Largely, the FIBA3X3 Africa Cup Kampala 2019 was a very successful event. Kudos to FUBA and everybody who gave their commitment to a good representation of Uganda. And watching several games at the event, I can only reiterate that basketball is ‘poetry in motion’. There was plenty of moments, 3X3 being a quick game that got me like got damn! I enjoyed the flamboyancy created around the game and the set up at the Hockey stadium was just amazing. I can’t help but think about how much East Africa is fast becoming a basketball destination. In the month past of October, we had Dar es Salaam hosting the first round of the Basketball Africa League Group D qualifiers and just a few days later, the Women’s Zone 5 Championship where Uganda’s JKL Dolphins topped to get a place at the Africa Club Championship. This weekend past, Kampala hosted the FIBA3X3 Africa Cup and finally, Kigali will host the Basketball Africa League second qualification round for East Division’s Group H.
It’s good precedence for the East African game although the fatal lack of basketball facilities remains the major stumbling block to this sky rocketing growth. By a mile, the Kigali Arena is the most astounding basketball venue in East Africa. A lot remains to be desired in efforts to lobby for or invest in infrastructural development.
This morning while reading a story on Rwanda’s New Times website about how Patriots BBC have recruited Kenyan Carey Odhiambo as their new Head Coach, I couldn’t help but notice how East African Basketball is becoming a monolith. In due time, it’s going to be very important to know what Patriots BBC or KPA or JKT is doing. As such, teams that seek to harbor greater ambitions must learn to look beyond what’s local. We see a shift in the staffing and staffing directs strategy. Patriots have had Henry Mwinuka, a Tanzanian as Head Coach and the recruitment of an experienced Kenyan tactician points to a look across the East African divide.
If you have been observant, you know that Patriots BBC and City Oilers have been setting the trend for what a professional team in East Africa should look like. Kenya Ports Authority is following suit and out of that dedication, we saw Kenya become the second best team in Africa this year. We can not say that these teams chanced to achieve whatever they’ve achieved both on their respective local scenes or in Africa.
Like i mentioned, it was a thrill watching the FIBA3X3 Africa Cup but I watched with a lot of reflection. Players that made the podium on the teams of the tournament were really a no-brainer. Egyptians, Mido (only 23 years old) and the dazzling Women’s MVP Soraya Mohamed, Malians Aissata Maiga and Mamadou Keita and finally Congolese guard Arsene Mwana won my admiration and that of many others. Some of these players made it look like child’s play. It was evident that they’ve dedicated hours and sweat to the process of the fabrication and perfection of their craft.
My friend, Mark Opio has had two rare privileges to don the national colors at the FIBA3X3 Africa cup, even the one that’s concluded the weekend past. He told me that;
The 3X3 game outside the quick reactions requires that you’re a multi-faceted player, It requires that despite your size, you can shoot 3s and 2s; you can dribble attack and because of the physical nature of the game, It requires that you’re well conditioned.
Sometimes, it can feel like you’re on an isolated island all by yourself – offensively or defensively and you need the skills to take yourself out of the situation; he continued.
I believe that as basketball teams do their part administratively, Ugandan players should seek to constantly build and improve their skill levels to match the ever changing dynamics of the game. At this point, the NBL is importing playing staff from allover East Africa including DRC, but I’m yet to hear a Ugandan thriving in those other leagues! Or maybe the Ugandan league is just juicier?
Cucu Brian
brian@basketball256.net
Twitter: @Cucubrian
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