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Led by Spanish head coach Alberto Antuna, Uganda, among others, finished seventh, their best-ever finish at the competition, including beating 11-time champions Senegal in the group stages.
It's nearly a month since Claire Lamunu and the Gazelles' stellar performance at the 2023 Women's Afrobasket tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
Led by Spanish head coach Alberto Antuna, Uganda, among others, finished seventh, their best-ever finish at the competition, including beating 11-time champions Senegal in the group stages.
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09:35 - 24.08.2023
BASKETBALL Ugandans thrilled by FIBA recognition of improved Ugandan girls’ basketball
FIBA confirmed the development at the association’s awards ceremony held in Manilla, Philippines, on Wednesday, revealing Uganda was the second most improved team (Girls) between 2021 – 2023.
Gazelles forward Claire Lamunu was one of the main acts, picking up the team's first double-double against DR Congo with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Lamunu says it was an honour to represent Uganda.
"It's always an honour to play for the national team. It's not like I get to play every year," She noted.
"But I was focused on what I can bring to the table, like leadership, which is one of the things the coaches asked me to bring along because I have it in me."
"It was an honour and privilege. I don't take it lightly and want to play more often," Lamunu added.
The former Vanguard University and KCCA Leopards forward remains hopeful that more Ugandan female basketballers will play college basketball, which will help to prepare them better for the big stage.
"I hope we have more students go to play in college; it's a great move that helps the players get better at their craft and also learn the game more."
Currently, players, including Melissa Akullu (Vanguard University), Priscilla Abby (Grayson College), Lydia Babirye (Victoria Christian High School), and Mukisa Victoria (Simpson College), are all pursuing their studies on basketball scholarships in the US.
The Gazelles, who lost to Rwanda in the quarterfinals, picked up three wins against DR. Congo, Guinea and Senegal at the showpiece for the first time in Uganda's history.
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