Basketball in Africa

Long term, the biggest positive for basketball in the country, all factors constant, should be the start of the Fuba-NBA Junior League whose inaugural season tipped off at the end of May.

The tournament whose initial project is expected to last four years is aimed at player development and consists of players aged 12-15.

A total of 30 schools across Kampala and Wakiso took part with Mashariki High Pelicans winning the first edition, defeating KISU Bucks 66-51 in the final graced by Miami small forward two time NBA All-Star Luol Deng.

Many will hope for the emergence of more players like Mashariki guard Fayed Baale who emerged MVP.

Last week Robert Wanitho a member of the 2010 and 2011 Tiger Head Power winning teams succumbed to intestinal cancer at Mulago Hospital after a two year battle with the disease.

The league was meanwhile, again marred by threats by game match officials to abscond from duty over unpaid regular season allowances with clubs also yet to receive their share of money from the regular season sponsors.

An historic year for the game

Silverbacks finished 15th at AfroBasket Championships
Gazelles finished with a 2-5 record at the women edition with peace Proscovia picking a tournament high 12.7 rebounds
Four year Fuba-NBA Junior league launched
KCCA leopards returned to African championship since 2008
City Oilers claimed third straight league title
UCU lady Canons reclaimed women league title from KCCA Leopards

essenono@ug.nationmedia.com