Tashobya optimistic about Uganda's 3x3 basketball prospects

FUBA president Ambrose Tashobya believes Uganda's 3x3 basketball team will be better by the next World Cup after making they made their senior debut in the Philippines.

Drawn in a tough pool alongside defending champions Russia, USA, Iran and Andorra, Uganda won two games and lost two to bow out of the championship.

"I am extremely delighted that the team gave their best and came out strong to represent our country. We played in a very tough group with 2 potential finalists in Russia and USA. This being our first appearance at the seniors' world cup and wining two out of four group matches is both very impressive and encouraging.  We hope to build on this for next year's world cup," Tashobya who travelled with the team said.

Uganda though finished on a winning note when they beat Andorra 18-12 in their last game of the campaign early Monday.

Jamila Nansikombi (7pts) and Claire Lamunu (6pts) top scored in the match with Sarah Ageno and Rita Imanishimwe contributing a combined five points from the 17 attempted shots to Andorra's 11. Andorra's Eva Vilarrubla also managed 7 points.

In the earlier match which was Uganda's third of the campaign, the Ugandan girls had lost to the USA 22-9 in which Uganda's shooting was exposed.

Uganda could only make 8 points including one free throw out of the 25 attempts they made in the game. Bar the shooting challenge, they were not short on skill as they displayed some good eye-catching move in the games including spin moves, crossovers and some good three pointers.

In other Pool C games Russia beat Iran 22-12 while Iran, were 21-11 winners over Andorra, with the US registering a 21-13 over Russia.

The FIBA 3x3 World Cup is the leading 3x3 event for national teams. The very best from around the world do battle in five different events: the men's 3x3 tournament, the women's 3x3 tournament, the Shoot-Out Contest (mixed), the Skills Contest (women) and the Dunk Contest (men). Uganda finished 14th at the 2014 edition in Moscow. 

Uganda 3x3 World Cup results

Russia 22 Uganda 8

Uganda 18 Iran 10

Today's results

USA 22 Uganda 9

Uganda 18 Andorra 12