Ochieng calls for investment in 3x3 basketball

National Under-23 3x3 basketball team that was in Romania for the Nations Cup Under-23 championship was eliminated in the group stage after losing two matches. 

Head coach Tony Onyango says the team had a good experience at the championship but called on more investment in the sport arguing that the Kenyan team had nothing going for them compared to their opponents. 

3x3 basketball makes debut at KSSSA Games

In the match against Japan, Kenya lost 17-6 before going down to Luthuania 22-5. Both countries had fielded their Under-21 teams. 

"We had a good experience playing against the third and eighth ranked teams in the world at the group stage. We gave our best and it was a good show seeing as we were playing for the first time while for others it is their routine participation," offered the tactician. 

He continued, "While I am proud of the players since they did their best on our debut, inexperience played a huge part in our performance. We have, however, picked lessons form this championship."

The tactician says the Kenyan team can only do better in these competitions by getting the much-needed exposure through playing more not only in the country but also in zone Five competitions. 

"We need to invest in youth structures from the Under 16 to the seniors level. Most of the players in this championship have been picked from the five-aside basketball

We have to groom players from a young age to learn the ropes of 3x3 and make it their fortress as opposed to moving players from the conventional version of the sport.

Introduction of 3x3 basketball at the Secondary School games is a good place to start as this will have a direct impact to the growth of the sport," offered Ochieng. 

The tactician adds that size is key in selecting players for 3x3 as is skill development. According to Ochieng, most of the players at the concluded championship have a better understanding of the game and that way they are more successful.