Lamunu’s success undeniable

An accomplished biochemistry student, Claire Lamunu will soon publish research detailing one specific chemical reaction.

But the Vanguard University women’s basketball star is also becoming an expert on the synthetic effect of talent and perseverance converging with opportunity.

A 6-foot-1 forward, Lamunu came to Vanguard from her native Uganda two years ago, intent on realizing her dream of playing college basketball.

It was a dream delayed.

“Halfway through my first season, I didn’t know if I was supposed to be playing basketball,” Lamunu said. “I thought I would come here and dominate from the beginning. It was not what I expected.”

Lamunu did produce a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in her first college game. But over the next 23 contests, she had double-figure points only twice and double-digit rebounds just once. She did not start any of her 30 games last season, in which she averaged 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds.

“Everything was really different,” she recalled. “At home, we didn’t run plays. There, they told us to just get the ball and go score, then play defense. Adjusting to organized plays and defenses was tough.”

Her confidence shaken, Lamunu’s potential gave way to an avalanche of doubt and insecurity that, combined with her well-nurtured humility, rendered her a shell of the player she could be.

That traces of that timidity remain, despite her prolific success this season, prove how deep-rooted her lack of pretention can be.

But to validate Lamunu’s ascension to NAIA Player of the Year candidate this season, one need only speak to someone who has seen or play, or check the statistics. She has helped No. 5-ranked Vanguard start 17-1, 5-0 in the Golden State Athletic Conference.

“Claire doesn’t realize how good she is or how good she can be,” said Vanguard Coach Russ Davis, who is continually amazed at Lamunu’s mounting accomplishments.

Lamunu leads the NAIA in scoring (24.4 per game) and is second in rebounding (13.9 per contest). Heading into Saturday’s GSAC game at Hope International, she has double-doubles in her last nine games. She has recorded double-figure points and rebounds 16 times this season, and 22 times in her last 26 games, dating back to last season.

The GSAC Player of the Week each of the last two weeks, Lamunu has five games of 30 points or more, with a high of 33. Three times, she has surpassed 20 rebounds, with a high of 24. She is also shooting 59.7% from the field (No. 4 in the NAIA), and is producing 3.3 steals (No. 8 in the nation) and 1.4 blocked shots per game.

“A double-double has become automatic for her,” Davis said. “And she makes it look easy.”

A strong finish to her junior campaign, followed by hours working on her game during the summer, helped trigger an astounding transformation.

It’s a breakthrough, Davis said, that has also been aided by her willingness to get out of her own way.

“There were times last year when you could see her processing everything on the floor,” Davis said. “She was a deer in the headlights. She’s a great student, a pleaser, and she wants to do what’s right. I kept telling her she had the ability. She needed to just go get the ball, or block the shot. She just needed to go play.”

The act of playing was what lured Lamunu to basketball.

“I was a sophomore in high school and I was taking a walk in my hometown,” Lamunu said. “I saw these girls playing basketball and I asked if I could join in. I had never played before. I was barefoot and was wearing a skirt. I remember running up and down the court faster than anyone and I thought to myself, ‘I want to play this game.’”

A coach who observed that first pickup game provided encouragement, as well as a jersey and shoes. Lamunu immediately began practicing and playing with her school team and eventually competed for the Uganda national team.

It was then that she hatched a dream to play in the United States and a highlight video she put together eventually found its way to Davis.

“She was a great fit,” said Davis, who consistently praises Lamunu’s affable personality and megawatt smile. “She’s just the kind of person you enjoy being around. I’m glad she’ll always be part of the Vanguard family.”

Lamunu reveres her coach, as well as the Vanguard community at large.

“I was prepared for many hardships [coming to America],” Lamunu said. “But the people at Vanguard have made the transition much smoother that I thought it would be.

“I don’t know if I would be where I am today without Coach Russ. He challenges us to work very hard, but also couples that with love. I don’t know how someone can combine those two so well, but he does it and it’s great.”

Davis said Lamunu can do great things in professional basketball.

“She can go play overseas, no question,” Davis said.

Lamunu said she will pursue professional opportunities should they arise, but, true to form, is never one to assert her own prowess.

“I still have my insecurities,” she said. “Just the other day, I forgot some plays. My accomplishments make me happy, but every game can change. I try to stay humble, which coach really emphasizes. And I think my culture and my faith encourage me to be humble.”