legend. ✊?
— omen (@omen) May 16, 2021
People don’t understand how hard it is to play in a professional game and do what he just did. Much respect. @JColeNC
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) May 16, 2021
J Cole the most inspirational nigga ever pic.twitter.com/DyMgLHwcza
— 30Lay Tmay (@30ktmayy) May 16, 2021
J.Cole is playing ?. I promise I'm not crying #theBAL pic.twitter.com/PmjL6S0X7X
— Damian (@Call_meMr_wayne) May 16, 2021
J. Cole really out dropping music and living his hoop dreams. GOAT lol https://t.co/0GhFIV9mwq
— Dee Holt ❄️ ➏ (@D_1andOnly_) May 16, 2021
J.Cole a professional hooper and a certified rapper haven’t seen this since Master P ??
— S〽️OOVV (@KinggSmoovv) May 16, 2021
J cole living out his dream is dope maybe some of y’all should try it instead of clowning him
— ??Jwilla?? (@jwilla6) May 16, 2021
That was a grown ass move. #JCole #theBAL #TuriPatriots ??? pic.twitter.com/xW5QrQTyUQ
— Claire Umutoni (@UmutoniClaire1) May 16, 2021
J. Cole is really a professional basketball player. That’s so ill ?
— AD. (@AhmadDavisPR) May 16, 2021
Jcole come off the bench but he really richer than his whole team lol
— donations/gifts $FDMGschool (@DJZeeti) May 16, 2021