Adika eyeing 3x3 title defense as provisional squads are named

FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup women’s champions, Kenya, are set to defend their title at this year’s showpiece slated for Antananarivo, Madagascar from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December.

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) on Thursday 10 October named a 10-person provisional squad for each gender with Zaddock Adika guiding the women’s side that was coached by Evelyne Kedogo to the title last year. Sylvia Kamau takes up the men’s team coaching role from Adika with both teams hitting camp on Monday 14 October.

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Last year in the competition that doubled as an Olympics qualifier, Natalie Akinyi, the reigning MVP guided a side that had veteran Hilda Indasi, Kenyan international Mercy Wanyama, and Madina Okot to victory over Egypt to qualify for the Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament where their journey ended without a slot to Paris.

Adika has, however, elected to go to battle without the services of the MVP and Indasi. He will also miss the services of Okot who has since joined Mississippi State Bulldogs, a side that represents Mississippi State University in the women’s NCAA Division I basketball, an absence he admits is a blow.

“All the players in the provisional squad have 3x3 experience and while this competition is important, it marks the beginning of our preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games hence the young squad,” Adika said, adding that he is looking to build on the Paris Olympics qualifiers run.

Kenyan Internationals Victoria Reynolds and Mercy Wanyama headline the women’s provisional squad, with Equity Hawks’ Maryanne Nyagaki leading the Kenyan-based contingent as the tactician explains that the selectors are also out to ensure continuity. 

“We need to start our preparations early as the competition expected in Madagascar is immense. Being defending champions and angling for another title puts a target on our backs and we have to be ready. The big picture for us is, however, to have this group hit their peak just in time for the 20226 Commonwealth Games and maintain that through LA2028,” he added.

The men's team finished sixth last year and Kamau has her work cut out inquest for a podium place.

Men

1. Albert Odero

2. Denis Koja

3. Brans Nzioka

4. David Gichohi

5. Elisha Odhiambo

6. Eugene Adera

7. Timothy Oyoo

8. Jackson Waweru

9. Ariel Ortega

10. Derrick Ogechi

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Women

1. Christine Akinyi

2. Ashley Minayo

3. Jemimah Omondi

4. Joy Mupalia

5. Margaret Nereah Opondo

6. Maryann Nyagaki

7. Barbra Diana

8. Alexandra Juma

9. Victoria Reynolds

10. Mercy Wanyama