A Stellenbosch University (SU) student recently represented South Africa’s under-23 basketball team at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Nations League 3×3 tournament in Kampala, Uganda.
Erin Powers, a second-year BA (Political, Philosophical and Economic studies) student was one of four players selected to represent the national team at the tournament, which took place from 5 to 11 August.
The South African under-23 basketball team recently picked up their first victory in a competition against Burkina Faso on day two of the International Basketball Federation FIBA Nations League 3×3 tournament, according to the official FIBA website. From the left is Samantha van Aswegen, Keatlegile Ramorwesi, Erin Powers and Rachel Ngona. SOURCE: Instagram/[hoopers.game.time]
SA U23 debut in 3×3
Their presence at the recent tournament marks the first time South Africa sent a 3×3 team to compete internationally, according to Powers.
The 3×3 format is a condensed version of traditional basketball played on a half court with one hoop shared between teams.
Powers said that the team struggled to prepare for the tournament due to difficulty gathering footage of the other competitors.
“We didn’t know what to expect coming in. We were trying to do research and find footage to study up on our opponents, but there really isn’t much,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the team competed well against their opposition, securing a win against Burkina Faso and narrowly losing against Algeria, according to FIBA’s official website.
Powers said that she was impressed by how competitive their team was, considering the 3×3 format is very new in South Africa.
“In the last year or two, we started making a concerted effort to compete internationally,” she said.
Erin Powers, a second-year BA (Political, Philosophical and Economics) student at Stellenbosch University, was one of four players selected to represent the South African under-23 3×3 basketball team at the International Basketball Federation Nations League 3×3 tournament in Kampala, Uganda from 5 to 11 August. PHOTO: Eugene Marais
Their efforts were not in vain, as their participation in the under-23 Nations League has significantly boosted their global ranking, according to Mihary Randriana, FIBA 3×3 Africa Manager.
“Prior to the event, they were ranked 93rd worldwide, and they have now climbed to 54th. Additionally, they are now ranked 7th in Africa out of 54 countries, a remarkable achievement that underscores their rapid progress,” Randriana said.
Erin Powers, a second-year BA (Political, Philosophical and Economic studies) student at Stellenbosch University, explained what the team’s expectations for the tournament were.
Hand-picked by coach
Nathaly September, Maties ladies basketball head coach, said that she was surprised by Powers’ inclusion in the team, since Maties did not compete in the University Sport South Africa 3×3 Championships earlier this year.
“So to be hand-picked by the coach says a lot about the type of player she is,” said September.
“[Powers] is very hard on herself and just wants to improve all the time, and that is a great aspect to have. What I love is that she loves the game and continues to show it.”
SU is immensely proud of its “young basketball superstar,” according to Stan du Plessis, SU’s chief operating officer and management member responsible for sport.
“As more and more women participate in basketball around the globe, SU and Maties Sport are incredibly excited that [Powers] is one of our women ambassadors in this sport. We look forward to following her progress as an athlete and student,” Du Plessis told SMF News via email communication.