THE Silverbacks of Uganda are a team in transition, one with a focus on the future given the composition of the squad of players heading to the AfroBasket in Angola (12-24 August). While the youthful vibe is encouraging for the Ugandans, a dash of on-court experience will be present to guide the new faces in the team.
Representing the East African nation’s generational mix are veteran sharpshooter Robinson Opong and rising star Tejan Rugette, respectively, the present and future of the Silverbacks.
Wise head Opong, 36, has played in three AfroBaskets for the Silverbacks, while Rugete, two months from his 18th birthday, is entering the grown man ranks of international competition for the first time.
The duo spoke to The Big Tip Off on Tuesday morning after the team’s shoot-around at the Mandeville Sports Complex in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Uganda has set up camp ahead of the AfroBasket.
The Present
Opong, the most experienced player in the Silverbacks setup, is looking forward to what he termed “a celebration of African basketball culture”.
“I’m excited. The AfroBasket is the biggest basketball tournament in Africa. Everybody is going to bring their best,” said the former MBB player. “It’s a celebration of basketball culture in Africa. So, we have to bring our A-game and represent as best as we can.
From his first AfroBasket in 2017 to the present, Opong says he loves wearing the Silverbacks vest. He spoke with a sense of happiness at having the opportunity to don it again.
“Man, it’s the best feeling ever. Whenever you put on the Ugandan jersey, there is a feeling of everybody supporting you… your friends, family and the fans… There is nothing like it,” said Opong.
He is also one of the three surviving players from the 2021 AfroBasket, where Uganda finished at the quarter-finals. Opong, American-born Ishmail Wainright and John Geu Deng will be the guiding hands for the rest of the team. Canada-born Opong says they are to take on that responsibility.
“We bring continuity to the group. We know each other and have played in many tournaments together. So, it is up to us to lead this new team. We have to play as a collective and be solid,” said Opong.
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On the court, Opong is one of the Silverbacks players whose game will be studied in the opposition’s scouting report. His lethal weapon, the three-point shot, saw him set an AfroBasket Qualifiers record in February when he scored 39 points, 24 of which came from behind the arc in a victory over Nigeria.
Who could forget his clutch three for MBB against Nairobi City Thunder in the Nile Conference leg of the BAL? Opong says he is aware that his ability to score from three is no secret, and while teams plan around that, it will allow other strategies to take shape.
“I think it can help a lot. The teams prepare against that. They don’t want me to shoot. So that opens up the game for my teammates,” said Opong. “One of the things I use is my strength, so that opens up a lot than just me shooting. It will open up doors for guys to cut and dunk.”
With the days passing and the AfroBasket nearing, how has the camp in South Africa helped the Silverbacks?
“It’s been great. Things are going fast. In a couple of days, we will play our first game against Senegal. Our focus is on tactics, on offence and defence. I think we are doing a great job as a group,” said Opong.
The future
Rugete, one of the youngest members of the team, knows a thing or two about international basketball, having played for his country’s U16 and U18 teams at the age group AfroBaskets.
Those junior competitions cannot compare to what he could potentially experience in Angola. Despite his youth, Rugette feels that making the final 12 for the AfroBasket affirms his talent.
“It’s one of the biggest confirmations I have had in my life. I was so happy,” said Rugette. “I was spending time with my family (when I got the call). It tells me how the people of Uganda and the coaching staff see me.
“Their feeling that I can play at this level means everything to me.”
His being part of the team speaks volumes about what Rugete’s coaches see in him. While he welcomes the advancement of his career, he has measured expectations of himself at the AfroBasket.
“Coming in, I know it’s going to be difficult. For me, it’s just keeping a positive attitude, to push myself and to learn as much as I can from the older guys,” said Rugette.
Staying on the subject of acquiring insights from the veterans, what has he learnt from spending time with players like Opong?
“These guys have helped me a lot with everything. They have told me not to take the back seat. Try to stand out, play and compete. They have given me confidence in every way,” said Rugette. “So, working with guys who play at high levels that I aspire to is amazing for me and my game.
“In the future, hopefully, when I am their age, I can compete at that level too. I want to help the team and be one of the best players for Uganda.”
The Silverbacks are certainly in transition. It is encouraging to see how the present and the future are cultivating a sense of sustainable team culture.
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