Winning was the least important, says Uganda Gazelles head coach

The Uganda Gazelles had their first scrimmage ahead of the FIBA Women's Afrobasket 2023, and head coach Alberto Antuna was impressed by what he saw.

The Kigali-bound side was tested by a Select Team from the National Basketball League and emerged 78-61 winners.

"Winning was the least important thing today," Antuna told Pulse Sports after the well-attended game.

"It is the first time we are playing five on five, and we need to understand they are not used to it," he added.

The Select Side put up a firm challenge, with Maureen Amoding and Sarah Ageno among the top performers.

Jannon Otto put up a mid-range scoring clinic and ended with a game-high 27 points.

Antuna started with Flavia Oketcho, Brenda Ekone, Jannon Otto, Jane Asinde and Maria Najjuma.

The tactician has emphasized quick transitional offence since taking over the role as Gazelles' head coach, which explains his continued trust in Ekone.

The JKL Lady Dolphins star was the only guard on the floor down the stretch, with Oketcho, Evelyn Nakiyingi and Lydia Babirye all on the bench.

Coming up against Mali and Senegal in Group C, the Gazelles will likely be the smallest team and rely on the quick transition for points.

"It is just the second session with Asinde in the team, and we really put the focus on playing five-on-five with what we have been working on the last week," Antuna revealed.

"I am happy because offensively, we played good."

The Gazelles are still without Claire Lamunu and will be fully constituted when the US-based forward arrives Saturday night.

It is eight days until the team's first game of the tournament, and Antuna and his coaching must correct whatever needs addressing between now and July 28.

FIBA Women's Afrobasket 2023

Result

Uganda Gazelles 78-61 Team Select