By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University’s 3×3 basketball teams are set to represent Africa at the 2024 FISU University World Cup 3×3 basketball, which will be held in Xiamen, China, from November 22nd to 24th. The tournament, featuring the best university teams from across the globe, is a prestigious platform where UCU will compete against top-tier talent from various continents.
The FISU University World Cup 3×3, formerly known as the FISU World University League, began in 2015, inviting elite male and female basketball teams from universities around the world to participate in Xiamen, Fujian, China. Over time, the tournament has evolved into a global league system, with five major competition zones worldwide. Only the regional champions qualify for the finals in Xiamen.
UCU’s journey to the World Cup was marked by a hard-fought victory in the finals of the sixth Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship, held in Kampala on July 28, 2024. The UCU Canons narrowly edged out Ghana’s University of Cape Coast (UCC) Wildcats, winning 18-16 in a thrilling contest.
On the women’s side, the UCU Lady Canons were equally impressive, claiming the African title after a dominant 20-12 win against United States International University Africa (USIU).
Both teams’ triumphs earned them the prestigious honour of representing the continent in China.
“We’ve been preparing for many seasons with strength, conditioning, and 3X3 practice. We’ve trained with some boys, even when they said we wouldn’t participate in China. We’re ready to give our best. I can’t promise a championship, but we’ll give our all and let the results speak for themselves,” said Shakirah Nanvubya, Captain of UCU Lady Canons, ahead of competitions.
The Rise of 3×3 Basketball
3×3 basketball has rapidly gained popularity since its official recognition by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 2007. With its fast-paced, dynamic nature, it offers a thrilling alternative to traditional basketball. Played on a halfcourt with three players on each team, the first team to score 21 points or the team leading at the end of 10 minutes wins. Its unique format emphasises speed, agility, and sharp decision-making, making it highly engaging for both players and fans alike.
The format’s inclusion in major tournaments like the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have further propelled its global reach. University teams, in particular, have embraced 3×3 basketball for its fast pace and exciting gameplay, with the FISU World Cup becoming a key event on the international university sports calendar.
