KIGALI (Rwanda) – Robinson Opong has built his identify in African basketball landscape for his three-position taking pictures prowess.
He was crucial in Uganda’s 80-68 acquire above Nigeria, which observed the East Africans by way of to the Quarter-Finals of the AfroBasket 2021.
“I AM Continue to IN DREAMLAND Irrespective of THE Actuality THAT MOST People today DID NOT Depend US Worthy TO GET TO THIS Stage OF THE AFROBASKET [2021].”
Towards the previous African Nigeria, Opong was 6-for-10 from powering the arc to finish with a workforce-superior 19 points.
“We know no one gave us opportunity to go thus significantly in the AfroBasket 2021 because we are rated outsider but here we are with total dedication to continue to confirm bookmakers wrong,” declared Uganda inspirational swingman to FIBA.basketball.
The 32-year-old, who last performed for Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria in the maiden edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), joined an elite team of players – like Carlos Morais (Angola) and Benjamin Anyahukeya Emelogu (Nigeria) – who proven a record for most 3-points designed in a solitary match (six a few-pointers each individual).
Opong who performed a leading position in the epic victory in excess of Nigeria, which now pitched them versus Cape Verde in Thursday’s Quarter-Finals, was on the ground for 25 minutes, recording 19 factors, four rebounds and two assists.
“Basketball has made available me good succour and upliftment in my existence and vocation and I have no selection than to go on to give my ideal to the two nation and any club I uncovered myself,” Opong said.
“I am still in dreamland that in spite of the actuality that most folks did not depend us worthy to get to this phase of the AfroBasket, but perseverance and self-discipline have continued to propel us and we are completely ready to proceed to give it our very best. I have to commend my teammates, coaching crew and our federation for everything Uganda basketball is these days.”
Chatting about his early days in the sport, Opong defined: “I took to basketball quite early, at age ten in Quebec, Canada and I have not appeared again ever considering the fact that. The admirers ought to come out in their quantities on Thursday to view one particular of the most enjoyable and competitive match-up in opposition to two groups who understands each other quite well, but 1 I can guarantee the lovers is to count on the greatest from Uganda.
Regardless of what Uganda’s result in the AfroBasket 2021, they have surpassed expectations.
What the long term retains for Opong and Uganda?
“Our major target for now is the AfroBasket 2021. The FIBA Basketball Globe Cup African Qualifiers 2023 can wait around.”
Uganda have been drawn in Group A from Cape Verde, Nigeria and Mali with the initially window billed for November this yr.
FIBA
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