Basketball in Africa

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Friday results
Men
Warriors 70-65 KIU
Falcons 105-93 Miracles
Women:
Mak Sparks 63-68 KIU
Today at YMCA
Men
Ndejje v Warriors (6.30pm)
Bugema v Seroma (5pm)
Vegetarian v Berkley (12.30pm)
Stone v Gulu Hawks (11am)
TLC v UCU JV (9.30am)
Women:
A1 v Crane High (2pm)
Amazon v UCU L. Canons (3.30pm)

The infancy of the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League notwithstanding, the line up for the post season is looking all too familiar as the usual campaigners continue to dominate.

Kyambogo Warriors and Mogas Falcons – two of the sides widely expected to make the post season – emerged victorious against KIU (70-65) and Miracle Eagles (105-93) respectively at YMCA Court, Wandegeya on Friday night. Joshua Etalu scored 22 points to steer Warriors to a fourth straight victory against KIU who previously sail through the regular season in the past two seasons.

With the game tied at 64-64 late in the fourth quarter, KIU’s Orom Makmot (19 points) quickly turned from hero to villain failing to sink three free throws following a foul on him.

Thereafter, Etalu controlled his nerves better with two free throws and a three-pointer which ended the contest.
Earlier, Solomon Ssali’s game-high 30 points were insufficient as Rubaga-based Miracles - who signed eight players during the off-season and appointed former MVP Sam Obol as coach - were again exposed by six-time champions Falcons.

Miracles lost almost every rebound and failed to stop Shs72m signing Steven Omony (29 points) when they needed desperately needed to steal possession.

Eric and Henry Malinga added 18 and 16 points respectively as Falcons cruised to a fourth win in five outings. Top flight debutants Ndejje University Angels face Warriors at YMCA today.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Today at YMCA
Sharing v Jammers 9:30am
Rhino v Heaters 11am
Rocks v Hawks 2pm
Ndejje v Nkumba 3:30pm
Riders v Power 8:30pm

Women
Stomers v Nabisunsa 12:30pm
Lady Bucks v Mak Cubs 5pm

Tomorrow
TLC v UCU JV
Livingstone v Hawks
Vegetarian v Berkley
A-1 v Crane High
Amazon v Lady Canons
Ndejje v Warriors

MTN-Fuba League champions DMark have demolished every opponent that has come their way so far this season.
It was only against record champions Mogas Falcons that Power toiled to win at the beginning of the month when they squeezed a 74-70 victory.

The rest of the games have been a walk in the park for Peter Mubanda’s side. They demolished former two-time champions Nkumba Marines 110-66 and brushed aside Ndejje University 124-62 in their last encounter. Its Entebbe Knight Riders next in line and another drubbing looks likely at YMCA Wandegeya tonight.

Not to undermine Riders, who only returned to the topflight this season, but this Power team is unstoppable at the moment. “It is very scary just how good this team is going to become,” DMark technical director Mubanda commented after watching his team tear Ndejje to shreds.

With an array of stars including the Blick brothers Norman and Donald, Mubanda is convinced the team can only get better and sides like Riders should expect no mercy. Riders is undoubtedly one of the most exciting in the league but beating Power will be the biggest upset.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

National Basketball League (NBL)

Sunday
UGB v Espoir (11am) –Amahoro
APR v KIE (1pm)

–Amahoro
CSK v UNR (11am) – Huye
Rusizi v Marine (11am) – Rusizi

LAST Saturday’s humiliating defeat against Cliff Owuor’s indomitable lions could be a motivating factor for Espoir when they take on lowly Basketball United Generation (UGB) in a national basketball league encounter this Sunday at Amahoro Indoor courts.

The 2004 champions crumbled to their second defeat of the season after a 39-70 defeat against APR who are chasing for their fourth title in five years.

Having also fallen to CSK (54-58) the weekend before, Arsene Mukubwa’s side have to pick themselves up as fast as they can to remain in contention for a play-offs slot. A date with struggling UGB couldn’t have come at a better time.
Former Marine skipper Fiston Muhire (with the ball) will lead CSK’s charge against UNR
UGB are still looking for their maiden win this season after losing their opening four ties but Mukubwa believes that they can still put up a tough fight.
“We still expect UGB to come fighting hard against us so we have to be very prepared and hope we get this win,” the Espoir coach said. In the other ties, APR and Marine are looking for their fifth successive wins of the campaign.
APR entertain Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) at Amahoro while Marine travel to Rusizi.

CSK are also away to National University of Rwanda (UNR).

The national men team of Congo recorded its first win of the zone IV Nations Cup after beating DR Congo 86 - 74 in the day 3 played in Bangui, Central Africa.

Despite its win, Congo will not appear to Afrobasket Libya 2009 as Central Africa and DR Congo will finish respectively 1st and 2nd after their remaining game to play tomorrow.

The national men team of Tunisia beat yesterday Algeria 69 – 54 in second leg game of the zone I Nations Cup played in Sale, Morocco.
Tunisia led Algeria 38 – 23 at the break. During the first led, Tunisia beat Algeria 74 – 59.
Today, in the last game of the competition, Tunisia will face Morocco in ultimate game to decide the winner of the Zone I Cup.
This Zone I Nations Cup as part of zone I qualifiers to the Africa Nations Championship for men to be played in Libya in August.

The national men team of Central Africa recorded its third straight win of the zone IV Nations Cup after beating Congo 101 - 65 in the day 3 played in Bangui, Central Africa.
The best scorer of the game was Kouba of Congo with 23 points followed by his teammate, Assoua who poured 20 points.
Kouguere led the Central Africa’s side with 20 points while Kodjo and Bomayako poured respectively 18 points and 15 points.
With this win, Central Africa led the competition with 6 points by DR Congo with 3 points while Congo ranked third with 3 points.
Today, D R Congo will face Congo in the second leg.
This Zone IV Nations Cup as part of zone IV qualifiers to the Africa Nations Championship for men to be played in Libya in August.

By Johnson Were

THE basketball governing body FUBA yesterday launched a sh300m sponsorship drive to host the Africa Zone V club championship.
FUBA chief Ambrose Tashobya, said the event, set for July 27 to August 2 in Kampala, would attract 19 teams.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Today at YMCA
Falcons v Miracle 5:30pm
Warriors v KIU 8pm
Women
Sparks v Rangers 6:30pm
Tomorrow at YMCA
Sharing v Jammers 9:30am
Rhino v Heaters 11am
Stomers v Nabisunsa 12:30pm
Rocks v Hawks 2pm
Ndejje v Nkumba 3:30pm
Mak Cubs v Lady Bucks 5pm
Riders v Power 8:30pm

Before the MTN-Fuba League season rolled off, Miracle Eagles were tipped by many to finally break into the top four and make the play-offs.
The Rubaga-based side brought on board several star players including 2001 league top scorer and former MVP Boniface Okello.

But with three rounds of play gone, Miracle are languishing third from bottom on the 10-team topflight table after winning only once. Yet their last outing against Warriors ended in a 112-91 humiliation at the hands of Warriors.
At the moment, its hard to decipher what’s wrong with the abundantly talented Miracle side. “We are very many new players in the team. You know it takes time to gel but we are getting better by the day,” Okello said yesterday.

Miracle take on six-time champions Falcons in their fourth game at YMCA this evening hoping tor reverse that losing trend. “We have tried to work on our errors in training and I believe we can beat Falcons,” Okello said.

Falcons survived a scare in their last outing against UCU Canons, winning 87-83 in overtime, albeit in unconvincing fashion. “We are trying to adapt to new systems as a team but I am sure we’ll get better,” Falcons’ Shs72m signing Stephen Omony said.
“Miracle is a good team but our target is to be on top and that’s what we shall do.”
Warriors face KIU in the day’s last encounter.

(by Sherif Soliman) africabasket.com
According to newfederation rules six of zamalek players are free to sign for any team, Wael Badr started the brave step and singed for Gezira,the other 5 players are waiting for any one to talk to them from the new board of zamalek club who should be elected in the next 24 hours.However, Zamalk players gets offers everyday from all Egyptian teams but they are hoping that some one could save the team before its to late .The other side of the prolem that Zamalek has almost no young players to replace the team if the 5 players leaves the team. Ahmed Adel zamalek ass. coach is working very hard on both sides players and board members to save this team. We all hope that the new elected board cares about basketball

Sande Bashaija

Kampala

Tomorrow at YMCA
Falcons v Miracle 5:30pm
Warriors v KIU 8:00pm
Women
Sparks v KIU Rangers 6:30pm

Failure to secure corporate sponsorship could force Gulu Hawks officials to make a very tough decision and dissolve the club. “We have tried to raise funds locally but things are not working out,” Hawks’ team manager cum player Denis Akena told Daily Monitor yesterday.

Hawks, the most consistent upcountry club failed to turn up for their MTN-Fuba League game against MBC Rocks over the weekend citing lack of funds as the biggest cause.
“We told Fuba (Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations) we couldn’t travel to Kampala for one weekend game. We usually prefer playing two games every time we come to Kampala as a way of minimising costs.”

“That’s why we couldn’t travel for only one game on Saturday,” Akena revealed while blaming Fuba for not being lenient with them. Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano though castigated Hawks for not communicating in time.

The Nigerian camp towards the 2009 FIBA Africa Nations Cup for men will open in Houston, USA on June 26th. The date and details of the scheduled was released by the Associate Head coach of the Nigerian national team Masai Ujiri from his Toronto, Canada base.

The official who also works with the Toronto Raptors in the NBA told FIBA.COM that the camping in Houston will form the major part of the first phase of camping as the country prepares for Libya 2009.

"This is the programme agreed with the head coach and has been given approval. It will be the first in about three stages in our build up to Libya," Masai said.
By the details of the national camping schedule, the June camping will take a break on July first essentially to enable the players take part in the NBA Summer League. The first part of the camping will feature 24 players based abroad.

"The Houston first stage is for the 24 players based abroad that have been screened and selected. Everybody is to get a chance to cross to the next level," he said.
When the players return on July 20th only 14 of the original 24-man list will return as the team will be trimmed down.

The 14 selected players from the Houston camp are expected to form the backbone of the final team of The Tigers to Tripoli and Benghazi - the Libyan cities where the African elite competition will hold from August 5 to 15.

