In an eagerly anticipated announcement, the Kenya Basketball Federation, in conjunction with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), unveiled the complete roster for the country’s 3×3 basketball team set to compete in upcoming beach games.
The squad, comprised of both U23 and senior players for men and women, is primed for action in three prestigious tournaments: the Africa Beach Games in June, the World Beach Games in August, and the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The head coach of the 3×3 basketball team, Zaddock Adika, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing collaboration between the federation and Team Kenya.
He emphasized that the team’s performance would be significantly enhanced with the appropriate funding and support.
“I am thrilled that we have concluded the selection process,” Adika stated on Tuesday. “Having had our teams participate in the Kenya Beach Games earlier this year, we are well-positioned and eager to make strong debuts in the upcoming tournaments.”
The men’s team boasts a formidable lineup, featuring Strathmore University’s Dennis Koja and the well-established duo of Larry Shavanga and John Wiljas, who represented the country in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.
Their inclusion is expected to bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Notably, this tournament will provide the men’s team, which did not participate in the 3×3 Africa Cup, with an opportunity to qualify for the Bali Games in August.
Meanwhile, the women’s team maintains a core group of players who represented Kenya in the previous year’s FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup.
The lineup includes Zetech University’s trio of Madina Okot, Mary Lisa Omondi, and Christine Akinyi, as well as Rachel Odhiambo and Mary Anne Nyagaki of Equity Hawks and Hilda Indasi of KPA.
With a combination of talent and experience, the women’s team aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournaments.
The full squad, consisting of 28 players, will be joined in camp by an additional four players on call.
The team is expected to commence training in the coming weeks, with preparations involving travel to a suitable environment ahead of the June 23 event in Hammamet, Tunisia.
With the prospect of qualification for the Bali Games in August and the ultimate goal of participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, next year’s Olympic event promises to be the culmination of a new era for 3×3 basketball in Kenya.
The players, coaches, and officials are eager to seize this opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage and bring glory to their country.
