Basketball in Africa

KAMPALA. In the aftermath of losing basketball star Sudi Ulanga (Tiger Head Power) and Desmond Owili (rumoured to be in Australia), the wheels were supposed to come off quickly for UCU Canons.
Losing their best offensive weapons was bound to hit them hard. Writing an obituary about their competitiveness wouldn’t be too farfetched.

Hold your pens; canon fire is far from silent as they sent out a loud signal on their home floor on Sunday – beating KIU Titans 53-46 to retain their own UCU Basketball Invitational tournament.
Guard Jonathan Egwau held his own to finish as Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the two-day event which also had Power, Ndejje University Angels, Stanbic Warriors, league newcomers Our Savior take part.
This is far from the real thing with the National Basketball League starting next month. But, for UCU, it will feel like a giant step in the right direction.
Everyone seemed to relish taking the baton from the Ulanga/Owili years with centre Ivan Luamyika and Brian Namake impressing as much as Egwau. It felt like they had just been freed from captivity.
New Power coach Robert Mugabe, elder brother to City Oilers’ Geoff Omondi, and both former UCU stalwarts, made an unconvincing return to Uganda.

He could only lead his team to third place, beating Ndejje 37-35. Power also finished third in the KIU Open three weeks ago as the hosts strolled to the inaugural crown.
Festival side, TukuTuku, comprising largely KCCA Leopards’ players, beat UCU Lady Canons 82-79 in an enthralling women’s final played under a drizzle in the outdoor.

UCU invitational
MEN: UCU 53-46 KIU
MVP – Jonathan Egwau (UCU)
Top scorer – Geoffrey Soro (KIU)
WOMEN: TukuTuku 82-79 UCU
MVP – Becky Akullo (Tuku Tuku)
Top scorer – Purity Odhiambo (UCU)