There is some uncertainty surrounding the NBL Playoffs and it is unclear what the direction will be taken. The playoffs could take a break, or at least the ladies’, because some players will be partaking in National Team duty in the coming days. The information has yet to be communicated to the public.

The Occasion

Uganda will be participating in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League- Africa, North in Monastir, Tunisia. Uganda fielded U21 teams in both the women and the men. Given that some players are part of the playoffs, there could be a stoppage.

The majority of the players are from the UCU Lady Canons for example, Zoe Atek and Mariam Namukwaya. The duo and a number of other players are instrumental players for the Lady Canons and given that they will be representing the Nation; the National league could be put to a halt.

The Big Picture

Uganda is currently trying to rack up points so that they can qualify for the Olympics. The easiest way to achieve that is by being the number 1 ranked country in Africa by 1st December 2027 and at the moment, they are on top. The goal is to maintain that and make a historical appearance at the Olympics.

As thus, all efforts have been tilted towards this cause. That is why Uganda is fielding a U21 team so that they can get as many players score multiple points which adds up the Nation’s points tally.

Secondly, with close competition; Egypt, Benin, Kenya and Algeria all being at this event, it could prove to be the difference in who gains a significant advantage in the pursuit for Olympics qualification.

Effect on the league

The team is set to travel on Saturday 1st August. This means that if the league or UCU game is postponed, we won’t have game 4 on Sunday. The UCU Lady Canons currently lead the KCCA Leopards 2-1 in the semifinals. We could potentially see this series resume after 12th August.

Edrine Ekau is also on the men’s list and this means that if Rezlife Saints win game 3 and force game 4, the start of the finals may be delayed. If City Oilers sweep the Saints, the Namuwongo Blazers and the City Oilers could start their finals as initially planned while the ladies’ delays.

This will also affect the finals. Initially, the Finals were supposed to start on 9th August but that will most likely not be the case.