Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda point guard Destiney Philoxy has expressed optimism of winning win something for her country at the forthcoming FIBA Women’s Afrobasket that will take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from July 26 to August 3.
The American-Rwandan player has made a name for herself since joining the national team, and has gone to become of the nation’s key pillars on the court.
Rwanda finished fourth at the tournament in 2023 and now aims to build on such a performance this year.
On Thursday, July 10, Coach Sheikh Sarr and a squad of 15 players left for Egypt, where they will play two high-level friendly matches against the hosts, who are also preparing for the same competition.
A strong foreign-based contingent complements a formidable domestic roster, giving Rwanda the ammunition to go for its first African medal.
After coming close to the podium in the last edition, Philoxy told Africa Basket that Rwanda has nothing to lose but will give it their all thanks to the experience they’ve gained.
“Regardless of who makes the team, we will adapt to the squad we have and take advantage of this opportunity to win something for our country. We are fortunate to have players returning from the 2023 team, and with a coach like Sarr, I believe we are prepared and eager to win,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bella Murekatete, the first Rwandan woman to play NCAA Division I basketball, will make her debut in the premier African national team competition and is expected to lead the charge.
In 2024, the 25-year-old led Rwanda to the semifinals of the global pre-qualification tournament and was named to the all-tournament team. It was the 1.85m center’s first major international tournament with Rwanda.
She also finished with a tournament-high 17.7 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Her performance against Lebanon in the opening Group D game left many impressed, including NBA star Klay Thompson.
Coach Sarr also has US-based Ineza Sifa, who has experienced a meteoric rise. The guard made her debut for the senior team in 2019 during the Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, shortly after leaving her teenage years behind.
She participated in the 2021 qualifiers and the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket tournament. Last year, she was part of the Rwandan squad that reached the semifinals of the World Cup pre-qualifiers.
Also up for selection is American-born WNBA forward Keisha Hampton, who is making her debut in African basketball. During the World Cup pre-qualifiers, Hampton averaged 13.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
France-based Vanessa Prissy Camara received her first call-up to the senior team after debuting for Rwanda in the 2024 U18 Women’s AfroBasket, where she averaged 12.2 points.
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