Glimmer of Hope in the Pearl of Africa
Uganda made noise in their Zone V AfroBasket Qualifier. We'll see if they can continue this success going forward.
South Sudan’s success on the Olympic stage was a glimpse of what African basketball can be in the future. Basketball on the continent is often characterized by overwhelming size, athleticism, and length. However, an uptick in skill and conceptual knowledge has led to newfound promise in Uganda. The infusion of talent from the diaspora and intrigue that the youth in Uganda have shown gives hope for future success.
The upcoming U18 AfroBasket Tournament will be held in South Africa. Before that tips off let’s detail some standouts from the Zone V qualifiers below.
Tejan Rugette: 17 (2007), 6’1, PG
Rugette nearly averaged a double-double at 10 PPG, and 6.4 APG, while delivering 32 assists in the 3-game window. He has touch and showed solid footwork playing off 2 feet in the paint, using jump-stops and pivots.
Rugette kicked the ball ahead in transition à la Lonzo Ball with speed and precision.
Currently representing Uganda at Basketball Without Borders in South Africa this week, reports about Rugette have been positive while he competes against Africa’s best.
Mukisa Andrew Mubiru-Nkugwa: 18, 6’3, SG/SF
Hailing from Boston, Nkugwa showed value and picked up a slew of offers this July while playing for Mass Rivals on the 3SSB circuit. While with the National team, he shot 54.84% from the field, 67% from 2, and a respectable 38% from 3.
Nkugwa can space the floor and made the game simple by playing off of closeouts.
The twitchy uber-athlete got in the lane, drew 2, and made proper reads while getting downhill. He is at his best when he plays “.5 Basketball,” which is essentially quick decision-making.
In transition is where Nkugwa thrives, when given a launching pad he will ignite the gym with excitement.
His true strength is on the defensive side of the ball, showing a true willingness and the ability to guard the opponent’s best player. Evidenced in an intense matchup vs Dylan Kayijuka, the Canadian-born Rwandan who was the leading scorer of the Zone V tournament. Nkugwa’s athleticism and ability to anticipate moves allowed him to read the initial 1st step of offensive players. He is stout enough to cut off and wall up with strength; while having the timing and awareness of when to jump at offensive initiators.
Brighton Galiwango: 18 (2006), 6’4, F
Brighton was the most productive player in this window, involved in almost every aspect of the game he posted a positive 132 plus/minus in a 3-game stint. Shooting 33% from 3 and 46% from 2, he scored from distance & got into the lane making plays.
Peter Serunjoji: 18 (2006), 6’5, Forward
A handyman in the truest sense Serunjoji chased offensive rebounds & was a pest defensively.
Kagaba Musiime: 17, 6’5, Forward
Battling food poisoning & visa issues limited Kagaba’s playing time however he still showed flashes of shooting prowess in limited time.
Edrine Ekau: SG/PG
Was the leading scorer (14.4 PPG), rebounder (7.2 RPG), while shooting 35% from range and 54% from 2.
Gideon Ekukwai: F/C
The active big was on the receiving end of dump-offs and lobs. He showed great promise as a rebounder who can clear the glass.