American John Lucas has been named the new head coach of The Tigers; Masai as the associate head and Sani Ahmed of the Kano Pillars as the assistant coach. Coach Sani who was the assistant coach to Ayo Bakare during the qualifying series last year in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire is also expected to run a camp for selected home-based professionals. The Nigerian based players are billed to camp in the country in the month of June or early July. No exact date or venue has been ratified. The best of the Nigerian camp will compete with the foreign based players when the camps merge, we were told.

The details of the camping and the release of the names of the coaches end the speculations going around the basketball circles in the last two months on the formation of the national team.
Nigeria and 15 other countries will battle for the African cup and the three tickets to the FIBA World Championship holding in Turkey next year.

By Pius Ayinor
FIBA Africa

The national men team of Central Africa recorded its second straight win of the zone IV Nations Cup after crashing DR Congo 83 - 42 in the day 3 played in Bangui, Central Africa.
Central Africa ruled the game from the start to the end by wining all the four quarters (10 – 27 ; 12 – 19 ; 13 22 and 07 – 15).
The best scorer of the game was Mutombo from D R Congo with 17 points while Kouguere and Mokotemapa from Central Africa poured respectively 15 points and 13 points.
With this with, Central Africa ended the first round at the top of ranking with 4 points followed by DR Congo with 3 points while Congo ranked third with 2 points.
In the first game of the second round to be played today, Central Africa will face Congo.

This Zone IV Nations Cup as part of zone IV qualifiers to the Africa Nations Championship for men to be played in Libya in August.

The national men team of Morocco beat yesterday Algeria 73 – 68 in second leg game of the zone I Nations Cup played in Bouazaoui arena in Sale, Morocco.

Morocco won the first half with 46 – 36 points and despite trailed in second half 27 – 32, clinched the victory with a final score of 73 – 68 points.
The best scorer of the game was Bouziane Ali from Algeria with16 points assisted by his teammate, Sayah Abdelhalim with12 points while from Morocco side, Rhalimi Reda Idriss scored 14 points followed by Zouita Abdelhakim and Idrissi Younes with 12 points each.
Algeria beat Morocco 70 – 69 in the first leg game but Morocco with its victory to the ranking followed by Algeria and then Tunisia.

Today Tunisia will face Algeria in the second leg game.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Today at YMCA
Women
Crane High v UCU Canons (5.30) Men
UCU Canons v KCC Lions (7pm)

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons’ bitter loss to Falcons in overtime last Friday could be a motivating factor when they take on lowly Kampala City Council (KCC) Lions in an MTN-Fuba League encounter at YMCA tonight.

Canons, semifinalists in the past two seasons, had a heartbreaking experience, surrendering a 10-point third quarter lead before losing 87-83 against Falcons at Lugogo.

Having also fallen to Warriors and Nkumba Marines, Canons have to pick themselves up as fast as they can to remain in contention for a play-offs slot. A date with struggling KCC Lions couldn’t have come at a better time. KCC, who needed ‘external help’ in the form of Kampala International University (KIU) failing to honour their season-ending game to survive relegation last year, still remain a threat to any opponent’s aspirations.

They have proved that on several occasions by upsetting tougher teams when you least expect them to. Former two-time champions Nkumba Marines will attest to that, having lost to the mayor’s boys in the final bend of the regular season last year.

Coming up against an inconsistent side like UCU Canons presents KCC Lions a perfect opportunity to get their season rolling. But should Ivan Enabu turn up in dazzling fashion like he did in the earlier stages of the Falcons game, UCU Canons should nip this. In the day’s earlier women’s game, UCU Lady Canons will be without injured Frances Nabulobi against Crane High School.

IN the absence of sharpshooter Jean-Paul Camille, it was guard Giovannie Laval who led Baya to a crushing 104-79 victory over Anse Boileau-based Angels during their weekend encounter.

Laval scored 30 points – including five treys – while centre Robert Léon chipped in another Laval scored 30 points to lead Baya past Angels27 to steer the defending champions to their seventh consecutive win.

One of the most experienced members of the Baya squad, Laval scored two of his five three-pointers from halfway down the court in the last 40 seconds of the match.

After the match he said he has not yet reached his peak form and is still working hard to impress the fans and help his club defend their league title.

PLS Hawks also registered victory during the weekend. They defeated Cascade Bullets 86-57 to bring their tally to 10 points after five matches.

Neddy ‘Oye’ Fanchette was Hawks’ top scorer with 20 points while with 15 points, captain Kenneth Sophie led the Bullets’ scoring list.

Struggling Premium Cobras showed signs of recovery with their imposing 122-50 win over Beau Vallon Heat. Cobras dominated Heat throughout the match, winning all four quarters – 29-14, 25-14, 33-12 and 35-10.

They now have nine points after playing six matches. Amadou Sylla had the hot hands for Cobras with 27 points, while Pascal Bibi was Heat’s top scorer with 18 points. Beau Vallon Heat have seven points after six matches.

In another match played during the weekend, MBU Rockers beat RC Dynamics 60-37.

With 16 points, captain Nigel Sinon led the Rockers, who have now collected 13 points after seven matches. Wilby Domingue led the scoring for RC Dynamics with 13 points.

Newly promoted Mont Fleuri Dawgz collected their first league win after five matches, beating Praslin Warriors 75-36 to bring their points tally to six after five matches.

The Warriors tail the league table with five points from as many matches.
In the women’s league, Anse Etoile Stars defeated Mont Fleuri 67-57 to bring their total to six points after three matches.

Dina Louis led the Stars with 16 points while Patricia Samynadin was Mont Fleuri’s top scorer with 17 points.

In two men’s division two matches last weekend, Anse Etoile beat Juniors 71-46 and Drifters narrowly edged out LMS Youth 62-60.


R. D.

By Erick Ochieng’

International Christian Centre (ICC) held on to the lead in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League men’s standing following the 68-57 win over Lomboritz at the weekend.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who are tied with Eastern Queens with four points lead the women’s Premier League table.

Blazers have taken charge of the men’s Division One table with six points from three matches.

It was a bad weekend for United States International University of Africa (Usiu-A) who went hunting against KPA in Mombasa at the weekend.

The Dockers ruthlessly beat the visitors women team 85-15.

On the other hand Usiu-A men tried to contain the hosts though they lost 83-70. The losses have left Usiu-A teams to lag behind in both premier categories.

Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) did the opposite as they beat their hosts Nakuru Club 54-45 at Menengai High School.

The KBF league has, however, being dogged by walkover controversies, which is now brewing bad blood between KBF officials and team managers.

Masinde Muliro University, who jumped to position five in the men’s Division One picked a walkover in their backyard when their rivals, Africa Nazarene University failed to make it to Kakamega.

But Eagle Wings whose first match was awarded to opponents Eastern Queens because they could not raise a team at the moment now want the match rescheduled.
"We wrote to KBF informing them that our house was not yet in order but we were surprised the match was awarded to Queens, I can’t understand the criteria by which some officials are awarding matches," said a dejected Eagle Wings official.

The complain by the official comes after KCA-U had successfully pushed forward some of their matches in the past two weeks, including Yana and Eastern Queens.

KPA men who have five points after playing three matches and losing one, are second to ICC with Posta and KCB Lions breathing down their neck with four points apiece.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF Tuesday announced Coach John Harding Lucas-II as the new head coach of it senior national men team, D’Tigers ahead the 25th FIBA Africa Championship, Libya 2009 Afrobasket holding from August 5 through 15 this year.

According to the President of the Nigeria federation, Tijjani Umar, Coach Lucas-II who had a fourteen years playing career in the American National Basketball Association league, NBA with various clubs has also coached at the top with some of the best NBA teams.

The 55-year-old 1974 FIBA World Championship bronze medallist will be assisted by head coach of the Nigeria Premier league champion, Sani Ahmed of Kano Pillars basketball club and Toronto Raptors Assistant General Manager, Masai Ujiri for a three months tenure starting from June through August.

About John Lucas-II

John Lucas, born Oct. 31, 1953 in Durham North Carolina, is a retired American professional basketball player and coach.

Lucas attended the University of Maryland (B.A. - Education 1976) where he was an all-America performer in basketball and tennis. Lucas received his M.A. in education from the University of San Francisco.

John Lucas played in the NBA for 14 years from 1976-90. Lucas started his career as the first player taken in the NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Lucas played for Houston Rockets, 1976-78; Golden State Warriors, 1978-81; Washington Bullets, 1981-83; San Antonio Spurs, 1983-84; Houston Rockets 1984-86; Milwaukee Bucks, 1987-88; Seattle Supersonics, 1988-89 and Houston rockets, 1989-90.

Lucas played for the U.S. National Basketball team in the 1974 FIBA World Championship, winning the bronze medal. Lucas also competed in World Team Tennis from 1976-79. Lucas returned to World Team Tennis in 2005 as the head coach of the Houston Wranglers.

In 2006 Lucas served as the tennis coach for Lori McNeil while she was competing on the WTA.



In 1990 Lucas founded and became President of John Lucas Enterprises, Houston, TX, a network of drug-treatment programs aimed especially at athletes. In 1990 Lucas purchased the Miami Tropics basketball team and served as its head coach until 1992. From 1992-94 Lucas served as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. From 1994-96 he was the head coach, Vice president and General Manager for the Philadelphia 76ers. And from 2002-04 was the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers. For 3 years prior to accepting the head coaching position for the Cavaliers he was assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets.

Currently John Lucas resides in Houston, Texas. He is regarded as one of the world's best resources for basketball training and development. His camps and clinics have built a reputation for being among the best organized and professional events. Top NBA and collegiate players from across the nation travel to Houston during the off-season to participate in his workouts and training sessions.

Life's Work

John Lucas arguably could have been one of the best, if not the best point guard in the history of the NBA, but he found his playing career hampered by his dependencies on drugs and alcohol. Repeatedly suspended by the NBA between 1982 and 1986 for drug abuse, Lucas finally hit the bottom while in Houston. In 1986 as he signed a contract to play for the Milwaukee Bucks Lucas began the long painful recovery process to restore his reputation and his abilities. Even before retiring he initiated rehabilitation programs based on his own needs that involved exercise, counselling, etc.

