The Uganda National Men’s Basketball team – the Silverbacks had their first practice session with head coach, Mandy Juruni ahead of the August 19-30 Afrobasket on Saturday at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
The four hour session that had only local based players started at about 11am ran through to 3pm and Juruni was impressed by the response of the players.
“I have been impressed by the guys. They are fit and the session has been successful today.” Juruni told Kawowo Sports. “Almost everyone did well because these players know it’s about competing for spots so they are working hard” he added.
Juruni was quick to dismiss the notion that some players are guaranteed places on the team and said it is about what the player puts out there during practice.
“No, it’s open to everyone. You have got to impress and show you are ready to play for the team. It’s not about names at this time, it’s a huge tournament for us and we want to take guys who are ready and who are going to play for us”
Bigs, Sam Gombya (Warriors) and Ivan Lumanyika (UCU) who had Sunday league games on with their respective teams missed the session while Dhal Marial (Our Saviour), Brian Ssentongo (Ndejje), Jonah Otim (Ndejje) and Mark Opio (Warriors) who had a similar engagements attended the session.
Juruni said missing a practice session is not just a case of indiscipline but also reduces the chances of making the team.
“If you don’t show up for the session then your chances of being on the team are slim and that’s what I have been telling these guys. Not showing up or coming late for practice is a case of indiscipline and I don’t want to tolerate any case of indiscipline at this time on and off court” the soft spoken coach said.
“We are not going to tolerate any form of indiscipline. People who don’t up for a session we are not going to beg for them because we a lot of guys to choose from and are committed.”
Foreign based players are expected in the country by August 1 and enter the residential camp on August 2 when Juruni is also expected to name the final twelve players.
“We expect those guys (foreign based players) in by August 1 and we enter camp the next day. I expect to name the team by the weekend”