Nakiyingi or Nanvubya: Who is the better point-guard?

Just like the battle in Manila between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, both deceased, 50 years ago, this season’s National Basketball League (NBL) women’s opening fixture between the JT Jaguars and JKL Dolphins was much anticipated, back in March.

Shakira Nanvubya (R) dribbles the ball past Evelyn Nakiyingi

The Jaguars, who were the challengers, had lost to the Dolphins (defending champions) in the semifinals of the 2024 playoffs 1-3 on aggregate in a best of five series. But at the same time, the build-up to the 2025 season had been dominated by the fact that the Jaguars had acquired two stalwarts, point-guard Shakira Nanvubya and small-forward Aziida Nabayunga, both from the losing finalists of 2024, UCU Lady Canons.

Both Nabayunga and Nanvubya were viewed as a big boost to the Jaguars’ title chances, considering how short on numbers Sudi Ulanga’s side had been the previous two seasons. But at the same time, there was a major subplot.

As is the case this time, since the Jaguars and the Dolphins face-off on Friday, June 20 at the Lugogo Indoor stadium, there is an under-current about who of Nanvubya and Nakiyingi (Dolphins), is the better point-guard. Before the meeting on March 31, the national women’s basketball team, The Gazelles had won the Fiba Africa Zone Five Afro-Basket Women’s Championship in Egypt.

It was the first time Uganda were winning the prestigious trophy on foreign soil. But more significantly, it coincided with Nanvubya being The Gazelles lead point-guard. Nakiyingi and Lydia Babirye, the other more experienced point-guards, were not present in Egypt for varying reasons.

Yet, amidst so much pressure, Nanvubya held her own, and did the job in late January. So, by the time The Gazelles returned home, Nanvubya had a spring in her step. It showed in the season opener, as Nanvubya led her team’s scoring with 18 points and six assists, inspiring a narrow 75-71 win, making a huge statement of intent.

But despite that, on the other side of the floor, Nakiyingi had impressed, too. She scored 13 points, secured seven rebounds and registered five assists. On the basis of that game, Nanvubya stole the show, and probably the hearts of many that she was the real deal in pointing the ball.

Yet, since that time, Nanvubya’s performances have dipped, moreover when the Fiba Women’s Afrobasket 2025 is drawing nigh. The tournament is slated to run from July 26 to August 3 in Ivory Coast.

Until last Sunday, June 15 against the Miracle Eaglets, when Nanvubya scored a game high 18 points, she struggled to get points in big numbers in previous games, let alone assists as a point-guard is lined up to.

Somehow, this coincided with the motorcycle accident she had earlier. As such, Nanvubya’s season average is 23 minutes, seven points, four rebounds and three and a half assists per game. On the other hand, Nakiyingi has averaged 30 minutes per game, scoring 13 points, seven rebounds and 4.6 assists.

According to Timothy Odeke, assistant coach at the Nkumba Lady Marines, Nakiyingi is the impeccable point-guard.

“She is the coach on the floor. She is undoubtedly the best facilitator, ball handler, dribbler and passer in the NBL. She ensures that the team executes the plays, but also scores. She can drive and shoot.”

That said, coach John Omondi of the Magic Stormers argued that Nanvubya and Nakiyingi are different players, who are empowered distinctly. Omondi explained that Nakiyingi is an expert number one (point-guard), who can also play as a shooting guard. In a nutshell, Nanvubya is more of a utility player.

She can play one, two and three depending on varying situations. But she is not a specialized point-guard, at least going by her high school days at Buddo SSS. She is a good shooter (shooting guard), but also a fine driver into the defence, as a small-forward does.

So, for Omondi, comparing them on who is the better point-guard does not really suffice. That as it may, will not stop the basketball fans from flocking the Lugogo indoor stadium this Friday, to see who of the two has the upper-hand on the night, when the Jaguars and Dolphins clash.