Lessons for Uganda after 3x3 no-show

FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup

Uganda results

Men

Uganda 13 Benin 8

Mauritania 18 Uganda 15

Seychelles 17 Uganda 15

Madagascar 21 Uganda 9

Women

Egypt 21 Uganda 13

Madagascar 21 Uganda 14

One win in six outings! The combined record for Uganda in the women’s and men's categories at the just-concluded FIBA Africa 3x3 Cup was, to put it mildly, very unspectacular. 

Jimmy Enabu, Tony Drileba, James Okello, and Joseph Chuma made up the highly experienced roster of the men’s squad that finished with a 1-3 record, while Lydia Babirye, Hope Akello, Perus Nyamwenge, and Agatha Kamwada comprised the younger women’s squad that went winless in two games. 

Hosts Madagascar completed the double after both their sides went through the tournament unbeaten. Madagascar defeated Uganda 21-9 on the way to finishing with a 6-0 record and the men’s title, while their women beat their Ugandan counterparts 21-14 to finish with a 4-0 record, including the 20-15 win over Egypt in the final. 

It is lessons galore for Uganda, who have not been able to build on their early success in 3x3 basketball. Ranked top on the continent a few years ago, Uganda’s performance in Antananarivo was a reminder of the stark change in Uganda’s fortunes.

The focus now shifts to the looming second leg of the Afrobasket qualifiers in February, where Uganda must finish in the top three of Group to secure their ticket to the continental event.