Since those days Lucas has dedicated himself to helping other addicts to regain control of their lives. In forming John Lucas Enterprises, heading up the Miami Tropics basketball organization, serving as the head basketball coach for 3 NBA teams, and ultimately creating John Lucas Basketball Resources he has created an extensive program that supports and helps athletes, whether at-risk or others, to progress to their athletic potential, achieve sobriety and remain drug free.

Some of his former and current programs include Lucas Fitness Systems, the John Lucas Treatment and Recovery Center, the John Lucas Aftercare Program, S.T.A.N.D. (Students Taking Action Not Drugs), Basketball Congress International, Camp Right Way, the Middle School International Combine, and the Southwest Invitational Combine.

Through his own recovery, one day at a time, that has built itself up into 23 years of sobriety, John Lucas has given him, and others who have experienced similar disappointments and addictions, the chance of a lifetime - the opportunity to prove that someone with a serious drug and alcohol problem can overcome it and achieve greatness again.

As John Lucas says, "What I thought was the worst possible deal in life turned out to be the best gift I've been given. My addiction carried me past my sports life. It gave me my best trophy. It gave me John Lucas. It gave me life."


By: Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Afrique

Reigning national champions KCB Lions wins against Co-operative Bank of Kenya but International Christian Center (ICC) still tops the show in the premier league following weekend results.


KCB nipped Co-op 60-59 in a top tie

Victor Odendo and Tobias Onyango still blowing hot as two of the most dangerous tandem in the league. Onyango hit 18 while Odendo nailed 16 in that 60-59 win over fellow bankers.

But the surprise package Christian Center (ICC) continued their great form when they hit Lomboritz 68-57 to maintain their top placings in the league.

Griffin Ligare continued to shine when he popped up with 16 points. ICC have won three of their four matches and are leading the pack with seven points in their best start so far in many years.

Posta are still sputtering like an old engine. They continued struggled for grip in that far from impressive 45-26 win over University of Nairobi "Terrorists" in a scrappy affair.
Ben Oluoch led Posta with 13 points and while the offense is still not living up to expectations, the defense set a record by allowing not more than 10 points in all the four quarters.

Eagle Wings hit Strathmore University "Swords" 70-47 behind 23 points from Caroline Achieng and 19 from Eunice Ouma. Yana had the last laugh whipping Mennonites 54-42 in another match.

In Mombasa, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) teams had the last laugh when they won their matches at the Makupa Welfare Hall with convincing scores against the visiting United States International University (USIU) sides.
Up beat KPA men who have brought back Geoffrey Omondi from Kampala, dismissed USIU Tigers 83-70 to earn five points from three games. This was the porters opening home match where they have proved a hard nut to crack over the years.

The women side who are also the reigning champions had 26 points from Everlyne Akoth as they extinguished the Flames 85-15 in a one sided show to remain unbeaten. Samba Mjomba and Everlyne Norah had it rough against KPA.

In the lower division matches, Parklands Baptists won 52-46 over Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) with Radcliffe Nyamai recording 15 points for the winners. NPC had 15 from the inspirational forward Radhi Ndalu.

Blazers hit Mennonites 60-44 as John Gicheru and Mutwiri Kiogoa nailed 17 and 13 points respectively. Collins Ochieng bagged 14 for Mennonites who have started the season on a low.

Blazers made it two wins in as many days when they steam roll over World Hope 73-75 behind 11 points from Collins Odhambo and 13 from John Gicheru. Eric Khayere shot 18 for the losers who have won one and lost one.

In Nakuru, the visiting Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University continued their winning ways when they hit the home boys Nakuru Club posting a convincing 54-45 win in this fixtures played at the Menengai High School courts.
Trailblazers beat Kenya Polytechnic University 60-37 with Richard Mutua scoring 12 points. Satelite Mercenaries pipped Balozi 48-47 as MosesAbraham led the way with 27 points.
Roy Javan scored 12 to lead Emyba to a 57-31 win over Don Bosco. Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) dismissed Deaf Kings 70-20 with Snaky Guyo hitting 14 points.
NAC also won 47-42 over Emyba in a tight show with Geoff Ssozi hitting 13 points, Kenya Polytechnic also recovered to nip Madison 50-48 as Massoud Issa poured in 15 points. Baraka Xtreme shut out Old Pirates 49-26 while Don Bosco lost 49-53 to Balozi.

In the women matches, Predators had 13 points from Sophpie Mohammed in an easy 47-27 win over Africa Nazarene University (ANU).

International Christian Centre kept their top spot on the national basketball league standings after last weekend’s matches, which were characterised by lowest scores this year, in Nairobi and Mombasa.

ICC won their third straight first leg match when they rocked newcomers Lomboritz 68-57 at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday to stay at the top with seven points. They have only narrowly lost their season opener 64-61, to Ronnie Owino’s Posta.

The 2009 season witnessed the lowest scores when Posta struggled to beat University of Nairobi’s Terrorists 45-26.

The two teams played poorly, with the students failing to score in double figures in all the four quarters. Terrorists, who had harrased Co-op Bank before going down 56-55 in their first game, shocked many when they registered 6, 7, 7, 6.

Kenya Ports Authority men’s team grabbed the second position following their hard-fought 83-70 win against visiting Tigers of the United States International University in Mombasa.

The dockers, who had earlier beaten Terrorists 68-59 and crashed 89-83 to ICC in overtime, have garnered five points. KPA has played three matches, won two and lost one.

KPA women’s team’s 85-15 whitewash over Flames of the USIU-A in Mombasa has raised many questions on the standards of the game this year. Flames have lost two matches in a row, and it appears KPA might have little opposition in the competition.

The Ports women had silenced posible challengers Eagle Wings 2-0 in last year’s playoff final, and that the USIU students scored only 15 points in 20 minutes stopping time is worrying.

Champions Kenya Commercial Bank Lions were stretched to the limit before they pipped strong rivals Co-op Bank 60-59 in a tight tie on Saturday. Lions needed the contributions from new star Luka Lukongo and Tobias Onyango to win with one minutes 10 seconds left.

Big panic

The two teams had tied 56-56 with Allan Ouma’s superb three-pointer sending Lions in to big panic. Lions have collected maximum four points from two outings while Co-op Bank have managed three points from one win and one loss.

Newcomers Lomboritz still found the going tough when they lost their third consecutive match on their first attempt in the top league. ICC beat them hands down 68-57. They had again lost 91-62 to Lions and Strathmore University 61-60.

Other teams that collected two points at the weekend were Blazers, Eagle Wings and Parklands Baptist.

Weekend results

Parklands Baptist 52, NPC 43; Eagle Wings 70, Strathmore 47; KCB Lions 60, Co-op Bank 59; ICC 68, Lomboritz 57; World Hope 57, Blazers 73; KPA (men) 83, Tigers 70; KPA (women) 85 Flames 15

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Lugogo

Sunday results - Men
Marines 80-72 KIU
Women
Nabisunsa 77-97 KIU
KCC L’pards 130-27 Crane High

It was a day of mixed fortunes for KIU as their women’s team upstaged Nabisunsa 97-77 while their male counterparts fell short in an 80-72 loss to Nkumba Marines in the MTN-Fuba Basketball League at YMCA Court, Wandegeya on Sunday.

KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha started the afternoon, characterized by mild weather, in ecstasy as the women’s side erased a 40-all deadlock at the break to cruise home in final two quarters but sunset brought despair as the men fell short in trying to wipe a 33-39 deficit at recess against a resilient Marines.

Julius Lutwama and Philip Wakimwero led Marines to a second straight victory with 20 and 17 points respectively. Michael Kariuki added 20 points to KIU’s fruitless shot at victory.

In the women’s game, Susan Amito scored 15 of her 10 points in the final two quarters which KIU led 31-15 and 26-22 correspondingly as Nabisunsa ran out of legs despite Joyce Zalwango’s 17 points.

Thereafter, 2007 champions KCC Leopards mangled Crane High 120-27 in a one-sided game to further prove their title credentials.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Saturday results

Espoir 39- 70 APR
UNR 70- 103 Marine
KIE 65- 80 Rusizi
CSK 94- 37 UGB

Sunday
Espoir 69-56 Rusizi
UGB 50–68 Marine
CSK 72–88 APR

Marine’s in-form forward Elibo Muhire scored 22 points as the club rang up the highest point total of the season so far with a 103-70 victory over National University of Rwanda (UNR) last Saturday.

Marine Captain Aboubacar Barame also weighed in 18 points as the 2007 champions ran riot outscoring the varsity side in all four quarters.

“We have a target and we are playing to it. We are in good shape as a team and getting better by the day,” Barame who joined Marine in the off-season from APR said.

After this victory, Marine picked up another on Sunday to jointly go top of the league table with defending champions APR. The Rubavu based side fielded a string side but still saw off UGB 68-50.
New signing Aboubacar Barame (L) scored 18 points to help Marine post the season’s highest score so far.

Meanwhile, after powering to an easy 70-39 victory over a depleted Espoir side, the indomitable lions wrapped up their weekend in style with an 88-72 victory over a solid CSK side. It was CSK’s first defeat of the season. After day five of the league, APR and Marine, the only sides yet to lose a game are joint table leaders with eight points.

Espoir are third with six points while CSK and UNR are level in fourth spot with five points. Rusizi with four points join in sixth position while KIE and UGB, who are still winless, are tied at the foot with three points.

TRIPOLI (Afrobasket 2009) - The draw for the Fiba Africa Championship for Men (Afrobasket) will take place on 26th June 2009 in Tripoli.

So far the following teams have qualified

Libya (host)
Angola (reigning champion)
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Mali
Nigeria
Côte d’Ivoire
Egypt
Rwanda
Mozambique

The remaining four teams to qualify will be known by the end of this week.

FIBA Africa will then assign two more wild cards to complete the field of 16.

The draw on 26 June will determine the composition of the 4 groups of four teams that will play in the Preliminary Round of the event in Benghazi and Tripoli from 5 – 7 August 2009. The final round will be played in Tripoli from 9 – 15 August.

Afrobasket will qualify 3 teams for the 2010 FIBA World Championship that will be played in Turkey from 28 August to 12 September 2010.

