UCU Basketball impeccable. Ready for the league?

Uganda Christian University Basketball teams both men and women were both unbeaten during the recently concluded 19th AUUS Games, at their own University in Mukono. The UCU Lady Canons which is the the same squad that plays in the National Basketball lead managed to get off to a flying start, rocking Makerere University to sleep…

2bob Sports

December 22, 2023

3–4 minutes

2023, AUUS Games, National Basketball League, ucu Canons, UCU Lady Canons, Uganda Christian University

Uganda Christian University Basketball teams both men and women were both unbeaten during the recently concluded 19th AUUS Games, at their own University in Mukono.

The UCU Lady Canons which is the the same squad that plays in the National Basketball lead managed to get off to a flying start, rocking Makerere University to sleep with a 86:26 victory.

Tracy Namugosa on the free throw line 📸 Madoi Bruno

It has to be noted that most of the Makerere Sparks girls are in year 1 and it was their first time playing at such a high level. Their lack of experience played a huge role in this gigantic defeat and hopefully they took home multiple lessons.

Their hardest test came against Victoria University, which consists of mainly NBL and Division 1 players like Fildauce Namulema, Purity Livingstone Lamara, Agatha Kamwada and many more.

Despite all the efforts from Victoria University, UCU Lady Canons found a way to subdue them. They heavily relied on the 3 point and midrange shots not forgetting the ever present Bridget Aber, who does a lot of work in the paint.

Shakirah Nanvubya in action against MUBS 📸Rogers

Victoria took the game to the Lady Canons and at some point they had all the momentum. The experience of the Mukono side helped them to keep composed and not to cave om due to the pressure.

No new additions were seen on the UCU team but some new faces were seen training with the Lady Canons. The two ladies had size and wingspan, and they could potentially feature for the Lady Canons in the upcoming season.

L-R Prosper Anyine, Azida Nabuyunga and Shakirah Nanvubya 📸 Rogers

Is David Deng Kongor “Dikong” a UCU Canons player?

Dikong who was one of the forces that led the Namuwongo Blazers to a game 7 against City Oilers in the 2022 Finals was in action for UCU in the first games at the AUUS Games.

Dikong joined Dynamo Basketball Club and they won the Viva Basketball League 2023. They also took part in Road to BAL and confirmed their slot in 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) after defeating COSPN for the final slot.

Dikong was also a part of the UCU squad 2019-21 and it is yet to be confirmed if he will be rejoining the club for the 2024 NBL season.

The explosive Canons

UCU Canons enjoyed themselves at the AUUS Games, finishing with 100% record also defeating teams with style and flair.

They were the only team to score 100+ points in a single game and this came in the finals against Ndejje University, which was also another tough side.

In the first game against Bugema University, the Canons trailer for most of the game but their level went up a notch higher in the final quarter. They managed to force overtime and ultimately took the win, which set their pace for the preceeding games.

The Canons were scoring for fun from beyond the arc, most evidently against Nkumba University in the semifinals and Ndejje University in the Finals. Kevin Kasobya and Blisk Ibanda were lighting up the crowd with deep shots.

Given the struggles of UCU Canons in the second round of the 2023 NBL season that saw them almost get relegated, it was good to see that the Canons could put up some defense and also score a ton of points.

With the exception performance of both the Men and women, we hope that this competition was just, but a precursor to what the Canons shall be bringing to the 2024 NBL season.