US based basketballer Nambi dreams of playing for Uganda

Jul 01, 2020

It says a lot about Tamia Nambi's talent that she is chasing a career in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBA).

What's even more remarkable, though, is she wants to play for the Uganda Gazelles. The 17-year-old Waltham High School student has her sights firmly set on reaching the highest stage in women's basketball although there is admittedly still a lot of work to do.

But her current efforts are full of promise and, not going unnoticed. Nambi has been the recipient of three awards in the last two years and the point guard believes these honours will help her case when she joins college, the definitive stage for WNBA-chasing talents.

"Winning these awards means a lot because it's just the beginning of the year and I have won 3 awards, so that means I can win more when I go to college, it will help me show the college that I'm a hard-working player," said Nambi.

The Independent School League Sportsmanship award, the Waltham High School Sportsmanship award and All Star selection are the three honours that the burly Nambi has claimed.

Nambi is a daughter of Uganda powerlifting Champion Roy Mubiru, another potentially important factor in her development. Just like her work ethic, which she credits for her journey thus far.

"It wasn't easy at all, I had to work out and practice every day for 4 hours to get on the school varsity team," Nambi explains.

"So making the girl varsity team was a big deal for me. My goal for every game is 40 points (20 in each half). I have always watched Bryant and Rose and they made me love the game and want to play it. I want to play in college so to play for a WNBA team I have to play for my college for 4 years unless I wanna go overseas."
 
Nambi's emergency will be music to national basketball body FUBA, who were not aware of her until now.

"We don't have her on our radar but it's good to know she wants to play for us," Uganda Gazelles head coach Nick Natuhereza told New Vision Sports.

"There are so many players out there who show interest in playing for Uganda or players with Ugandan heritage playing in Europe or America  but getting them to actually come here and play for us is difficult."

Natuhereza, who doubles as FUBA technical director says FUBA will take measures to make Nambi part of the Gazelles , who have witnessed the emergency of intriguing talent like US-based Jamilah Nansikombi, Brenda Ekone, Sarah Ageno and Ritah

If Nambi, who is set to join the University of Massachusetts Lowell, also joins the Gazelles, she could take to the next level the point guard position for years decorated by the legendary Flavia Oketcho .
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