Jannon Jaye Otto, an American-born Ugandan basketball star, has been named the best basketball player of February 2023 in the Real Star Awards.
Jannon stood out with her outstanding performance in FIBA Afrobasket Qualifiers Zone V, scoring 87 points in just five games played.
Her achievement beat out fellow countrywoman Brenda Ekone, who scored 84 points in the same number of games.
Raneem Elgedawy of Egypt came in as the tournament top scorer with 91 points, but Jannon’s strong showing was enough to secure the Real Star Awards’ top basketball honor.
Jannon’s consistency and leadership on the court helped her team secure crucial victories in the qualifiers, earning her a spot on the tournament’s Best Five team, where she was the only Ugandan recognized.
Alongside her, the Best Five team included players from South Sudan, Kenya, and Egypt. The MVP award went to one of the Egyptian players, Raneem Elgedawy.
“I’m thrilled and honored to receive this award,” Jannon said. “I’m grateful for the support of my teammates and fans, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard and improve my game.”
Jannon’s success is an indication of the talent and potential of Uganda’s basketball scene.
With rising stars like Jannon and Ekone, the country is poised to make a name for itself on the international basketball stage.
Other top athletes from Uganda were also recognized for their outstanding performances in February 2023, including Pius Ogena, named the Best Rugby Player for her stellar performance as an 8th man ball carrier in a game against Buffaloes.
Rogers Mugisha was recognized as the Best Football Player for his outstanding performance as a midfielder in the ongoing U20 AFCON in Egypt.
Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba were named the Best Rally Drivers, winning the first round of the NRC dubbed Mbarara Festival Rally in their new Ford Fiesta R5.
Jacob Kiplimo emerged as the Best Athlete for becoming the second Ugandan after Joshua Cheptegei to win the World Cross Country Championship in Bathurst, Australia, with a time of 29 minutes and 17 seconds.
