eam Kenya tacticians at the just-ended FIBA 3×3 under 23 World Championships in Lublin, Poland, are impressed with the team’s overall showing.
Both the men's and women’s teams recorded a win each, losing three to finish fourth in the final standings of the five-team table. They return home on Tuesday.
Coach Tony Ochieng, who was in charge of the men’s side, said Kenya has proven they are a household name in the world map.
“We played against some of the top-ranked teams and I am happy that we were up to the task in all the games we played,” said Ochieng.
“The boys pushed the best-ranked players in the tournaments to the wall.”
Overall he noted that the team had a solid performance by amassing 66 points in their first attempt at the championship.
“We have learned valuable lessons to help improve our tactics. I strongly believe Kenya will be a top team in 3x3 basketball,” he said.
Women’s coach, Ouma, hailed the girls for showing a commendable performance by winning their first match in a world championship.
“Our journey is about growth and experience. I am super proud of the ladies as we go back home, knowing where we need to improve on,” Ouma said. “We have proved to the world that we can do this We have made history.”
The men’s team, playing in Pool ‘C’ were crushed by Israel and Qatar in identical scores of 21-15 before going down 21-14 to Germany. They then had a walk-over against Tunisia.
In the women’s category, Kenya beat Austria 21-9 but were thrashed 22-5 by Netherlands, and lost 22-11 to China before suffering a 21-12 defeat at the hands of the USA in their Pool ‘A’ matches.
The women’s teams had Madina Okot, Barbara Diana, Maryanne Nyagaki and Mary Lisa Omondi while Denis Koja, Brans Nzioka, Trevor Opiyo and Elisha Odhiambo formed the men’s team.
The two sides qualified for the global festival after earning points in their All Africa Games, Nations Cup, and World Championship campaigns.