The national men team of Algeria yesterday bowed to Tunisia 59 – 74 in day 2 of the zone I Nations Cup played in Sale, Morocco.
Tunisia won the first half 33 – 22 to end the game with the final score 74 -59 points win.
Tunisia started the competition by a victory and will face today Morocco in the last game of the first round. .
Morocco lost to Algeria 69 – 70 in opener.
This Zone I Nations Cup as part of zone I qualifiers to the Africa Nations Championship for men to be played in Libya in August.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Saturday results
Men
Riders 76-72 Ndejje
Crane High 69-68 Bush Court
Sky Jammers 72-42 TLC
St. Michael 54-58 Berkley
MUK Heaters w/o Gulu Hawks
Women
Mak Sparks 63-36 Mak Cubs
A1 145-35 Amazon

A1 Challenge stretched their winning streak in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League to four with a 145-35 annihilation of Amazon Rhino at YMCA Court, Wandegeya on Saturday evening.

Mavita Ali scored a game-high 33 points while Charlene Karungi and Agnes Nantogo added 21 and 15 points respectively as A1, losers in the last three women’s finals, ran riot outscoring Amazon 29-7, 35-15, 32-4 and 49-9 in all four quarters. Amazon’s Lillian Zawedde with 16 points had a different game from her teammates.

Ndejje University Angels edged Knight Riders 76-72 in the battle of newly promoted sides in the men’s Division I. Collin Mukiza (27points) and Rogers Odiama (16) combined for 43 points to deliver the University across the line in a tight game. Donald Ssali sunk 20 points for Riders who beat Ndejje 3-2 in last year’s Division II play-off finals.

Former champions Hared Sky Jammers continued their quest to return to the big time with a 72-42 win over TLC in a Division III game. Berkeley High held off St. Michael 58-54 in the battle of schools.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Lugogo

Reults (Friday)
Falcons 87-83 UCU Canons
Warriors 112-91 Miracle
KCC Leopards 61-50 Lady Canons
Today (YMCA)
Marines v KIU (6.30pm)
Women
Nabisunsa v KIU Rangers (5pm)
KCC Leopards v Crane High (2pm)

UCU Canons squandered a 10-point lead going into the last quarter and star guard Ivan Enabu missed one of two free throws with six seconds on the clock before his side lost to Mogas Falcons 83-87 on Friday night in an exciting MTN-Fuba National Basketball League game at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Drama and tension filled Lugogo as UCU trailed the six-time champions by a single point (72-73) when a foul was called on Enabu with one second on the clock but despite loud cheers from UCU fans, he could only sink one of the two free throws to send the game into O/T rather than win it.
“I cannot blame nerves or anything. We gave away the game because of fatigue having played on Wednesday (against Nkumba Marines) then trained on Thursday before facing Falcons,” a disconsolate Enabu who had a game-high 21 points told Sunday Monitor after the game. On-form Steven Mwesigye added 17 points while Ken Rooti contributed 14 to UCU Canon’s futile cause.

It was UCU’s third defeat in five games but they will take heart from a strong defensive performance which restricted Stephen Omony to 17 points and the Malinga brothers – Henry and Eric – to 15 and 11 points respectively.

Carlos Ochi was the unlikely hero for Falcons, coming off the bench in O/T to sink five points and ensure that his team outscored UCU Canons 14-5 in the extra session to break the deadlock.
“It’s hard to find positives in a defeat but its good we lost so we can see all our mistakes and rectify them,” Enabu remarked. Coach-cum-player Robert Mugabe’s UCU Canons had previously edged KIU (in O/T) and Miracle Eagles (by a single point).

In an earlier men’s game, Steven Okias plundered 33 points to lead Kyambogo Warriors to a 112-91 victory over Miracle Eagles.

In the women’s category, 2007 champions KCC Leopards built upon Mirian Hamala (13 points) and Flavia Oketcho (10) to stun holders UCU Lady Canons 61-50.
All games from today will be played at YMCA courts.

The Ghana Basketball Association on Saturday 23rd of May will start its U16 Boys camping for the upcoming U16 Zone3 FIBA Africa qualification tournament in Benin from the 24th to 28th of June 2009. The team will be trained and coached by Mr. Lawal .P Brimah, Ghana's most senior coaches. He is currently the senior coach of the CEPS BRAVES who have for the past 10years dorminated club basketball. The team will be made up of young basketball prospects across the country, most of them will be participating in their first national team game.
Preparation of the Ghana National Teams have not been of the best due to lack of assistance from stakeholders in the country. The GBBA hope to put together a young team who can uphold the name of Ghana in this first ever U16 FIBA AFRICA event. Unfortunately the girls team will not be competing in this years qualification due to lack of financial support. This tournament in Benin will be Ghana's first national team game for 2009.

On the 30th of April at the end of quarter executive meeting at the national sports stadium the members of the executive committee agreed on the GBBA organizing a national basketball league playoffs championship. When organized the national basketball league will be the first of its kind in Ghana. The country has seen a decline in interest of club competition over the past 5 years. The GBBA will use this event to re-ignite the passion of club basketball in Ghana as well as work towards raising the image and interest of basketball in Ghana.

The competition is currently been drawn and structured and will once again go before the executive board to put final touches on it before it goes out to potential sponsors and the public. The competition is scheduled to be played between the months of August and September when the regional leagues would have ended and known their top ranked teams. The competition will be a replica of the NBA playoffs and will feature the top four from each regional division 1 leagues. Currently there are only two active leagues been played and the GBBA will be working with these two leagues. Hopefully by next year the competition will cover the whole of Ghana.

(by Isaac Kwapong) from africabasket.com
The Ghana Basketball Association on Saturday 23rd of May will start its U16 Boys camping for the upcoming U16 Zone3 FIBA Africa qualification tournament in Benin from the 24th to 28th of June 2009. The team will be trained and coached by Mr. Lawal .P Brimah, Ghana's most senior coaches. He is currently the senior coach of the CEPS BRAVES who have for the past 10years dorminated club basketball. The team will be made up of young basketball prospects across the country, most of them will be participating in their first national team game. The team will be training at the lebanon house in Accra, the home of the Greater Accra Basketball League.
Preparation of the Ghana National Teams have not been of the best due to lack of assistance from stakeholders in the country. The GBBA hope to put together a young team who can uphold the name of Ghana in this first ever U16 FIBA AFRICA event. Unfortunately the girls team will not be competing in this years qualification due to lack of financial support. This tournament in Benin will be Ghana's first national team game for 2009

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Today/Men
Riders v Ndejje
Crane High v Bush Court
MUK Heaters v Gulu Hawks
St. Michael v Berkley
Sky Jammers v TLC
Seroma v Planets

Women
A-1 Challenge v Amazon
Mak Sparks v Mak Cubs

Knight Riders and Ndejje University Angels ruled the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League Men’s Division II in 2008 before stepping up to the big time this season.

They took totally different paths on debut with Riders losing to KIU while Ndejje shot to cloud nine with victory over KCC Lions.
However, those results must be forgotten when the two clash today.

Ndejje were humiliated in their last two games by giants DMark Power and Mogas Falcons while Riders will seek to recover from their defeat to Kampala International University.

“Any promoted team could have had the same results we had (against Power and Falcons),” Ndejje coach-cum-team manager Walker Obedi argued.

Adding that; “we beat them (Riders) twice in the regular season before losing (3-2) in the final play-offs so we there will be favourite.”
Cyrus Kiviiri, Moses Otim and Donald Ssali will lead the University side’s charge.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Today
Espoir v APR (Primature)
UNR v Marine (UNR)
KIE v Rusizi (KIE)
CSK v UGB (Cercle Sportif)

Sunday
Espoir v Rusizi
UGB v Marine
CSK v APR

It could go from bad to worse for Espoir when they host defending champions APR this afternoon at Premature. After surviving a tense finale in their season opener against Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) 63-61, the 2004 champions lost 64-80 against Marine last Sunday and look ripe for the taking against Cliff Owuor’s Indomitable Lions.

As basketball fans look forward to a spectacle challenge between the old rivals, Espoir’s coach Arsene Mukubwa is unconcerned that he is only grinding out results.

“We have a game plan and we hope to stick to it but I get the comfort that we can handle pressure,” Mukubwa told Times Sport.

“On paper, they are favourites but we shall give them a good fight. Our target this time is to return to the play-offs and then move on from there.”

APR’s two-man Presta Malemba will be the star attraction after sinking a career best 33 points last Sunday against Rusizi.

Malemba, who spent most of last season in APR’s string side, has wasted no time in gelling with first team players like Mike Buzangu and Blaise Nikobahoze to set the champions rolling.
APR’s Karim Nkusi is set to start against his former side Espoir
Although some believe that the excitement and anticipation that used to be associated with the APR-Espoir rivalry has become modest, Owuor still thinks otherwise.
“I still think that Espoir is a big team that can win against any side on a good day so we are not taking them lightly,” the former Kenyan international said.

In the other day’s crunch ties, KIE host Rusizi, CSK entertains UGB at Cercle Sportif while 2007 champions Marine travel to National University of Rwanda (UNR).

On Sunday, three enticing games are on cards at premature. Espoir host Rusizi, UGB plays Marine while APR clash with CSK.

African Basketball Online (ABO) will host its third annual basketball camp and coaches clinic in Nigeria, Mali and Ivory Coast from August 10-15.

ABO is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to developing basketball, and providing leadership education to students, coaches, administrators and organizations in Africa through ABO’s African Basketball Development Project (ABDP.)

Since its inception in 2006, ABO has successfully organised and implemented several basketball camps in Nigeria. In August 2006, the first Basketball Camp was held in Abuja and Lagos - and was attended by about 300 kids and about 15 coaches from different states in Nigeria.
During that initial camp, ABO donated basketball equipment (coaches, resources, basketballs and basketball shoes) to the participants at the camps.

In August 2007, the president and founder of ABO, Eyo Effiong, visited local basketball academies in Lagos and donated basketball materials and equipment to various basketball academies.

A year later, ABO sponsored the "Youth Alive Basketball Camp" at the University of Lagos.

by fiba.com

Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe will host from 24th to 30th May 2009, zone 6 U16 Africa Nations Championships for both men and women.

