UNIVERSITY OF GHANA PARTICIPATES IN THE JUST ENDED FASU 3X3 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The University of Ghana Male and Female Basketball Teams participated in the 5th FASU 3x3 Basketball Challenge held at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa from 22nd to 25th June, 2023. A contingent of fourteen, made up of nine student-athletes and five staff represented the University.
Team UG with Officials arriving in South Africa
The tournament featured twelve men's teams and eight women's teams from universities across Africa. These teams vied for the championship title and the opportunity to represent Africa in the 2023 International Federation of University Sports (FISU) 3x3 Basketball Challenge to held later in the year. The University of Ghana Teams were eliminated at the quarter final stage of the Championship.
UG Female Basketball Team
“I am really impressed with our teams because prior to this championship, we had never taken part in one as this. It goes without saying that this is a good showing. We could not achieve our target, however we refuse to let this setback dampen our spirits. The University of Ghana Basketball Team is widely recognized across the African continent as one of the best, and we remain a formidable force. I am proud of the teams and their dedication. We will intensify our training efforts and come back even stronger," stated Eric Ankamah, the UG Basketball Coach.
Eric Agyapong Ankamah, UG Basketball Coach
The FASU 3x3 Basketball tournament, which takes place biennially brings together universities from across Africa for a thrilling battle to determine the African Champion. The winning team earns the privilege of representing Africa in the next International University Sports Federation (FISU) Championship. The next FISU 3x3 Basketball Challenge is scheduled to come off later this year.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of Sports
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, the Leader of the delegation and Director of Sports at the University of Ghana, commended the team for reaching the quarter-final stage, acknowledging the tough and entertaining nature of the tournament.
"I am glad about the performances exhibited by both our teams considering this is the first time we have engaged in and experienced a 3x3 Basketball Championship. This competition showcases the finest talent, and I believe that the University of Ghana will continue to train harder and prepare so that we can excel on the international stage in our next outing", he remarked.
The University of Cape Coast emerged as the champions in the men's division, while the women's division was won by the American University in Cairo from Egypt. Both teams will represent Africa at the next FISU 3x3 Basketball Challenge.
The 3x3 Basketball is a form of the game played three a side on one hoop. It is the largest urban team sport of the world. The sport was added to the World University Championship programme with a first edition hosted in Kragujevac, Serbia, then became part of the FISU University World Cups programme.