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Basketball lovers in the Uganda seem to agree in unison that Stephen Omony is the best player to have bounced a basketball in Uganda.
Uganda’s greatest basketballers ever
Uganda’s basketball story has evolved in the last decade as the sport takes strides in what should be the right direction.
The National team, Silverbacks, is making it a habit to qualify for the Afrobasket, and more and more players are getting opportunities in Colleges in the USA to continue honing their craft.
The competition in the league can be looked at in different ways. City Oilers have dominated and won the last eight championships, but some could have gone either way, like last season’s title, which was decided by two points in Game Seven.
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21:51 - 09.06.2023
BASKETBALL Uganda Gazelles drawn in Group C for FIBA Women’s Afrobasket
Uganda was drawn in Group C, alongside giants Mali and Senegal.
But there remains a discussion regarding Uganda's greatest basketballers ever to have stepped onto the basketball court in Uganda, and Pulse Sports took an interest in listing the top ten of all time.
Starting with the men’s side, we are mainly focussing on players who have achieved enough to enter the discussion for the greatest of all time.
Stephen Omony
It is rare to find a sportsperson who doesn’t divide opinion.
Basketball lovers in the Uganda seem to agree in unison that Stephen Omony is the Uganda's greatest basketballer ever to have bounced a basketball.
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At 6-foot-6-inch, Omony was athletic and immensely gifted. Physically, he had everything he needed to be great.
His self-belief was the most defining feature about the former Falcons and City Oilers man.
He believes he had enough talent to make it to the NBA and never gave in against any opposition.
Omony easily played every position on the floor and never looked second-best against anyone.
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10:10 - 02.07.2023
BASKETBALL OPINION: Why Every little support for the Gazelles counts ahead of the Women's Afro-basket
The 2023 Women's Afro-basket will be contested by 12 teams, divided into four groups of three teams each, the Gazelles who earned a wild card for the showpiece are pooled in group C alongside Mali and Senegal.
He could shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor, had a crazy drive to the basket and was a born leader on court.
Unfortunately for him, the Silverbacks only got organized when he had reached the evening of his career.
But his 20 points and nine rebounds against Nigeria as Uganda debuted at Afrobasket went a long way in emphasizing the legend of Omony.
Had that come earlier in his career, maybe the focus would not have been on his stint in Seychelles with the PLS Hawks.
Norman Blick
Arguably the most naturally gifted player Uganda has produced. Norman Blick was gifted with size and had the brain for the big stage.
No wonder he managed to inspire most teams he featured for to the National Basketball League glory.
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Sky Jammers, Nkumba Warines, Dmark Power and Kyambogo Warriors all have champions, thanks to Blick.
The only reason to explain how a player with Blick’s size and skillset did not play in Europe or USA is that he was born in the wrong country.
His 6-foot-7-inch frame made him too big for guards to play him, and he was too swift for the bigs. He could shoot the ball as well and led through performances.
Many people have come out to blame his lifestyle could have gotten in the way of his talent, but overall, Norman Blick was a baller and one of Uganda's greatest basketballers of all time.
Vincent Chatti
Unfortunately, we might not find any video evidence to explain the things Vincent Chatti did with the basketball.
But everyone who played with or watched him talks about Chatti as the best point guard to come out of Uganda.
Chatti could easily find the right pass to a teammate, shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor and attack the basket with great success.
He was an entertainer and was always in charge on the floor. It is, therefore, no doubt that he is in the coversation of Uganda's greatest basketballers ever.
Jimmy Enabu
Too athletic and quick. If Jimmy Enabu beat you by one step on that floor, there was no catching him.
That’s when he was much younger, of course. He’s now 35 but still going strong despite having slowed down a bit.
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Since joining City Oilers, Enabu has inspired the team to eight straight championships and also replaced Stephen Omony as captain of the Silverbacks.
He is a nine-time champion and 2014 Playoffs MVP. His pace in transition and mid-range shot made Enabu one of the toughest players to guard.
