A new basketball generation is emerging in Rwanda, ready to take on the mantle and take the game to another level.

While some key players are counting their days to retirement, the country continues scouting of new but talented youngsters ready to walk in their footsteps and achieve much more at club and international level.

One of kids to keep a keen eye on their quick rise in the game is a US-based point guard Sean Williams Mwesigwa.

Mwesigwa may be aged just 15, but he already looks destined to become a basketball star considering his impressive numbers in very few games that he played for the youth national team so far.

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For instance, he sprinkled his magic on the court, averaging 18.4 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and 3 assists as he captained the Rwanda U-16 team at the 2023 Afrobasket in Tunisia in July.

As a player, Mwesigwa is quite versatile. He prides himself in being an all-round talent who can score, pass, play defence, facilitate and lead. His mid-range game is a standout feature for which he says he draws inspiration from the styles of NBA greats Kobe Bryant (RIP) and LeBron James.

What sets him apart is his ability to build cohesiveness within the team. He forges strong bonds with his teammates and can be counted on as a unifying force on and off the court.

The Monroe, Louisiana-born youngster hails from a family with Rwandan roots. He says his grandmother was born in Gahini in the Eastern Province before moving to Uganda at a tender age.

Mwesigwa's journey into the world of basketball began in a unique way. As a child, he dabbled in various sports, but it was in Grade 4 that a close friend, Reilly, encouraged him to concentrate on basketball. The decision would prove to be a pivotal one as his talent and passion quickly made the game an integral part of his life.

Despite representing a couple of schools in the United States, one of his most precious moments in his career was representing Rwanda at the U16 Afrobasket. The experience was nothing short of amazing for the young athlete.

"Playing for the national team was amazing. I can’t really describe it,” the 16-year-old says.

Mwesigwa recalls he was filled with joy the day he learned about his debut callup in the U16 national team.

"When my mom broke the news to me that I had been selected to play for the team, I remember that I felt overwhelmed with excitement and determination to perform well and represent my country,” he says.

Prior to his selection, he was named the captain, a factor that shows how the coach trusted him, on and off the court.

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"Off the court, I tried my best to connect and bond with my teammates. I tried to understand them and to learn their style of play. Over time we developed a chemistry that made it easier for me to communicate with them on the court so we could work together,” he explained.

Journey ahead

Mwesigwa's journey has so far seen him represent Beckendorff Junior High School and Seven Lakes High School in the US, but he dreams of even bigger achievements, most importantly to one day qualify Rwanda to the FIBA World Cup.

"There is a lot I want to achieve, but my priority is to win the Afrobasket championship and qualify for the World Cup. I want to help my team achieve this by working hard to improve my game and my leadership skills,” he said.

Mwesigwa acknowledges that his family is always supportive in his basketball journey and counts on them to keep the faith with him.

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His cousins, some as young as six years old, attend his games, cheering him on with enthusiasm.

His aunties and uncles are very supportive too, but his mother in particular, has been his rock, sacrificing time and resources to support him.

With such support, coupled with hard work and talent, the youngster might be only poised for great things.