Twelve players were named on Tuesday morning to represent Team Uganda at the Zone V Seniors Basketball Qualifiers. Kawowo Sports’ Aisha Nassanga takes a closer look at each of the men that made it to the Silverbacks team.
1. STEVEN OMONY [Falcons]:
He is the Captain of Team Uganda. Leads by example, arguably one of the most complete and experienced players on the team. He has adapted his game to suit every occasion and has a calm head to bring down any pressure and take shots during crunch time. When things are not going the team’s way, he will try and do everything, which in all fairness sometimes helps but sometimes it does not.
2. HENRY MALINGA [Warriors]:
He is an old and faithful servant of the game. One of the best off the ball players, and good on the post and clutch. Foul him and you will pay because he is good on the line. Also the vice-captain of Team Uganda.
3. BEN KOMAKECH [City Oilers]:
Point guard; A great passer on the ball, good ball handling skills, good on the dribble and will have eyes on the court throughout the entire game. Plays great defense too, he has not been the revelation at his new club like everyone expected him to but has a chance to turn that around. His only weakness is if everyone is performing well, he will take a back seat and will look lost when his shot is not on.
4. NUR BILAL-NORMAN BLICK [Power]:
Experience does not come in a better package. He loves basketball and will leave everything on court. A coach’s player who can shoot and passes the ball well. Not as aggressive and will get bundled off the ball but all round good player.
5. JIMMY ENABU [City Oilers]:
Shooting guard; Being in a championship winning side has improved all aspects of his game. He plays great defense and has got a powerful drive to the hoop and is a good team player. Not a stellar shooter and you hope he shakes off all his injury woes from the past couple of months. He also needs to take up more responsibility for the team.
6. SAMUEL MUKOOZA [Jamtland Basket]
Plies his trade in Sweden, silky smooth and a joy to watch. Has a great handle and has the basics of the game down. Also shoots exceptionally well on the free throw line.
7. KASSIM NAGWERE [Fryshuset Basket]:
Shooting guard; At 6’1, he is a great shooter, aggressive and versatile. He is strong on the drive and very physical. Plays as a Point Guard for his club.
8. JOHN BALWIGAIRE [Free agent]:
Shooting guard; He plays good defense, very physical and aggressive plus a good perimeter shooter which will come in handy almost always. Shoots well on the free throw line.
9. JOSH JOHNSON [Ipswich BBC]:
Point guard; A fine passer of the ball embodies everything a Point Guard should do, with excellent vision. His only weakness might be that he does not attempt as many shots.
10. ANDREW OPIO [City Oilers]:
Nicknamed Mabenz, he is a good rebounder of the ball plus he is able to catch passes and hit shots.
11. SAMUEL KALWANYI [City Oilers]:
Power forward; A surprise inclusion on the team. After his performances at the FIBA Africa Zone V club championships, he has improved tremendously. He rebounds, blocks shots and a big man when you need size. His only flaws show at the big stage, he usually needs two chances to make a shot and the inexperience also shows.
12. IVAN LUMANYIKA [UCU Canons]:
A great rebounder of the ball, he has improved tremendously learning to use his size to his advantage. Still fouls erratically — something of which he will have to be wary.
COACHES:
MANDY JURUNI:
A great man manager who has earned respect from the players. Key for him is to define roles for every player so that they can play to their strengths and bring everyone together in time for the competition.
GAD ETEU:
Supporting cast to Juruni. Having different eyes on the game might come in handy and he has worked well with several of the players on the team.
RESERVES:
Joseph Ikong, Syrus Kiviiri, Jonah Otim
