Basketball in Africa

If you were at any of the LOP basketball events towards the end of 2007, you will know that basketball is well on its way back up the sporting ranks. LOP was launched in September 2007 and by December 2007, it had already managed to secure radio airtime exposure well over R600 000 through its partners, particularly ESPN and Newtown Improvement District (NID). Even more exciting was the fact that for the first time in many years, basketball players could play to thousands of spectators. One of the biggest highlights was the Hip Hop dance battles known as 'Kramping'. If you don't know what this is, google it…that said, I would like to welcome you to the streets of Jozi. Kramping is big in high schools…watch the space... Based on the LOP achievements, one could comfortably say, the year 2007 was a good launching pad for basketball and the hip hop lifestyle that it is associated with it.

2008 brings with it even more excitement. LOP registration date closed on 31st of January 2008 and it is no surprise that even the big teams have now registered to play in the LOP. If you know your SA basketball, you will remember that Egoli Magic used to be one of the top teams in the former Premier Basketball League (PBL). They went to the finals against the then Durban based Kwazulu Marlins in 1996. Now you will be able to see this team back in action in the LOP. Other teams include Tlou MGI, Wits Rebels, Wanderers Scorpions, Wits Rhinos, MGI Alumni, Wits Alumni and the list goes on!

Before I go on and on about the teams in the LOP, let me first put the LOP into perspective so that one understands the structures of basketball and were LOP fits in. LOP was founded by a few passionate basketball players based in Joburg, for the fact that most teams playing in the LOP were based in Joburg, it was endorsed by the Johannesburg Basketball Association (JBA) as the official Joburg League, meaning that teams looking to play in the LOP will have to first request permission from their respective districts (i.e. Tshwane Basketball Association (TBA), Sedibeng Basketball Association (SBA) etc. As the official Joburg Basketball League, the winning team in the LOP will face champions from other districts in order to determine the top team in Gauteng. With Gauteng Basketball Association (GBA) great intends of starting a Gauteng Premier Basketball League, the winning team in this league should represent GP at national level. We are hoping to have the LOP team from Joburg to be the one leading the way through to the nationals.

LOP will be tipping off on the weekend of the 29th February 2008 with the official season launch on the 1st March 2008 at Wits University indoor basketball court (Hall 29). The launch will consist of a clash between the 2007 finalists (Tlou MGI who are last year's LOP Champion vs the Wits Rebels) as well as the Hip Hop dance battles between the two top dance crews Soweto's finest vs. Eclipse. There will be lots of give-aways from ESPN with Yfm punting the launch. More info will be given on Yfm closer to the launch date so keep bouncing those balls and see you at the courts!

For more information about LOP or JBA please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cabby Magongwa
cabby@lopbasketball.co.za