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USM Alger (basketball)

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USM Alger
2024–25 USM Alger basketball season
USM Alger logo
LeaguesSuper Division
Founded1942
ArenaSalle OMS Mourad Boukechoura, Raïs Hamidou
Location2, avenue Ziar Abdelkader Bab El Oued
Algiers, Algeria
Team colorsBlack, Red
   
PresidentFouad Djabrouni[1][2]
Championships4 Men's Championship
1 Men's Cup
3 Women's Championship
2 Women's Cup
Active departments of Union Sportive Médina d'Alger
Football
(Men's)		Football
(Women's)		 Basketball
Boxing Water Polo Swimming
Judo Gymnastics Cycling

Union sportive de la médina d'Alger (basketball) (Arabic: الإتحاد الرياضي لمدينة الجزائر لكرة السلة), referred to as USM Alger BK for a short, is a basketball club based in Algiers, Algeria that played in the Algerian Basketball Championship the team founded in 1942.[3]

History

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Foundation and Early Years

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USM Alger expanded beyond football in its early years by opening divisions for other sports such as boxing, basketball, and cycling. These activities continued thanks to the dedication of key figures like Abdelkader Omrani, Mohamed Abdelhamid, and Abdelkader Cherchari. In August 1947, USM Alger established a well-equipped physical education facility on Rue de Beaune. The venue included a basketball court, a boxing ring, training equipment, changing rooms, and meeting spaces. Club president Mohamed Zenagui stated that USMA’s ambitions would not stop there.[4]

In 1956, the central leadership of the National Liberation Front (FLN) decided to halt all sporting activities involving Muslim clubs, as part of the broader political strategy during the Algerian War of Independence. A meeting was held at the USMA clubhouse on Rue de Bône to formalize the cessation of football activities. The meeting was chaired by Ali Cherifi, USMA vice-president and financial officer of the Zone autonome d'Alger (ZAA). Notably, two senior officials of the ZAA were affiliated with USMA. Among them was Muhammad Hattab, better known as Habib Reda, a USMA basketball player who also led the FLN’s bomb network and was later sentenced to death.[5]

On January 15, 1957, USM Alger officially ceased participation in all championships due to the Algerian War. The French Federation of Basketball confirmed this decision in its official publication.[6]

Post Independence Basketball Achievements

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Following independence, USM Alger became one of the most prominent basketball clubs in Algeria. The team won the national league title three times and reached the Algerian Cup final twice losing in 1989 and 1996 to top clubs MC Alger and WA Boufarik, respectively. The women’s team secured the club's only Algerian cup title in 1986. In the 2016–17 season, USM Alger returned to Super Division A after finishing first in the promotion playoffs. The group included ESB Ouargla, MC Saida, and OS Bordj Bou Arréridj. Under the guidance of young coach Reda Saiak, the Red and Black topped the playoff standings, earning a return to the elite division four years after their relegation.[7][8]

USM Alger Returns to the Podium

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On November 4, 2018, MADAR Holding appointed Saïd Allik as President of the Club Sportif Amateur (CSA) of USM Alger, while he was still serving as the sporting director of CR Belouizdad. The decision sparked criticism from USMA supporters, many of whom opposed Allik's return after his 25-year presidency and called for his resignation. Despite the backlash, Allik refused to step down.[9]

On December 20, 2020, during the elective general assembly, Allik was re-elected for a new four-year Olympic term as head of CSA/USMA. The previous term concluded with an ordinary general assembly, during which both the moral and financial reports were unanimously approved. Although he had considered stepping away from the sporting scene, Allik was urged by athletes from various sections of the club, including basketball, to continue his leadership.[10]

On June 10, 2023, USM Alger ended a 54-year title drought by winning the Algerian Basketball Championship at the Hamou Boutlélis Sports Palace in Oran. The team secured the title by defeating WO Boufarik in the final match of the playoff tournament. Technical director Khaled Berkani hailed the achievement, emphasizing the significance of ending more than five decades without a championship. “The credit goes to the players and the coach above all,” he stated.[11]

