Gazelles exceptional performance at Women’s Afrobasket
Undoubtedly the best basketball moment for Uganda was the Gazelles performance at the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali. From defeating the record champions Senegal, to finishing 7th, their highest ever finishing and being named among the most improved teams in basketball worldwide. The Gazelles brought, not only the basketball community but Ugandans together, as they embarked on a very difficult task, yet put up phenomenal and statement performance.
Janon Otto was also named in the team of the tournament but it was Jane Asinde who won the hearts of many. After her injury, it was very evident from the team’s performance that her input was needed but she couldn’t contribute on the floor. 18 year old Lydia Babirye is another who made a name for herself after strong performances particularly when the defeated Congo to advance to the Quarter finals. She’s now looked at as the replacement for veteran point guard Flavia Oketcho.
U17 Boys and Girls qualify for World Cup
Perhaps not a very popular news to Uganda Sports fans, the U17 Boys and Girls qualified for the U18 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. This came after the girls finished third while the boys finished fourth at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup in Egypt.
UPDF Ladyhawks unbeaten season
The UPDF Ladyhawks also made history going unbeaten throughout the season. Having been in their first season, a few people had doubts about their personnel and tactics, particularly the full court press, but things turned out just fine. They scored 2132 points, 486 more than the second team and outscored opponents by 39 points per game.
In what was an unexpected turn of events, the UCU Canons found themselves in relegation trouble at the tail end of the regular season. The situation soured for the Canons in the second round after losing 4 consecutive games and things didn’t look like they were going to change any time soon. They looked like they had had enough to avoid relegation until the return leg against Power where the game couldn’t be played due to clashing jerseys. Power were given a walk-over and the situation became dire for the Canons.
The relegation Conundrum went up to the final match day, where the Canons took on the KCCA Panthers. This turned in their favor after that huge victory, which meant that not only did they survive relegation, they also finished 7th and earned a playoff spot.
Livingstone finally get to the NBL
After 20+ years in existence, Livingstone finally made it to the promised land. Not only did they earn promotion to the NBL, they also managed to win the 2023 Division 1 Championship after having been 2:1 down against the JT Jaguars in the Finals.
They also had the season’s MVP, Bismarck Okot Omoya who was on the team of the season together with teammate Oscar Byomuhangi.
Perus Nyamwenge clutch shot in Finals game 1
The most famous shot in 2023 was the Perus Nyamwenge moment in the Finals, Game 1 against the JKL Lady Dolphins.
Perus sunk a 3 point shot from a timeout with 10 second left on the clock and it was the game winner, giving KIU Rangers the advantage. The whole crowd was mesmerized, elation, excitement and adrenaline was on full display from both the crowd and the players.
Tonny Drileba with the first triple double
Not very many took note but the First Triple double in the 2023 NBL came on Day 1 of the second round.
Tonny Drileba scored 10 points picked 10 rebounds and dished out 11 assists as the City Oilers silenced the Noisy Namuwongo Blazers in game 1 of round 2.
Only two other triple doubles where recorded in the league, Akello Winnifred (Miracle Ravens) with 29 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals amd 1 block against Nabisunsa while Mer Maker (City Oilers) recorded 14 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the quarter finals against Kampala Rockets.
Nam Blazers’ Jimmy D with a statement performance
The signing of Jimmy D Williams by the Namuwongo Blazers came as a surprise to many but it was also a statement to the ambitions that the Blazers had for the season.
Against another “title contender” the KIU Titans, Jimmy Williams stepped up big for the moment. He scored 26 of the team’s 68 points and proved to be unstoppable. The KIU Titans couldn’t find a solution to him and every time he got the ball, magical things were happening on the floor. In the 2 games that he played, he scored 44 ppints, 22 PPG on a 41.8% FG.
City Oilers 9 in a row and qualify for BAL a second consecutive time.
The City Oilers continued to exert their dominance after taking their ninth NBL title in a row. After the KIU Titans winning game 5, some people thought they now had the momentum and could potentially win game 6 and force a game 7. Things went otherwise in game 7 after Fayed Baale took matter into his own hands dropping 18 points to close out the game and the series.
The City Oilers success did not stop in Uganda but rather continued even on the International scene. During the Road to BAL, City Oilers finished 100% in the group and managed to reach the finals. Despite losing to Capetown Tigers in a 2 point game, the Oilers showed that they have got what it takes to defeat anyone on the continent. Their main objective at the tournament was fulfilled and they will be playing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the second season in a row.
On a sad note, their coach Mandy Juruni left the club after getting an offer from Rwandan side Kepler Basketball Club. Former Assistant coach Andrew Tendo will be thr head coach in 2024 while Ben Komakech will be the assistant.
Nam Blazers dramatic pull out of the league
The biggest story prior to the Playoffs was the untimely withdrawal of the Namuwongo Blazers from the NBL. After wording getting out that the winner of the 2024 NBL wouldn’t represent Uganda at BAL, the Namuwongo Blazers issued a statement about their withdrawal from the NBL.
The news came after the Blazers had finished their regular season games and were comfortably the second seed heading into the playoffs. So many people were skeptical about the attendance and quality of the games in the playoffs bug things turned out just fine. The Blazers will be back in 2024 and a lot is expected from them after having the longest off-season.
FUBA suspends and fines players
The start to the 2023 National Basketball League was an eventful one as FUBA showed a strong arm issuing fines and suspensions to players. Two players David ‘OP’ Opolot (UPDF) and Martin Ouma Buluma (KCCA Panthers) were suspended following a brawl in the league clash on Wednesday, March 29 at Lugogo. Ferdinand Odama (UPDF) was found guilty of dangerous play in the game against City Oilers while Paul Odongo got in trouble after his “crap and rusty” comments towards the referees.
The first three culprits were all fined $200 and suspensions for each. Martin Ouma (1 game), David Opolot (3), Ferdinand Odama and Paul Odong each with 2.
Ndejje Angels end City Oilers unbeaten run
Not even in their wildest dreams did basketball fans imagine Ndejje Angels being the one to end the Oilers unbeaten run. The Oilers had been on a rampage, slaying every opponent until they came face to face with Gatwang Thuok and Samuel Ajak. The two South Sudanese stars, who had been acquired during the mid-season transfer window had completed changed the Ndejje Angels taking them from the bottom of the log to playoff contention.
Samuel Ajak registered 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 1 block while Gatwang Thuok posted 23 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in game where they completed dominated the then 8 time champions.
This results sent shock waves and the league and for a moment an investigation had to be made as to whether some of the players had been ineligible to play or not. The results where in their favor and the Angels went on to finish in 6th place.
JKL Lady Dolphins add to their trophy cabinet
The JKL Lady Dolphins emerged NBL champions for the third time after edging KIU Rangers in game 5.
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