The UCC Wildcats, the esteemed men's basketball team of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), returned to the country this evening, having secured a spot to represent Africa at the  International University Sports Federation (FISU) 3x3 University World Cup, which will be held in Xiamen, China, this November.

The Wildcats, who are the reigning champions of the Federation of African University Sport (FASU) 3x3 Basketball Challenge, narrowly lost the final of the sixth Afro Varsity 3x3 Basketball University Championship to Ugandan Christian University (UCU) with a score of 16-18 in Kampala, Uganda, on July 28, 2024.

Under the guidance of coach Dr. Eric Opoku Antwi and captain Frederick Asante, the UCC team triumphed over eight African universities on their journey to the final. The team also comprises Henry Xorlali, Francis Darke, and Emmanuel Essel.

On the first day of the competition, they achieved victories against The American University in Cairo (20-11), East Africa University, Rwanda (21-8), Victoria University (21-14), and University of Abuja (21-11). The following day, they defeated Makerere University (21-4), Kisii University, Kenya (21-12), United States International University-Africa (17-13), and University of Ibadan (21-16).

Speaking to Graphic Online shortly after their arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Dr. Antwi described the competition as challenging but expressed satisfaction with qualifying to represent Africa in China.

"Last year, we lost two of our key players and introduced two new ones who performed excellently. We faced some formidable teams and managed to beat them all until the final. We will review our performance, learn from it, and aim to bring home the first-place trophy next time," he said.

Team captain Frederick Asante shared a similar sentiment, confident in their prospects and aiming for at least a podium finish in China.

"It wasn't an easy journey to the final, but we prepared well and did not disappoint despite losing the final," Asante remarked. "As our coach mentioned, we hope to bring something better to the University and the country as a whole."

Background on 3x3 Basketball

3x3 basketball, a fast-paced and shorter variant of traditional basketball, has gained substantial popularity since its official inclusion in international competitions. 

Played on a half-court with three players on each team, the game emphasizes speed, agility, and tactical skill. The first team to reach 21 points, or the team with the highest score at the end of a 10-minute game, wins.

Originating from street basketball, 3x3 was first recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 2007 and has since become a staple in various global tournaments, including the FIBA 3x3 World Cup and the Olympic Games, where it made its debut in Tokyo 2020.

The format's dynamic nature has attracted a diverse audience and encouraged widespread participation, particularly among university teams worldwide.