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In what was supposed to be a joyous off season in which, Hajara Najjuko had led her side to her first championship.
The UCU Lady Canons captain found herself on the cruel end of sports as she suffered a significant knee injury while playing in Turkey.
She was representing her Uganda Christian University at the 3×3 FISU World Varsity games held in Istanbul at the end of October.
They are described as 'patella tendinitis'. This knee injury is common to athletes who frequently jump and play volleyball and basketball.
The most affected area is the tissue connecting the knee cap to the shin bone(patellar tendon).
She had to play through an injury that was persistent, as the team made a deep playoff run and eventually won the championship.
Asked if the increased workload may have contributed to the worsening of her injury: "Yes, probably," she said before adding.
"The championship run and the 3x3 World University games in that space of time, but I loved every minute of it."
Five months on, the Kibuli SS basketball programme graduate can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as she nears her return to the court.
Najjuko acknowledges how this period of her off the court has been mentally and physically challenging.
"It has not been easy watching my teammates battle on the court and not being there with them; it is even hard to watch them scrimmage."
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"The Eastern African Universities games was a painful experience, and I would have liked the chance to compete against the best in the region."
There have also been positives taken from the rehabilitation, as she says that she has been able to work on her strength and conditioning.
"My strength and conditioning routines have been a blessing in disguise because I feel physically and mentally stronger as my return is just about the corner".
Najuuko also found herself more occupied with her class work, a balance she struggled with, as basketball is a good outlet.
"I perform well when I am playing basketball. Two different priorities that you need to keep in check, and I like thriving in that environment."
With her subsequent evaluation on whether she can finally run on the court in two weeks, all seems well with the captain as she nears gears up for a title defense.
The fact that she can play multiple positions on court came in handy during the playoffs as the record champions clawed back a 3-1 deficit to win the series in seven.
She averaged 5.3 points and, 3.5 rebounds last season and has already pointed out areas in her game she can improve on.
"I have to be the defensive stalwart on the team and affect the game on that end, and rebounding has to get better as well."
The start of the 2023 NBL season will come too early in her bid to return to action as she has to take precautions against such injuries.
However, she quickly pointed out how the team needs to reintegrate the 'rookies' and have a fast start to the campaign.
"Yes, in this kind of programme, like at UCU, players come and go every year. It's so important to find that chemistry early on in the season," Najuuko said.
After their title win last year, UCU have lost some big names in Akon Rose, Agatha Kamwadha, and Maimuna Nabbosa, who all graduated.
When she eventually eases her way back to the team, it will be interesting to see how long or if she will be on a minute restriction.
"I think so, and the intention is not to rush back as I want to take all the right steps to get back healthy," she noted.
For the rest of the squad, their attention will undoubtedly be focused on starting their championship defence on the right track.
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