9 Oct 2018
KAMPALA (FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2018) - The FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2018 could not happen at a better time for Ugandan youngster Jamila Nansikombi than from November 9-11 in Lome, Togo.
The 21-year old, who is fresh from featuring for Uganda as the only African team at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in China, has over the past one year moulded herself into the face of 3x3 women's basketball in Uganda.
Quick on her feet, super athletic and boasting of an incredible game reading ability, 'Zama' as she is commonly known in the basketball fraternity at home, has mastered the art that defines the shorter version of the hoops game.
"I MUST SAY THAT 3X3 BASKETBALL CAME INTO MY LIFE AT THE RIGHT TIME. I HAVE PLAYED A FEW GAMES ON THE 5x5 NATIONAL TEAM EVER SINCE I LEFT HIGH SCHOOL BUT WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT 3X3? IT HAS AVAILED MORE PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME."
Zama, who also featured at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 in Philippines this June, was the top scorer at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2017 in Togo, an achievement that has since shaped her desire to seek more success at the international stage.
In an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball, Zama said, "It has been a very great experience because I have learnt a lot of things in and outside basketball that I would never get to learn if I did not travel or I would learn in the years to come. I am looking forward to applying all that I have learned and learn more about what I do not know about the game."
"I must say that 3x3 basketball came into my life at the right time. I have played very few games on the 5x5 national team ever since I left high school so clearly what would I do without 3x3. It has availed more playing opportunities for me," she explained.
"I love 3x3 basketball because it gives you a lot to think about in a game as a player regarding how to play with the availability of your teammates or without them so you get to grow your skills and experience as a player."
"It suits me very well because I am an athletic player that is willing to take a lot of risks to get my team victory especially with the ball. 3x3 basketball is the kind of game where you need to risk a lot to get experience and learn more from your mistakes."
With eyes on the continental showpiece that has attracted a total of 12 teams including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Togo and Uganda, Zama has shifted her focus to the West African city of Lome.
She admits that replicating her performance from last year will not be a walk in the park but she is up for the challenge. An impressive 34 of her 44 points at last year's edition came from behind the arc and indeed her shooting prowess will once again be tested by the best in the business.
"I am looking forward to that but it does not come easy. I have got to work really hard for it, and I will always work hard and hope for the best out of it."
Mali, Nigeria and Egypt are the top sides that Zama is wary about but insists that, "Our target is to compete not to participate. We shall play our hearts out and hope for the best for our country."
"It will be very important because nobody wants to know answers and not be able to write them in an answer booklet during exams. I am looking forward to playing better every other 3x3 tournament I will be given an opportunity to play."
Zama is a product of the Fast Track Program initiated by FIBA to develop a longterm performance plan and prepare players for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where 3x3 basketball will make its debut appearance.
FIBA
