The UCC Wildcats, the formidable men’s basketball team of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), arrived back in Ghana this morning after their triumphant victory in the fifth Federation of African University Sport (FASU) 3×3 Basketball Challenge held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.
With an impressive 21-12 win over Kenya’s United States International University in the final, the UCC Wildcats have secured the honor of representing Africa at this year’s FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship slated for November in China.
Throughout the tournament, the UCC Wildcats dazzled spectators with their relentless determination and showcased an incredible combination of speed and athleticism.
Leading the team was James Amotoe, a standout performer from the Spintex Knights in the ongoing Accra Basketball League. Other remarkable players who shone during the tournament included Francis Dake, captain Frederick Asante Fadu-Twum, and Bawa Godfred.
In their remarkable journey to the final, the Wildcats demonstrated their dominance on the court, triumphing over strong opponents. They battled their way to a hard-fought 21-17 victory against the University of Johannesburg team in the semi-finals. They also secured convincing wins against the University of Ghana with a scoreline of 21-11 and the University of Zambia with a commanding 21-14 victory.
The FASU 3×3 Basketball Challenge featured the participation of prestigious universities from across the continent, including Mulungushi University from Zambia, the University of Ibadan from Nigeria, Ndejje University from Uganda, the American University in Cairo from Egypt, BOTESSA from Botswana, Kotebe University of Education from Ethiopia, University of Mauritius, and the North West University (NWU) Vaal Campus.
The 3×3 basketball format, which is gaining popularity worldwide, offers an exciting twist on the traditional game.
Teams consist of three players per side, competing on a half-court. This fast-paced style demands exceptional teamwork, skill, and agility. With fewer players on the court and a smaller playing area, 3×3 basketball intensifies the strategic aspect of the sport, emphasizing quick decision-making, with the first to reach 21 points declared as the winner.
As they prepare to represent the continent at the FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball, the Wildcats aim to leave a lasting impression on the international stage, continuing their impressive journey in the world of 3×3 basketball.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic upon their arrival at the Kotoka International Airport yesterday, the leader of the UCC delegation, Dr. Eric Opoku-Antwi, expressed confidence in their victory, reflecting on their flawless start.
He also eagerly anticipated the Wildcats’ remarkable performance at the University Championship in China, expecting them to make a significant impact.
The Chairman of the Sports and Education Committee of UCC and a coach of the team, Dr Daniel Apaak disclosed that barring any injuries, there will be no changes to the four-man playing body that qualified for the Championship in China.
He also assured that he had received assurances from the Vice Chancellor of the school that all members of the playing body would be handsomely rewarded for their remarkable performance in South Africa.
Captain of the UCC Wildcats, Fadu-Twum was similarly confident that his team was poised to pull off a surprise on the world stage.
By: Clement Osei Aboagye