These qualifiers called zone 6 U16 Nations Cup which is at its first edition will gather five (5) male teams and five (5) other female teams..
At the end of the tournament, the two (2) best ranked of each category will be qualified for the final round of the 1st edition of U16 Africa Nations Championship.

The final round of the 1st U16 Africa Nations Championship for men will be played from 16th to 25th July in Mozambique while the female tournament will be held from 22nd to 30th August in Senegal.

The list of participating teams

Men : South Africa, Angola, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Women : South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Results

UCU Canons 83-95 Marines
Crane High 31-103 KIU Rangers

Today
Falcons v UCU Canons
Warriors v Miracle
KCC Leopards v UCU Canons

Reigning women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Flavia Oketcho will be the star attraction as she features for KCC Leopards against her old side UCU Lady Canons in one of the most thrilling game in the regular season of the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League.

The women’s collision is sandwiched in between two enticing men’s games featuring Kyambogo Warriors against Miracle Eagles while UCU Canons face off with six-time champions Mogas Falcons. Singer Tonix is set to lift the roof prior to day’s last game. Oketcho (33 points against Magic Stormers) has wasted no time in gelling with Miriam Hamala and Sylvia Kawe to set the KCC Leopards rolling but holders from Mukono will provide a stiffer challenge in the on-form trio of Lorraine Akinyi and Frances Nabulobi.

“Of course she attracts all the attention that any good player would demand. We won’t be targeting her (Oketcho) because we have to try and impose our own game on them (KCC Leopards),” Nabulobi warned.

In a crunch men’s game, Falcons, will seek to build on the momentum gathered so far since the opening defeat to champions DMark Power when they face ‘inconsistent’ UCU Canons who were conquered 83-95 by Nkumba Marines on Wednesday night.
KIU Rangers also humbled Crane High 103-31 in the only women’s game on Wednesday evening.

Libya is ready and well prepared to host the Men’s Africa Championship for FIBA, Afrobasket Libya 2009 scheduled for August 5-15 in the Jamahiriya push Libya into the sports events scene as an organiser.

Mr. Omar Elbarshushi, president of the Libyan Basketball Federation, and the organising committee told a press conference at the Shahat Hall at the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, that all the sports arenas in Tripoli and Benghazi that are to be used during the august event have been refurbished to the fullest standard. He said that no stone is being left unturned to assure the success of the tournament.

The staging of the tournament comes at a crucial time, in the year that Libya is marking an important milestone in the country’s history, the 40th anniversary of the great El Fatah First of September Revolution.

The international basketball event will spearhead the occasion of the Anniversary, with the Libyan Leader, Muammar Al-Qathafi, who is also president of the African Union, wishing for the competition to serve as a gathering of the youth of Africa, and for it to be the biggest youth event year on the continent.

As such, upon the advice of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, a new date was set for the launch last Tuesday to accommodate all requests made by the many personalities who wished to be present.

Later in the evening, the official logo of the Tournament was unveiled during a gala dinner during which renowned North African musician Cheb Khaled (Algeria), the popular francophone West African youth group Magic System and popular Libyan artists provided the entertainment.

The Libyan Basketball Federation is aware of the tough task ahead as it also tries to be successful on the court and in order to reach this goal a new, experienced American coach has been appointed. Kevin Nick Ben, mostly know as coach to American University teams, said he was thankful of the opportunity accorded him by the LBA “to create a winner”.

The American has prepared a programme for his players to follow in order to make a success of the occasion. He is running daily training sessions and will take the national squad to training camp in Turkey.

Libya will be hard pressed to succeed as Afrobasket Libya 2009 promises to be very keenly contested between 24 of the best basketball countries in Africa. They include defending champions Angola, and Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde and Rwanda, who have already qualified from the ongoing heated zonal qualifiers tournaments. Eight other countries are expected to qualify until June.

During the conference, held in the presence of the General Secretary of FIBA Africa, Dr. Alphonse Bile, and Mr. Rene Williams Koue Bi, CEO of AFRISAT International, the Media and Marketing Partner, the LOC introduced the official song of the tournament sung by Alrouqi and Emad Elshitiwi.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Tomorrow at Lugogo
Warriors v Miracle
Canons v Falcons
Women
KCC v Lady Canons

The best is yet to come from MTN-Fuba League men’s defending champions DMark Power, Peter Mubanda, the club technical director believes.

Power have had a perfect start to the league that makes them look unbeatable.
Mubanda’s team has won all its three games so far, two of them in bulldozing fashion. It was only against record champions Mogas Falcons in the season opening game on May 1 that Power broke sweat but still managed to win 74-70.

They humiliated former two-time champions Nkumba Marines 110-66 and also humbled Ndejje 124-62. “The thing I like about this team is their ability to play all styles of ball,” Mubanda said.
“It is very scary just how good this team is going to become. The best is yet to come,” stated Mubanda.

By CAXTON APOLLO

Eastern Queens and International Christian Centre (ICC) are on top of the standings for the first time ever after the second week of the national basketball Premier League.

ICC head the men’s championship standings with five points while unbeaten Eastern Queens, who are making their first appearance in the top league, are in the driving seat of the women’s competition with four points.

After having fairly poorly in last year’s competition, ICC under South Africa trained coach Faustin Mgendi and Fredrick Omondi have approached the 2009 season with seriousness.

They beat Kenya Ports Authority 89-83 in over time after both teams had tied the scores 75-75 in regulation time on Saturday.

Thrashing

They followed that up with a 79-66 thrashing of Strathmore University on Sunday.

They lost 64-61 to Posta on the opening weekend but won the hearts of many fans with their exciting play to tie the match at 61-61 in the final minutes of the match before Posta’s Franklin Delano denied them the two points with dramatic last gasp three-pointer.

Strathmore University and KPA are placed with three points each following their mixed luck in their opening fixtures.

The students had a good start beating Lomboritz 61-60 before going down 79-66 to the team of the moment ICC.

KPA men lost their first tie 89-83 to ICC in over-time but quickly recovered to ambush Terrorists 68-59.

Coach Anthony Ojukwu attributed their performance to inadequate training because of the uncertainty which had surrounded this year’s league.
“My young players will no doubt catch up since the league which had been threatened with the controversies has finally started. We had no proper training programme because of what was happening’’ said Ojukwu.

Walkover

Newly formed Eastern Queens handled by respected guard Abel Nson started off with a 20-0 walk-over against last year’s finalists Eagle Wings.

Boosted by experienced players from top clubs Yana and Sprite Storms, Queens proved that they are a team to watch when they defeated Flames of the USIU-A 70-51.

The four points kept them at the top.

Coach Nson said: “Our approach with the experienced players will be different in the sense that we shall not depend on individual players to win. Exprienced player such as Hilda Luvandwa never scored as usual but still we won comfortably against Flames’’.

Storms lie second with three points but their performance this season remains wanting. After beating Mennonites 52-34, they were dismissed 48-26 by champions KPA.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Today
Men
UCU Canons v Marines

Women
KIU Rangers v Crane High
Seroma SS v Mak Sparks

It’s been an emotion-sapping start for UCU Canons in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League so far. Since losing to Kyambogo Warriors in the season opener, UCU Canons – 2008 semifinalists – have survived tense finales to hold off KIU (in overtime) and Miracle Eagles (by a single point).

As fans enjoy the spectacle that the University side has offered, Canons’ coach Robert Mugabe is unconcerned that his is only grinding out results and hopes for the same against two-time league champions Nkumba Marines at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this evening.

“Though the team is still shaky, we are executing our game plan and winning games. You can only underestimate us at your own peril. When we win with one second on the clock, I get the comfort that we can handle pressure,” Mugabe told Daily Monitor yesterday.
UCU Canons
UCU Canons’ Mugabe (R) will offer advice against Nkumba Marines today. PHOTO: EDDIE CHICCO


The Mukono-based side are still without Adams Njoroge who suffered an ankle injury last season while Denis Nyabuti broke his arm in a accident and is still back home in Kenya. However, Steven Mwesigye has filled the void sinking double figures in all three games.

In coach Timothy Odeke’s Marines, Canons face Nkumba-based side that could be riding low on confidence following the annihilation by champions DMark Power 13 days ago.
“That bad loss to Power was a one off and we are only looking at the next tie. Our target this time is to return to the play-offs,” said Philip Wakimwero, a mainstay at Marines.

R.I. Sports Company, will host their first international Basketball Tournament in the city of Praia. The tournament will count with the participation with teams from different continents. The teams will comprised of mixed players from different leagues. There will be a mixed team from Angola, 2 from the USA, and one of the local players.

The Mundialito will be one of the biggest event, of its type, to happen in Cape Verde. Besides the tournament, a Basketball clinic for coaches and players will be on the same dates.
The tournament will e held in the city of Praia, on the 21, 22 and 23 of May, with the teams from Angola, USA, and Cape Verde. On the Sal Island, the team from Angola will play an exhibition game against Pantera Negra (Sal island Regional champions).

The team from Angola will consist of: Emanuel Trovoada (coach) Angelo Victoriano (Assistant coach), Miguel Lutonda, Milton Barros, Domingos Bonifcio, Olmpio Cipriano, Carlos Morais, Carlos Almeida, Mario Correia, Rodrigo Mascarenhas, Joaquim Kikas Gomes, Eduardo Mingas, Vladimir Jeronimo, and Felizardo Ambrosio.

Team from the USA Strela Negra
Coach: Joao Barbosa, Assistant Coach: Amarildo Barbosa, Staff: Nildo Silva and Manuel Monteiro.
Team President: Paulo A. De Barros
Players: Christian Monteiro, Steve Do Souto, Nick Barros, Andre Barbosa, Tony Barros, John Varela, Tome Barros, Cesaltino Brazo, Elio Barbosa, Francisco Costa, Joe Amado e Joao Gomes

Team from the USA (New Bedford): Dwayne Pina (Head Coach - Bryant College ) Paul Lopes (Strength Coach), Aj Tavares (UMass Dartmouth), Keri Gonsalves (George Washington University), Ryan Rodrigues (Bloomberg College New Jersey), Aaron Christian (St Andrews College North Carolina), Brian Rudolph (Loyola Maryland), Nick Pontes (Bryant College), Marques Houtman (UMass Dartmouth), Vinny Lima (Northeastern University), Randy Torres (UMass Dartmouth), Wilson Pilarte (Bloomberg College NJ), Cobey Santos (University of New Hampshire), Jeff Xavier Providence College).
Staff: Eunice Monteiro, Emanuela Alves e Nair Andrade.

