Galanapoulos appointed Uganda head coach ahead of FIBA AfroBasket 2017

KAMPALA (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) – Texas Legends assistant coach George Galanapoulos will steer Uganda at the upcoming FIBA AfroBasket 2017 set to be held from September 8-16 in Senegal and Tunisia.

The 28-year old, who has been appointed on a short term contract for the continental showpiece, is looking forward to make the best of Uganda’s second appearance at this stage.

“Our plan is to compete at the highest level we are capable of and that starts with the first day of training camp. We must have a razor sharp focus everyday on what we need to improve in order to get to where we want to be as a team.” - Galanapoulos

The Silverbacks, as they are commonly known, are currently camping in the Egyptian coastal city of Alexandria for 10 days before heading to Dakar in Senegal for their Group B games where they will take on 11-time record champions Angola, Morocco and Central African Republic. 

Uganda finished in 15th place at their debut appearance two years ago in Tunisia and it is a team objective to finish in a better place at this year's edition with qualification to the Quarter-Finals on their mind and a return to Tunis where it all began for them.

To achieve this, Uganda have lined up a combination of experienced and youthful players to execute their strategy and there are no apologies for that.

Galanapoulos admitted: “It is great to have a mix of both experienced and young players. We are very lucky to have the veteran leadership and experience that we have as well as youthful talent. Our goal is for everyone to know their role on this team and understand what needs to be done individually in order for us to come together as a whole.”

“Our plan is to compete at the highest level we are capable of and that starts with the first day of training camp. We must have a razor sharp focus everyday on what we need to improve in order to get to where we want to be as a team,” he told FIBA.basketball.

Uganda's best performers in Tunis in 2015 Stanley Ocitti and Stephen Omony will be leading the Silverbacks once again but the presence of US-based A'darius Pegues and youngster Samuel Kalwanyi will come in handy. 

The Silverbacks open their account against an experienced and fully charged Angolan side but Uganda will be throwing everything at this game. 

FIBA