On August 7, 2023, the CSA submitted an application to the Institut National Algérien de la Propriété Industrielle (INAPI) to register a new logo for the club. This move was made to comply with a court ruling requiring the removal of the city of Algiers' symbol from the logo. In parallel, CSA president Saïd Allik filed a complaint against the Société Sportive par Actions (SSPA) for using what he described as a "fake" version of the club's logo.[12] That same year, USM Alger made its debut in the Arab Club Basketball Championship, held in Qatar. The club bolstered its roster by signing American player George Williams.[13][14] USMA advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Lebanese side Dynamo.[15]

On February 5, 2024, the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee announced that USM Alger player Faredj Messaoudi had signed a professional contract with a team in the Japanese 3x3 Basketball League, becoming the first Algerian to turn professional in that discipline.[16] On July 17, 2024, USM Alger won the 53rd edition of the Algerian Basketball Cup, defeating WO Boufarik two time defending champions by a score of 71–69. This marked the club’s first ever Algerian Cup title in men’s basketball, after previously falling short in the 1989 final against MC Alger (66–77).[17]

After 30 Years, a New President for the CSA

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Following the decision of Saïd Allik not to seek another term, a significant transition took place within USM Alger’s Club Sportif Amateur (CSA). After over 30 years at the helm, Allik expressed his desire to pass the torch and give an opportunity to new leadership. On September 18, 2024, Djabrouni Fouad, a long-time member of the club’s judo section, was elected as the new president of CSA/USMA. Djabrouni won the vote with 16 out of 24 ballots cast, defeating the other candidate, treasurer Khebaz Hamid, who received 7 votes.[1][2]

Meanwhile, on January 31, 2024, the Algerian Basketball Federation (FABB) announced the scheduling of the Basketball Super Cup match. The game was set for February 11, 2025, at La Coupole d'Alger Arena, and featured a clash between WO Boufarik, reigning Super Division champions, and USM Alger, winners of the Algerian Cup.[18] In the match, WO Boufarik emerged victorious, defeating USM Alger with a score of 70–59.[19]

Roster (Men)

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Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

USM Alger roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Age
F/C 0 Algeria Saidi, Nabil 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) 45 – (1980-03-13)13 March 1980
1 Algeria Belhadj, Ramadane
2 Algeria Merahi, Lamouri 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) 29 – (1995-10-06)6 October 1995
4 Algeria Khoudja, Zakaria 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) 20 – (2005-05-10)10 May 2005
7 Algeria Lakeb, Riadh 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 19 – (2006-03-27)27 March 2006
9 Algeria Bougria, Moussa 32 – (1993-01-20)20 January 1993
10 Algeria Messaoudi, Bouhaous (C) 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
11 Algeria Redouane, Tarek 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
21 Algeria Medjoubi, Bacim 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
24 Algeria Amairia, Mohamed 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
C 26 Algeria Messaoudi, Faredj 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) 22 – (2003-01-20)20 January 2003
29 Algeria Sadouki, Abdelmounaim
55 Algeria Iggui, Samy Abderachid
G 77 Algeria Boutiba, Ahmed 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) 29 – (1995-12-22)22 December 1995
Head coach
  • Algeria Achour Sekhi
Assistant coach(es)
  • Algeria Sofiane Boukelmoune
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (I) Import player
  • Injured Injured

