Ishmail Wainwright fully focused on Uganda before his NBA debut with Toronto
KIGALI (Rwanda) - It is a thing of joy for players all over the world to move into a bigger team and a bigger league. This was exhibited by Toronto Raptors new signing Ishmail Wainright from French Pro A side Strasbourg on a two-year contract.
With the move, Wainright became the first Ugandan national team player to sign for a NBA team.
"I PLEDGE MY LOYALTY TO BOTH THE RAPTORS AND UGANDA AND IT WILL BE MY PLEASURE TO CONTRIBUTE MY QUOTA POSITIVELY FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY."
Ever since Wainwright made his debut with the Silverbacks during the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers 2021 in November, he has been vital for the East African team.
The 26-year-old forward was red hot in Uganda's 80-66 victory over Cameroon in his team's first win in Group, which happened to be Uganda's second triumph in history of the tournament since their debut in 2015.
Wainwright, who will turn 27, one week after the celebrated Africa foremost competition on September 12, told FIBA.basketball that though he is very happy with the Raptors' move, he says that he is focused with helping his country, Uganda achieve a good results in Kigali.
First win for Uganda 🇺🇬 in the competition, 80-66 against Cameroon 🇨🇲!
— FIBA AfroBasket (@AfroBasket) August 27, 2021
Check out the highlights of the game!@FubaBasketball // @FECABASKET #AfroBasket #Celebrate60 pic.twitter.com/wB9s6Goptm
"Yes, it is a dream come through for have moved to the National Basketball Association (NBA) side, Toronto Raptors as players all over the world wished to ply their trade in a bigger league and team. So for me it's a dream come through and I am happy.
"But what's on my mind right now is how to help my country, Uganda achieve its objective of being part of Africa greats when it comes to the AfroBasket.
"I pledge my loyalty to both the Raptors and Uganda and it will be my pleasure to contribute my quota positive for club and country."
Ishmail Wainright averaged 18.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and fives during the AfroBasket Qualifiers 2021
On his country' last Group Phase game against South Sudan on Sunday, the 1.96cm (6ft 5in) small forward says he will approach it with a positive mind set as they hope to finish well in the group to brighten their chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition."
Wainwright posted a double-double of 12 rebound, 11 assists, nine points with efficiency rating of 25 to help guide Uganda over Cameroon.
FIBA
