KIGALI (Rwanda) - In the minds of many who follow Cape Verde basketball, Walter Taraves is the go-to player and he provides just that in the game against Uganda on Game Day 2 of Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers with his 8-for-8 shooting.

While Taraves remains an icon to behold, another Tavares - Williams Tavares -  is the next revelation to come out of the Island nation.

Energetic and fearless attacking the basket,  the 26-year-old guard is already having heads turning and why not?

His stellar performance against Nigeria and Uganda was worth commending.

In the game against Nigeria, his teammates Ivan Almeida and Walter Tavares scored 14 and 15 points respectively while Tavares contributed 9 points, but he stepped up the tempo in the game against Uganda with a game-high 22 points thanks to his 7-for-11 shooting.

Williams observed that he is ready to do more for his country and take on the challenges. "When I was growing up, I loved to watch the national team players and now that I have grown to be in the national team, I'm glad to take up the challenge of being here and to give my best to the country," Tavares said.

"I want to thank my teammates for believing in me and the opportunity to be here," he stated at the post-match conference after the win against Uganda.

Emanuel Trovoada, Coach of Cape Verde, is proud that he can find options in the team with Williams and says that the fact that he is ready always is a thing of joy for him and Cape Verde.

"Williams loves what he is doing for the team and is always ready to give his contribution."

Tavares couldn't have had a better debut for Cape Verde, who head to the 12-nation Second Round of the African Qualifiers with a 3-1 mark.

For a team that missed out sharpshoot Jeff Xavier in Kigali, Tavares fitted in the team's rotation like a glove to become one more difference-maker for Cape Verde.

The 1.92m (6ft 3in) guard averaged 15 points in two games in Kigali.

In a post tournament interview with the local media, Trovoada praised Tavares and warned newcomers to always be ready when the likes of Ivan Almeida and Walter Tavares are unable to contribute.

"We have the talent, I just hope young players - Williams Tavares is an example - can help us when we need them most. We want to make history by qualifying this group of hardworking players to the World Cup. We have faith," Trovoada pointed out. 

FIBA