At the moment we have not received the list of players from the Praia league.

Clinic

The coaches Clinic will be monitored by well known coaches:

- Luis Magalhes (current Desportivo 1 de Agosto coach)
- Emanuel Trovoada (current Desportivo da Huila coach)
- Rico (ex Cape Verde National team captain and coach - and godfather to the Mundialito tournament)
- Babacar Sy (French-Senegalese, Director of Adidas for Africa, ex-USA College coach).

The Mini basketball camp will be directed by Prof. Francisco Romero Simon (Fran), who has a degree in Sports Management. Prof. Francisco Simon has a vast experience in coaching basketball at all levels, from cadets to the Senior National team.

Program
Date: 23/05/2009 Saturday
Time: 8:30 H
Place: Placa Desportiva Escola Secundria Polivalente Cesaltina Ramos.
Participants: 60 Children - Ages 11 to 15.

8:00 H - Arrival
8:30 H - Presentation
9:00 H Warm ups
9:10 H Station Drills
12:00 H - Games
12:15 H Lunch
14:00 H - Dismissal
________________________________________
Date: 24/05/2009 Sunday
Time: 8:30 H
Place: Placa Desportiva Escola Secundria Polivalente Cesaltina Ramos.
Participants: 60 Children ages 16 to 18.

8:00 H - Arrival
8:30 H - Presentation
9:00 H Warm ups
9:10 H Station Drills
12:00 H - Games
12:15 H Lunch
14:00 H - Dismissal

by Pedro Gomes africabasket.com

Former Georgia men‘s basketball coach Dennis Felton said he reluctantly declined an offer to coach Nigeria‘s national team in this summer‘s African Basketball Championship.

“As excited as I was about it, and as much an honor as it was, I just decided now is not a good time,” Felton said.

Fired by Georgia in January, Felton said he was “certainly interested in continuing coaching at some level.” He said he was concerned the Nigeria job would get in the way of more permanent opportunities. He’ll help various NBA teams with summer activities and minicamps, he said.
“I‘m very excited about all the possibilities, looking forward to the next thing that I do,” Felton said.

He recently visited Nigeria and came home enthusiastic about the nation‘s basketball potential.

“Nigeria probably enjoys the most talent of any country in Africa, yet has never been able to win the African men‘s championship,” Felton said.
“They have a brand new commitment to lift the level of their national team, so they wanted me to coach it with an eye on the African Championship in Libya and next summer‘s World Championships and ultimately the 2012 Olympics.”

Felton and Myke Scholl were the finalists to coach the D‘Tigers for the African Basketball Championship in August in Libya.

Felton and Scholl were part of the Big Man Camp Africa project in Nigeria last month and were interviewed in Abuja, on April 23. Scholl was tipped as Felton‘s assistant before Felton backed out of the job.

Other applicants for the job included the team‘s former handler, Sam Vincent, and Todd Bozeman.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA League
Men division 1
Power 124 Ndejje 62
Women
Rangers 120 Rhino 31
Canons 102 Bucks 29

MTN-FUBA reigning men’s champions D-Mark Power are determined to defend their title in style and as the Ndejje University Angels can now attest: it is going to leave a few embarrassed victims along the way.

“We have two priorities this season,” said Power technical director Peter Mubanda. “One is to defend our championship and the other is to do it in style.”

The Angels, like the Nkumba Marines two weeks ago, know exactly what that means.

Power beat the Angels in their weekend match-up at Lugogo with the winning margin equal to the entirety of Ndejje’s points.

Power won 124-62 with a scoring-fest led by Isaac Afidra (28), Allan Tawoda (26), and Norman Blick (14). Blick has sacrificed his scoring to shoulder the team’s playmaking role.

“We doubled them, come on; how embarrassing can it get,” said a gleeful Mubanda. Saturday’s result follows their 110-65 win over the Marines and further underlines the champions’ capability.

The two-time champions have won all three of their matches and Mubanda believes his side can go through the regular season unbeaten.

# UCU Lady Canon’s coach Robert Mugabe has challenged basketball officials to ensure referees improve their match performances, adds Johnson Were.

The coach attributed his team’s 55-51 loss to A1 Challenge over the weekend to poor officiation by the referees Edmond Lumu and Justus Mugisha who denied him two time-out calls to re-organise his side when he was leading by two points. He said that referees make unnecessary calls and at times miss crucial calls, which cost teams.

“Players standards have improved but the referees are not improving, a scenario that hinders the development of the sport,” Mugabe charged, adding that FUBA must forge a way forward to improve on the referees’ standards.

A1 Challenge coach Andrew Bazira was in agreement saying the referees need to improve considering the investments clubs are putting in.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Lugogo

Sunday Results (Women)
UC L. Canons 102-29 Lady Bucks
Men: Planets 57-75 Sky Jammers
MBC Rocks 93-89 St. Michael
Tomorrow at Lugogo
UCU v Marines (8.30pm)
KIU v Crane High (7pm)
Seroma v Mak Sparks (5.30pm)

Holders UCU Canons quickly buried Friday’s loss to rivals A-1 Challenge by routing Lady Bucks 102-29 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

It was clearly a walk in the park for coach Geoff Omondi’s side as they ran rings around Bucks throughout the game, taking all quarters in convincingly. UCU scored 38-8, 28-6, 21-9 and 21-6 respectively.

Frances Nabuloli and Lorraine Akinyi continued their rich vein of form with 29 and 23 points respectively thus ensuring that 2008 MVP Flavia Oketcho, who quit UCU for KCC Leopards, is not missed.

THE battle is heating up and it remains a businesslike attitude for champions Baya and former champs PLS Hawks in the men’s top division.

While Baya and Hawks extended their win run over the weekend at the Palais des Sports, MBU Rockers dropped their first point, and former champions Premium Cobras saw their Baya’s Léon (no. 11) muscles past Hoareau for a shotseason grind to a halt much sooner than they expected.

Behind 25 points, including three treys from player of the year Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Camille, and 14 from centre Robert Léon, Baya clipped the Rockers’ wings with a 76-58 win.

Baya have now brought their winning streak to six games for a maximum 12 points, while the Rockers, who got 16 points from playmaker Nigel Sinon and 14 from centre Daniel Hoareau, are on 11 after their first loss in six outings.

Like Baya, PLS Hawks remain undefeated in the league in four matches, and centre Rodney Lozé played like a leader to finish with a game-leading 26 points in what proved to be a stroll for his team over the lifeless Cobras. They won by a 30-point margin – 82-52.

Hawks’ playmaker Christopher ‘Toto’ Camille added 16 points and centre Neddy ‘Oye’ Fanchette got 13 before fouling out.

Power forward and skipper Dominic Pillay was the only Cobra in double digits with 16 points, while Nigerian Alao Solomon, who led them in scoring last season, finished with a paltry seven points.

It will surely take a miracle for Premium Cobras to stay in the title hunt as they are on a rare three-game losing streak, which started with a 76-85 defeat against MBU Rockers followed by a 68-78 loss to Baya.

With three players – Jean-Paul Desaubin (20 points), James Joubert (15) and Kenneth Domingue (11 including three baskets from downtown) – scoring in doubles figures, RC Dynamics won the first half 41-21 in a 68-61 victory against Beau Vallon Heat.

Yasser Ismaël also finished with 20 points to lead two other Heat players – Marlon Marimba (12 points, all from beyond 3-point range) and Dave Sabadin (11) – in double figures.

Much-travelled Biko Biong, who is back with his old team Cascade Bullets, carried their scoring load with 21 points as they edged Praslin Warriors 68-67 for their third win in six games. Dan Côme was the Bullets’ second best scorer with 10 points.

Naddy Agathine connected from behind the 3-point arc four times to finish with 20 points for winless Warriors, who also got 18 points from captain Jackson Auguste.

In the women’s league, Anse Etoile Stars won all four quarters – 22-13, 17-8, 21-10 and 18-12 – on the way to a 78-43 victory over RA Sisters.

Centre Simone scored 24 points and playmaker Lindy Mathiot made a 20-point contribution in the Stars’ second victory in as many matches, while Catherina Morel finished with 12 points for RA Sisters.

Meanwhile, in two men’s division two matches, Anse Etoile beat AAP Brothers 67-54 and Razors earned an overtime 68-67 (normal time 62-62) win over Pointe Larue Falcons.

G. G.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Basketball league

Rusizi 61 - APR 91
Espoir 64 - Marine 80
UNR 69 - UGB 53
KIE 54 - CSK 58

Marine overturned a six-point halftime deficit to beat Espoir in one of four league matches played on Sunday.

Elibo Muhire scored a game high 30 points and 12 rebounds while Kadfi Sinarinzi weighed in 22 points for the 2007 champions, who recorded their second league victory in as many games.

“They kind of overwhelmed us with their energy in the first half,” Marine’s new captain and former APR point guard Aboubacar Barame said in a post match interview.
“We wanted to come out (after half-time) and do the same and we are glad that we did just that.”

Alistede Mugabe top scored for Espoir with 21 points. The win left Marine coach Prospere Mihigo optimistic about the club’s chances to salvage the title.

“Games against Espoir are never easy but I’m glad we pulled through. The result is a confidence booster for the boys and we hope we shall be up there when the play-offs set in,” said Mihigo.

In the other top flight ties, National University of Rwanda (UNR) thumped UGB 69-53; CSK picked themselves up from a low start to record a slim 58-54 victory over Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) while Cliff Owuor’s APR whacked Rusizi 91-71.

Presta Malemba, on his return from a long-term knee injury led the champion’s annihilation with a career-best 33 points. It was the second successive victory for the Indomitable Lions, who fielded several reserve players.

“We are exactly where we want to be at this stage so we are happy with the way things have gone,” Owuor said.
Fiston Muhire weighed in 15 points for CSK

International Christian Center (ICC) took an early lead in the premier league with two wins over the weekend in played at the Coca Cola Stadium gymnasium.