Statistics

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Season by season

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Season Regular season Playoffs Algerian Cup Super Cup International
Division Pos Pts P W L
1965–66 Super Division A 1st
1966–67 Super Division A 1st
1968–69 Super Division A 1st
1985–86 Super Division A Round of 16
1986–87 Super Division A Semi-finals
1987–88 Super Division A Semi-finals
1988–89 Super Division A Runner-up
1990–91 Super Division A Quarter-finals
1992–93 Super Division A Round of 16
1993–94 Super Division A Round of 16
1995–96 Super Division A Semi-finals Runner-up
1996–97 Super Division A 6th 23 16 7 9 Quarter-finals Semi-finals
1997–98 Super Division A 8th 21 18 3 15 Not qualify Quarter-finals
1998–99 Super Division A 0 0 0 0
1999–00 Super Division A 12th 23 18 1 21 Not qualify
2005–06 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 —
2006–07 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 —
2007–08 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 —
2008–09 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 — Round of 16
2009–10 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 —
2010–11 Super Division A 11th 40 30 10 20 Not qualify Round of 16
2011–12 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 — Quarter-finals
2012–13 Super Division A 5th 26 18 8 10 Not qualify Round of 16
2013–14 Super Division B 6th 23 16 7 9 — Round of 64
2014–15 Super Division B 0 0 0 0 — Round of 16
2015–16 Super Division B 3rd 26 14 12 2 — Quarter-finals
2016–17 Super Division B 2nd 18 10 8 2 — Round of 32
2017–18 National 1 10th 46 30 16 14 Not qualify Round of 32
2018–19 National 1 7th 24 16 8 8 Not qualify
2019–20 National 1 Canceled[note 1]
2020–21 National 1 Canceled[note 1]
2021–22 Super Division 4th 10 8 2 6 Not qualify Quarter-finals[note 2]
2022–23 Super Division 4th 26 16 10 6 1st
2023–24 Super Division 4th 50 30 20 10 5th Winners Arab Club Championship QF 4–2
2024–25 Super Division Not qualify Round of 16 Runner-up

Notable players

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Honours

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Men's

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Champion (4): 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 2022–23
Winners (1): 2023–24
Runner-up (2): 1988–89, 1995-96
Runner-up (1): 2025

Women's

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Champion (3): 1968–69, 1985–86, 1990–91
Runner-up (1): 2024–25
Winners (2): 1978–79, 1985–86
Runner-up (6): 1983–84, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1992-93, 1993-94, 2024–25

Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b On March 15, 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sports decided to stop the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria.[20]
  2. ^ The Algerian Basketball Federation (FABB) has decided, exceptionally, to cancel the Algerian Cup for the 2021–22 season and replace it with a Coupe fédérale which only concerns the 20 teams in the Super Division.[21]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Algérie, CAF : l'USMA abandonnée par son président !". Fennec Football. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Allik quitte le CSA". Planete Sport. September 21, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "Sid-Ali Abdelhamid à l'honneur !". usm-alger.com. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  4. ^ l'USMA a reçu hier les membres de la presse, paru dans "L'Echo d'Alger", 36e année, N° 13343 daté du Samedi 23 août 1947, page 4.
  5. ^ "Témoignage de Rédha Amrani, sur le mouvement sportif algérien". fabriquedesens.net. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  6. ^ Liste des clubs radiés, paru dans "Fédération française de basket-ball", 26e année, N° 301 daté du 1 mars 1957, page 29.
  7. ^ "L'USM Alger et l'OS Bou Arréridj accèdent en Super division A". hoopsdz.com. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  8. ^ "L'USM Alger et l'OSB Bou-Arréridj accèdent en Superdivision A". lesoirdalgerie.com. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Saïd Allik : " Je quitte le CRB avec des remords "". dzfoot.com. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  10. ^ "USMA : Said Alik réélu à la tête du CSA". Media Foot. December 21, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  11. ^ "Super-Division de Basketball: 54 ans après, l'USMA renoue avec le titre". aps.dz. June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  12. ^ "USMA : Le blason de ville d'Alger a disparu". DZfoot.com. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  13. ^ "Basket/ 35e Championnat arabe des clubs : l'USMA débutera face à Seib d'Oman dimanche à Doha". L'Expression. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  14. ^ "George A. Williams II (ex Marinos) is a newcomer at USM Alger". Afrobasket. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  15. ^ "L'USM Alger s'incline face au Beyrouth Club (78-110)". Planete Sport. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Basket 3x3 : Faredj Messaoudi rejoint la Shonan Sesaside.Exe au Japon". El Moudjahid. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Coupe d'Algérie 2024 : l'USMA s'adjuge le premier trophée de son histoire". Radio Algerie. July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  18. ^ "Le WO Boufarik et l'USM Alger convoitent le trophée". Planete Sport. February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  19. ^ "Le WO Boufarik remporte la Supercoupe d'Algérie de basket-ball". Horizons. February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  20. ^ "الجزائر تعلن إيقاف النشاط الرياضي بسبب كورونا". btolat.com. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  21. ^ "Coupe fédérale : le WOB et l'USMA derniers qualifiés pour les quarts". Radio Algerie. March 12, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
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