The National Basketball Association (NBA), in partnership with the Federation of Ugandan Basketball Associations (FUBA) launched the “Jr. NBA FUBA League” on Saturday morning in Kampala, Uganda.
The league that will provide boys ages 12-15 in 30 schools around Kampala and Wakiso districts as well as their coaches with the opportunity to learn and develop their basketball skills through a competitive league was launched at Lugogo.
“There is great talent and interest in basketball in Uganda among the young guys. We just want to create participation opportunities for the boys through this League (Jr. NBA FUBA League)” NBA Vice President & Managing Director – Africa, Amadou Gallo said.
The Jr. NBA FUBA League 30 teams from schools across the two districts will be divided into Eastern and Western Conferences with the top eight teams in each conference qualifying for the Playoffs where a single-elimination Playoffs game will be played to the final to determine the Jr. NBA FUBA League Champions.
Each of the schools will represent one of the 30 NBA teams and will receive corresponding NBA T-Shirts for their league games that will run for eight weeks from June through August.
“Each team has received basic equipment – balls and jerseys. We are committed to getting started sustainability will need all” Gallo added.
The Junior League got underway with a game between Mashariki Pelicans and Kisubi Jazz. Mashariki beat SMAK 38-28 with Fayed Bale pouring in 29 of Mashariki’s 38 points.