ICC beat Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 83-89 in overtime after both sides had settled for a 75-75 deadlock in regulation time. They followed that heroic feat with another 79-66 drubbing of Strathmore University. They now have five points from three ties.
Diminutive guard Griffin Ligare's game high 35 points while Phil Dinga added 21
Against "Blades" Dinga led the side with 22 points while Ligare managed 18. Both are ex KU "Pirates" players. Strathmore have won one and lost one.
After that shock defeat, KPA recovered to beat University of Nairobi "Terorists" 68-59 in a closely fought encounter to redeem themselves in this game that also went nip and tuck until the final horn. KPA have 3 points from two matches.
Dan Okwirrri led a balanced KPA onslaught with 17 points, Anthony Okello had 13 as did Patrick Kirui while Musa Odari shot 12. For UoN, Mike Opinya led with 18 points and an over worked Rodney Genga collected 10.
Tobias Onyango nailed 27 points while Victor Odendo shot 15 to propel champions KCB Lions to a fine start as they launched their title defense with an easy 91-62 win over Lomboritz who have won none of their two ties.

Defending women champions KPA also got off their campaign with a strong win overwhelming 48-26 beating of Sprite Storms in a one sided tie. Yvonne Akinyi and Everlyn Akoth each contributed 15 points in the win.
Easter Queens announced their arrival at the local stage in style posting a 70-51 win over United States International University (USIU).. Emma Nyakweba hit 12 and was the only player to hit double digit scores..

The lower division match up saw World Hope nip the visiting Nakuru Club 69-67 in a closely fought duel.Maurice Obilo led the victors with 27 points while Charles Ouma also pured in 27 for the losers.

In the Nairobi Basketball Associatuion (NBA) league matches played at Railways Club, Baraka Xtreme pipped Friends of Basketball 58-57. Steve Forster led the Thika based side with 13 points. FOB had 19 from Joseph Achega..
Emyba hit Satelite Mercenaries 55-54 behind Jasper Ochieng's 16 points, Moses Abraham banked 21 for the losers. Nairobi Deaf Kings suffered a 66-22 loss to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who had Vincent Mesa with 18 points.
Madison made it three wins out of three with a 67-17 drubbing of Deaf Kings Brian Shivachi scored 13 points. Kenya Polytechnic University had the better of Baraka Winning 49-41 as Mosood Issa shot 18 points while Richard Otieno made 13 for the losers.
Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) beat Satellite Mercenaries 50-26 behind 13 points from Moses Musosi and Don Bosco suffered a 65-39 defeat at the hands of NAC
World Hope ladies had 14 points from Agnes Wangechi in their 36-30 win over Kenya Polytechnic.. Nairob Deat Queens put up a spirited fight but still were defeated 19-60 by Kenya Poly.

The semi final stage of the Liberia Basketball Federation national league began yesterday with defending female champion K-Deltas crushing Destiny Queens 77-57. game to will come on Friday. On Wednesday the second pairing will bring former champion Phoenix against Timberwolves in a match thet promises to be tension pack. The four teams made it to the semi final stage recently after months of intense basketball action.

By Erick Ochieng’

New comers Eastern Queens triumphed 70-51 over United States International University of Africa (Usiu-A) in the women’s national Premier League basketball match played at Coca Cola National Stadium Gymnasium, Nairobi, yesterday.

World Hope beat Nakuru Club 69-67 to start their men’s Division One campaign on a winning note. Maurice Obilo and Robert Kirui scored 24 and 10 points for World Hope as Daniel Opiyo (16 points) and Michael Akum (14) helped Nakuru reduce the gap.

Debutants Eastern Queens, who won the all the four quarters 18-10,19-13,12-09 and 14-20, are a new force to reckon with in the league.
"We are still rusty and the best is yet to come," said Queens’ coach Abel Nelson.
In-form Linda Alando netted 23 points while team mate Irene Makori scored 11 for Queens victory. Barbara Githinji (13 points) and Everlyn Nora (eight) were outstanding for Usiu-A. Queens’ line up had former Sprites Storms’ players.

Maureen Andalia opened the game for the victors with a two-pointer before Linda Sirma replied for Usiu-A a minute later to make the match a see-saw affair. Usiu-A’s Alando and Samba Mjomba had a skilful display.

Both sides suffered temporary setback in the last quarter when Queen’s Hilda Indasi (thigh injury) and Usiu-A’s Quinter Ramogi (muscle pull) left the game to be attended to.

The varsity side scored five three-pointers of which Everlyn Nora and Mjomba scored a double each, while Queens had three from Mitchel Otinda (a double) and Indasi.

by Sherif Soliman)
The Egyptian season 2008-2009 was one of the strongest seasons ever,Itthad returned to Alex with glory holding back victory after ten years,Ahly won the cup to bring happyiness to thier fans,However, The stats showed that Amin Ben Rasheed the tunisian player was a scoring machine with 210 po. in 10 games 87 Reb,Brewer Hondre USA playing for Somuha 147 Po. Reb 122, Block 41, The MVP Egyptian point guared Wael Badr 178 Po. Ass. 47, Reb 49.Ramy Gunedy 154 po., Assis 27, Steal 18,Haytham Osama Somouha 144 po. Reb 53 ,Tarek El ghanam 129 po. Reb 88,Haytham Elsayed Zamalek 145 po. Ass.12, Steal 14,Tamir Mostafa Army 144 po. Ass, 27 ,Steal 10.

from africabasket.com

Ahly 66-57 Itthad ,Ahly won over Itthad friday night to selebrate holding the cup for the 7th time.Itthad players were very tired after playing 2 finals in 48 hours.However, Ahly players did a great job in offence concentrating on the strenth of their big gays, Tarek El -Ghanam played one of his best games this season scoring and rebounding.On the other hand, Our national team will start the prepration camp early this month to participate in the Arab cup of nations then fly to turkey for camping before the world cup qualifiers in libya.

from africabasket.com

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampalal

Result- Friday
Falcons 80-57 KIU
Miracles 91-92 UCU Canons
Women
A-1 55-51 UCU Canons
Today - Women
UCU v Lady Bucks

Mogas Falcons, Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons and 2005 Women’s champions A1 Challenge all won their respective contests on a thrilling Friday night in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Six-time champions Falcons broke no sweat in routing Kampala International University (KIU) Men 80-57 while UCU Canons and A1 Challenge had close shaves in defeating Miracles Eagles (92-91) and 2008 Women’s champions UCU Lady Canons (55-51) respectively.

The Malinga brothers –Eric (20) and Henry (17) – combined for 37 points to lead Falcons onslaught while KIU conspired to miss the hoops throughout the night. Michael Kariuki (20 points) was the only outstanding player for KIU but none of his teammates managed double figures.
“Early in the game, we looked like we were going to get past the 90-point mark but fell short. (However), we will take the win for now and rectify whatever we did not do right,” said Steven Omony (9 points), the Falcons assistant coach-player signed for Shs72m from Seychelles’ PSL Hawks.

While Omony may not have had the scoring figures, he was mercurial on both ends of the court in terms of blocks, steals and assists, running the show for Falcons who made it two wins in three games.

Peter Elungat on his first season, sunk 12 points for Falcons.

By Erick Ochieng’

League champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) returned with a bang to women’s Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League by defeating Sprite Storms 48-26 in a match played at Coca Cola Stadium Gymnasium yesterday.

Men’s defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank were also in a 91-62 win over Lomboritz to start the season in style.

KBF fixtures secretary, Joseph Amoko, said the men’s Premier League match pitting Yana and Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U), which was to be the day’s opener, was rescheduled due to logistical problems.
"There were a few hitches and so we postponed the match to give the teams room to organise a few things," Amoko said.

Madison walloped Nairobi Deaf Kings 67-17 (17-04,19-06,12-03,19-04) in the men’s Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league, which is in its third leg.
Hope Centre, who played their second match of the NBA, were not left out in the winning spree as they edged out Kenya Polytechnic University 33-30 (04-07,13-08,11-09,05-06) in the women’s category.

Game-High 14 Points

Yvonne Kathue of Kenya Polytechnic University scored a game-high 14 points as Madison’s Brian Shivachi raked in 13 in the match against Deaf Kings. Calvin Musalia managed seven points for the Deaf Kings. Tobias Onyango, who scored a game-high of 27 points, and Luka Lukogo (14) led KCB Lions to win 23-11, 13-18, 27-13 and 28-20 against Lomboritz, who won their first match 60-61 against Strathmore University last weekend.

Women’s basketball powerhouse KPA were too good for Storms as they won all the quarters comfortably, thanks to their in-form guard Yvonne Akinyi.

Not Substituted

The towering Akinyi, who was not substituted by coach Anthony Ojukwu for the entire two hour-period, scored 13 points as team mate Everlyn Akoth scored eight.

Yvonne Mashedi and Angela Luchivya gave Storms seven and six points in the encounter. The first quarter was a closely contested affair as KPA won 12-09, but both teams managed to up their scores through fouls awarded in the second quarter.

At point, coaches from both sides paced on the sidelines, issuing instructions in what saw KPA 13-09 ahead before the break.

Aggressiveness marked the third quarter as the hosts piled pressure but poor finishing cost them the quarter as KPA backliners enjoyed height advantage over their opponents.

KPA capitalised on good runs made by Akinyi in the right wing to win the third quarter 18-04 and 06-04 in the fourth. Premier League action resumes next weekend.

By CAXTON APOLLO

National basketball league champions Kenya Commercial Bank Lions will open their title campaign against newcomers Lomboritz as the competition enters its second week at the Coca-Cola National Stadium this weekend.

The team managers of the two clubs - George ‘Nyundo’’ Omondi (Lions) and Dennis Chutte (Lomboritz) - were on the forefront in the agitation for the Kenya Basketball Federation constitution amendment or reforms to give clubs voting rights, demands which KBF conceded to.

While Lions will be playing their first game today after the threatened championship finally started last weekend, Lomboritz tested the waters losing narrowly 61-60 to Strathmore University. Charles Kituyu and Rogers
Maguti of Lomboritz shot impressively in the last two quarters which saw them lead comfortably 17-15 and 20-17.It was indeed a good start for them in the top show.

However, KCB Lions are expected to demonstrate to their opponents that playing in the top league is different from the lower Division One championship.

Lomboritz had crashed 2-0 to Posta in the play-offs final but still qualified for promotion to the Premiership as the runner-up.

