Inexperience is partly to blame for Kenya's quarterfinal exit against Australia in the 3x3 basketball Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom, Larry Shavanga has said.
The team of Shavanga, Faheem Juma, John Odhiambo, and Darril Omondi was undone by Australia, who have played in major global competitions as opposed to Kenya.
Kenya is the only African representative in the games and their quarter-final exit is no mean feat. "It was a good game but thumbs up to our opponent because they are top dogs in 3x3," Shavanga said.
Despite standing at 6'3, the 26-year-old is considered Kenya's best dunker. Dunking is still the most dominant way of scoring in basketball despite the rising popularity of the three-point shot.
"Australia have dined with the big boys in global shows but we are on the right track if our performance can be relied on. We've learned a lot from them," Shavanga added.
"We couldn't protect our lead and that is a cause for concern. We have to go back to the drawing board and see where we went wrong."
"Game management was another problem. We prepared so well and I was confident we were going to win."
Shavanga further highlighted the need to have a competitive league in place if the country dreams of prosperity in the specialty.
"We don't even have a league and we are playing this good. That means we have the talent that can thrive at the grandest stage if proper structures are put in place."
"Experience is the best teacher. If we put in more effort, then the sky will be our limit."
