The FIBA Africa Cup 2023 in Cairo witnessed a thrilling turn of events that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The Kenya Women’s 3×3 senior national team emerged victorious against the reigning champions in a nail-biting finale. Kenya, represented by players Natalie Mwangale, Hilda Indasi, Mercy Wanyama, and Madina Okot, clinched the title with a stunning 21-20 buzzer-beater, securing the win with a crucial two-point shot by Kenya Ports Authority player Natalie Mwangale.
Despite Egypt’s initial dominance with a 19-13 lead, Kenya mounted a comeback, ultimately sealing the triumph with Mwangale’s last-second heroics. Nellie Odera, the team manager, commended the exceptional performance of the four-woman team. Mwangale, named the tournament MVP, showcased both offensive and defensive prowess, while Okot stood out with an impressive 11-point, 18-rebound performance.
In the men’s category, Egypt secured gold with an undefeated run, culminating in an 18-15 victory against Nigeria in the final.
Adding to the celebration of East African basketball, NBA legend Ron Harper made his first visit to Africa as part of the NBA’s activities in the region. The NBA marked the occasion by launching its new Africa office in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 29. The launch included a Junior NBA clinic at Sabis International School in Runda and an evening cocktail at the Sankara Hotel.
The Junior NBA clinic, attended by 70 boys and girls under 16 from various youth programs in Nairobi, featured NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams, Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall, and former NBA player Ron Harper. Harper expressed his honor to be part of the historic announcement, emphasizing the league’s commitment to growing basketball in Kenya and across the continent.
During a lively Q&A session led by MC Silalei Shani, former captain of the Kenya women’s national basketball team and author of this report, Harper shared insights into his career, memories of his championships with the Chicago Bulls, and thoughts on the ongoing “GOAT” debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Harper also offered words of encouragement to Kenya’s young basketball prospect, David Gichohi, and praised the NBA’s efforts to expand its presence in Africa. “I believe in the next 5–10 years there are going to be a lot of African players playing in the NBA,” Harper predicted.
The new NBA Africa office in Kenya, located in Westlands, Nairobi, marks the fifth office on the continent, joining others in Cairo, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Lagos.
Looking ahead to the Afrobasket qualifiers in 2024, the FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers draw took place in Johannesburg at the end of November during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 East Division tournament. The teams, grouped into five pools of four, will compete in February and November 2024, with the venues yet to be confirmed. Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, BAL Head of League Operations, anticipated a high level of competition in the qualifiers, aiming to elevate the quality of basketball on the continent.
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