Kenya has risen to the second position in Africa’s 3×3 basketball rankings, with Egypt leading the continent. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of Kenya’s performance in the FIBA 3×3 U-23 World Cup, which concluded in Lublin, Poland, over the weekend.
Angela Luchivya, the team manager, attributed this rise in rankings to the dedicated efforts of both the players and the federation.
She emphasized that their success was a product of hard work and the accumulation of points through extensive match participation.
Luchivya explained, “It has been all hard work. We are up there because we have played more matches that have seen us accumulate the points that have helped push our rankings.” She also highlighted the significance of gaining experience and skills through these international outings, stating that they would benefit the players even in traditional five-on-five basketball.
Luchivya, who captained the national women’s team during the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria, revealed that Kenya entered the championships ranked 19th globally.
In the tournament, Kenya’s men’s and women’s teams both finished fourth, each securing one victory. The men’s team received a walkover against Tunisia, while the women’s team made history by defeating Austria 21-09.
Luchivya commended the significant progress made by Kenyan teams in the 3×3 basketball journey, with FIBA acknowledging their efforts. In the competition, the USA clinched the men’s gold, Israel secured silver, and Germany claimed bronze.
In the women’s category, the Netherlands emerged as champions, followed by host Poland in second place and Lithuania in third.
Looking ahead, the next round of tournaments is the Africa Cup, scheduled for December in Cairo, Egypt. The senior teams are already in daily training under the guidance of Coach Evelyne Kedogo.
Kenya’s ascent in the rankings reflects its commitment to the development of 3×3 basketball on the African continent.