And his place in the debate for Uganda's greatest basketballers ever will be guaranteed for a ehile.
Henry Malinga
Like Stephen Omony, Malinga did not have the opportunity to play longer for the organized Silverbacks that are going places currently.
He went to the Afrobasket in Tunisia, but that was around the time he was considering retirement from the game.
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Fondly referred to as “The General” in basketball circles, Malinga is arguably the best centre Uganda has produced and fits in the conversation of Uganda's greatest basketballers ever.
His low post spin moves, rebounding prowess and ability to block shots made Malinga a menace in the paint.
Malinga is a four-time champion and was named MVP in 2003 and 2007.
Ben Komakech
The silent assassin. He has never been the player to score 25 or 30 points a game. But his impact on the floor would never go unnoticed.
His longevity is characterized by discipline and hard work. Easily one of the best brains to have held a basketball in Uganda.
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Whether his team needs a shot to save the game or an extra pass to find an open teammate, Komakech knows when to do what.
He was blessed with a three-point shot and handles to make him unguardable. Having won the league title with Power, Komakech took his experience to City Oilers and has continued with his winning.
He joined City Oilers in 2014 and has gone on to win seven titles with Mandy Juruni’s charges, putting his total at 10, having lifted three while still at Power.
He is also a two-time MVP and, at 37, still going strong in the top division. He played a key role for City Oilers in last season’s finals against Namuwongo Blazers.
Robert Ndamagye
He is regarded as one of the best of his generation. He came through the ranks at Caltec and went on to be dominant in the Charging Rhinos and the national team.
He could score the basketball from anywhere on the floor and was also a tough rebounder. He played good defence and could play all positions on the floor.
Again, it might be tough to come across video evidence, but it will not be necessary if you interact with those who played with or against him. Or those who simply watched him do his thing.
Isaac Afidra
Another rare breed of the game. At 42 years of age, Isaac Afidra is still pushing in the top flight of Ugandan basketball.
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Having started out in 1999, Afidra is in Season 23 and has five championships on his name and the 2011 MVP accolade.
He is a fearless competitor and arguably the most durable sportsman in Uganda.
Although he predominantly played as a small forward in his career, he has proved over the years that he is an all-rounder with the ability to play everywhere on the court.
14:08 - 23.06.2023
BASKETBALL Power eyeing top prize in the second round
Against the Blazers, Power will unleash their two major signings, Congolese big man Elvis Mpeti and Nigerian guard Kevin Ogunjimi.
Not your usual fancy and flamboyant player who is serially lethal and effective.
He is currently playing with and against players who were not yet born when he won his first championship in 2000 and has maintained his high fitness levels to stay competitive.
His ability to score in the paint and from the perimeter has made him a handful to guard for opponents, considering his bulky frame.
He has maintained his scoring touch and has been in double figures on five occasions this season, including a 21 points and 14 rebounds performance against KCCA Panthers.
Ronnie Kasewu
What a player! Did you even know that Ronnie Kasewu is right-handed? Probably not.
Kasewu started and ended his career at Kyambogo Warriors. One-team man.
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He only switched to using his left hand after an injury suffered in 1998 while playing handball.
The injury, coupled with the love to continue playing, forced the point guard into teaching his left hand what to do.
Eventually, the left hand became stronger than the right, and the rest is history. He went about his business on court with the left hand while using the right for writing and other things.
A great facilitator and floor manager who was blessed with a shot from anywhere on the floor.
Kasewu guided the Warriors to two National Basketball League titles in 2009 and 2012.
Ken Balyejusa
One of the players who delivered so much in a short spell of time and left the dancefloor too early.
From his time playing in high school at Kobojja, Balyejusa was an A-list player and moved on to become a legend at Power.
He was blessed with a great understanding of the game and could facilitate, shoot the ball and attack the rim with great success.
Injuries hampered his career, and many feel like he quit too early. And that he still makes it into Uganda's greatest basketballers ever conversation should tell you how talented Balyejusa was.
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