Basketball in Africa

For the first time in Ugandan basketball history, a league match will be broadcast live on TV as defending champions Kyambogo Warriors take on UCU Canons on NBS TV, writes Felix Eupal.

Last year, Warriors shooting guard Ronnie Kasewu had a number of options to pass the ball to and deliver it into the hoop. Norman Blick was one of those with his experience and finesse; Cyrus Kiviri would drop those big three pointers; Michael Kariuki would give the post play while Ivan Enabu would produce the wizardry. This evening only Enabu will be available.

Warriors, who have signed a deal with NBS TV to telecast their main games, had a field day in their opening fixture brushing off Miracle 94-26. However, it will be a different ball game against perennial underachievers Canons. Even Warriors head coach Emmy Samanya admitted: “We don’t read much into Miracle win but I liked the way my new players combined together.”

On the other hand, the Canons opened their account with a win over a resilient KIU Titans and are looking very solid. Head coach Nick Natuhereza is known for keeping his cards close to his chest and has refused to reveal his game plan for Warriors.

What is clear is that centre Desmon Owili will benefit from the presence of Ivan Lumanyika and Sam Lukaire to ease the pressure on him in the paint, while point guard Suudi Ulanga is in blistering form.  And then there is Kiviri, who will provide the much-needed support on the backcourt. All said, it will also be a good test to assess how TV affects basketball in the country.