Johnson awakens from slumber, hurts Kenyans

Josh Johnson came here from Ipswich, UK with the hope of leading Uganda to a maiden Afrobasket Championship. “Being part of history is what we all want,” the point guard said.

For two games, Johnson played like one who would end up on the wrong side of history as the Fiba Africa Zone V Nations Basketball Championship tipped off last Sunday.

He managed eight points, four assists and seven turnovers in the two games – a win over Somalia and loss to tournament champions Egypt.
It started to bother the 24-year old and fans never hesitated in questioning his inclusion on the team.

Many argued Warriors guard Ivan Enabu should have been called to the team in the place of Johnson. Their argument held some water until Saturday night. “Honestly, I went back to the hotel and thought through how I had been playing,” he said. Those nightmares helped him find a solution on Saturday night.

Johnson sprung to life with 14 points and seven rebounds in the Silverbacks’ 83-71 victory over neighbours Kenya at the Lugogo MTN Arena. “I was taking shots that I should have. Coach told me to take shots when open,” Johnson, who went 4 for 7 from beyond the arc, said. “I felt it.”

Coach Mandy Juruni kept Johnson in the starting five despite the indifferent games prior to Saturday and got the reward of a gambler. And there were so many positives.

Four other scorers notched double figures. Ivan Lumanyika continued his memorable week with 15 points and 11 rebounds to confirm that Uganda have finally turned the tables.

The pain of the past when Kenyan teams easily cruised past Ugandans are long gone. Henry Malinga scored 13 and eight rebounds, Norman Blick 11, including a perfect 3 for 3 from downtown, and John Balwigaire made 10. “This was a team performance,” Juruni said. “Everyone did their part and I want us to continue to play this.”

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