Kenya Ports Authority’s men’s and women’s teams will be in town for two tricky fixtures against Sprite Storms and International Christian Centre on Saturday.

The dockwomen, who shut out Eagle Wings 2-0 in the play-offs final should approach their tie against Storms with caution.

Storms were motivated with a 52-34 win over new-comers Mennonites with Zena Ahmed and Yvonne Mashedi showing good form for the new-season.

Little is known about KPA’s preparations but Caroline Arato, Agnes Anyango, Mwajuma Suleiman have all the experience to hold the team together.

ICC will no doubt give the Portsmen a run for their money after stretching Posta last weekend before narrowly losing 64-65 thanks for Franklin Delano’s critical three-pointer with 20 seconds left after the two side had locked the scores 61-61. Fans left the venue happy with ICC’s performance.
Yana should expect a tough match against debutants Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA). Led by Beryl Amayo and Grace Wanjiru, KCA justified their promotion from the NBA league when they beat Strathmore University 56-42 in their season opener last weekend.

On Sunday, KPA men’s side will yet face another high hurdle to clear when they will be hosted by the University of Nairobi’s Terrorists.

The students gave Co-operative Bank a hard time before going down with half a basket 56-55 on Saturday. Should entertaining Micah Opinya, Kenneth Githinji and Brian Busu maintain their impressive form, the dockmen will be in big trouble.

In other matches, ICC will complete their two match weekend assignment against Strathmore University, new-comers Eastern Queens face Flames of the USIU-A, while World Hope host visiting Nakuru Club.

Fixtures

Yana v KCA (10am), Sprite Storms v KPA (12pm), KCB Lions v Lomboritz (2pm), ICC v KPA (4pm).

Sunday: World Hope v Nakuru Club (10am), Flames v Eastern Queens (12pm), ICC v Strathmore University (2pm), Terrorists v KPA (4pm).

After a very strong season and strong match and no one can predict the champion of the league Al ittihad had won the league after beating zamalek the two team went the game with 35 points each and in a final game , itthad won the game 75-68 , by this victoru itthad became the most club in egypt having the league (13 times)

IAl itthad full team: Amr abo elkhier (head coach) , Emad mahmoud (coach) , Essam Megahed , Khaled Abd El ftah ( Managers) , Mohamed Oraby , John thomas , Mohanad el Sabbagh , Amir el fanan , Yasser Mobarak , Ahmed El sabbagh , Moamen abo el enin , Ahmed sedeek , Ashraf rabie , Haytham kamal , Ramy ibrahim , Mohanad Saeed , Mahmoud Abd el Aziz , Khaled Ibrahim .

by africabasket.com

Eight countries still have to qualify for the 25th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men-Afrobasket competition slated for this August in Libya.

So far, Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Rwanda, defending champion Angola and hosts Libya have booked their slots in the coveted basketball show piece with eight more expected to qualify from the different zonal qualifier tournaments.

The 2009 Afrobasket competition, which counts as the first major continental event to be held in Libya since its leader Muammar Al Gadhafi reconciled the country with the Western world will be staged in the country's capital Tripoli from August 5 to 15.

With over two months to the tournament, construction work on state of the art basketball arenas is in progress. There is also a big feeling that this year's edition could go down as the mostly contested in history after reports that African players playing in the NBA and other top European leagues have confirmed to play for their respective countries.
Relevant Links

Meanwhile, the official launch of this year's edition was held yesterday in Libya. During the event, the tournament's official logo was displayed to the public.

Angola won the last edition in 2007 on home soil after beating Cameroon 86-72 in the final. Since the competition's inauguration back in 1962, Angola have won the championship a record nine times.

Senegal and Egypt are level with five titles; Ivory Costa and Central African Republic have two titles each while Morocco has one title.

Angola has also produced the last four Most Valuable Players (MVP) in Miguel Lutonda (2001 & 2003), Olimpio Cipriano (2005) and Joaquim Gomes (2007).

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Today/Men

Power v Ndejje, 6.30pm
Bush Court v Rhino, 3.30pm
Berkley v C. High (12.30pm)
TLC v Bugema (9.30am)

Women
Rhino v KIU Rangers, 5pm
Seroma v Mak Cubs, 11am

On their MTN-Fuba National Basketball League debut, Ndejje University Angels got off a dream start defeating Kampala City Council (KCC) Lions exactly two weeks ago before they were sent tumbling back to earth back by six-time champions Mogas Falcons.

Still smarting from the mauling by Mogas Falcons, the test for the defending champions DMark Power – arguably the toughest for any team this season – arrives for the Angels at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this evening.
basket.jpg

After enhancing their stability by confirming the appointments of Brian Wathum and Norman Blick as coach and captain respectively earlier this week, DMark Power could be in the mood to maintain their rampant start which has already accounted for Falcons and Nkumba Marines.
But Angels’ Team Manager-cum-coach Walker Obedi, a self acclaimed ‘Special One’, is not falling for Power’s hype.
“Against Falcons, we showed a lot of inexperience. We trailed 4-18 in the first quarter (against Falcons) committing lots of mistakes. Our training sessions have been intense since to improve on our speed and execution,” Obedi told Daily Monitor.

Obedi, a novice who led the University side to promotion from Division II last season, is banking on Cyrus Kiviiri, the duo of Moses Otem and Donald Ssali (both signed from Miracle Eagles), to slow down Norman and MVP Ben Komaketch.

“I have a game plan to limit Power’s fast-breaks and shooting outside the arc,” Obedi boasted.
Elsewhere, Bush Court clash with 1997 champions Charging Rhino as Berkley face Crane High in Division II. In Division III, TLC face Bugema University.
In the women’s league, Amazon Rhino battle KIU Rangers while Seroma High Ladies encounter Makerere Cubs.

The national basketball League is bankrolled byu MTN Uganda who have contuniously increased the package every season.

The Cape Verde Basketball Federation should introduce Lazare Adingono as their new coach at the end of May.
According to the President of the Federation, Kitana Cabral, negotiations are in the final stages, which means, if all goes well, the coach should arrive on time to prepare the team for the 25th Africa Nations championship for men to be played from 05th to 15th August 2009 in Libya.
The Former Rhode Island star and international coach resigned as assistant coach of the Canisius men's basketball team in April. He was in his third season at Canisius and coached the Cameroon national male team in Afrobasket 07 and in the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Adingono won several team awards following his senior year at Rhode Island, and later spent three seasons with the team as an assistant coach.

A native of Cameroon, he previously played on the national team before taking over as coach. In 2007, he coached the squad to win a silver medal -- the nation's first in 34 years- at the FIBA Africa Championships and clinched a berth in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens the following year. Cameroon was knocked out of the qualifying tournament after losing both preliminary round

For the official presentation of the coach and the team, the Federation plans to organize an international tournament. The tournament already has the guaranteed presence of the New Zealand national team, and two more National teams from Europe and Africa will also be present.

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Results/Wednesday
Warriors 76-61 KCC Lions
Vegetarian 88-94 Bush Court
Today/Men
KIU v Falcons
Miracles v UCU
Women
UCU Canons v A-1 Challenge

Women’s champions Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons and the team they beat in last year’s final – A-1 Challenge – will put their perfect starts on the line when they clash in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this evening.

The two giants have both won twice but the onus is on A-1 to gain a slice of revenge having lost to the University side (2-3) in last year’s best-of-five series finals.
“Everyone is talking about revenge but the most important thing is to play good and quick basketball to beat them UCU,” said Olivia Mulwana, A’s skipper and regular season MVP.

A-1, champions in 2005, before losing the last three finals, could bank on the form of Agnes Nantogo and hope newly-signed Maggie Kigozi glitters in the absence of Elizabeth Kiiza who is on honeymoon.

For coach Geoff Omondi’s UCU, the loss of 2008 play-offs MVP Flavia Oketcho does not appear to have affected the side at all as Frances Nabuloli and Lorraine Akinyi have continued to dominate the hoops.

Results/Wednesday
Warriors 76-61 KCC Lions
Vegetarian 88-94 Bush Court
Today/Men
KIU v Falcons
Miracles v UCU
Women
UCU Canons v A-1 Challenge

Women’s champions Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons and the team they beat in last year’s final – A-1 Challenge – will put their perfect starts on the line when they clash in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this evening.

The two giants have both won twice but the onus is on A-1 to gain a slice of revenge having lost to the University side (2-3) in last year’s best-of-five series finals.
“Everyone is talking about revenge but the most important thing is to play good and quick basketball to beat them UCU,” said Olivia Mulwana, A’s skipper and regular season MVP.

A-1, champions in 2005, before losing the last three finals, could bank on the form of Agnes Nantogo and hope newly-signed Maggie Kigozi glitters in the absence of Elizabeth Kiiza who is on honeymoon.

For coach Geoff Omondi’s UCU, the loss of 2008 play-offs MVP Flavia Oketcho does not appear to have affected the side at all as Frances Nabuloli and Lorraine Akinyi have continued to dominate the hoops.

Team Al Nasr Benghazi had fantastic season in Libya. They grabbed trophy in Lybian National Cup and after that in domestic championship. Al Nasr Benghazi ended Preliminary stage with almost perfect 13-1 record. Al-Itthad was the second ranked team with 11-3, while No.3 Al-Ahli Benghazi registered 9-5. Fourth team who advanced to the next stage was Al-Ahli Tripoli, also with 9-5. Other four teams from the Preliminary Stage continued battle from the 5th to 8th place.
Al Nasr Benghazi opened the championship battle with 4 straight wins. In the fifth match Al-Itthad handed the first loss to Al Nasr Benghazi 87-73. However, despite that defeat it was clear that Al Nasr Benghazi will be the new champion. The reason is Al-Itthad's 3 failures before that. In the last round Al Nasr Benghazi was better than Al-Ahli Benghazi 76-59 finishing this season in style. If we include first and the second stage it is 18-2. Last year Al Nasr Benghazi ended on the fourth place and before that was runner-up. It is the first (and second) club's title over the past 6 years.

Former Head of the Media sub-committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF Tijjani Umar was Wednesday unanimously elected as the new president of the Nigeria basketball ruling body.

Umar, a former Nigeria international along side other board members will be in the saddle for the next four years.
FIBA Africa Central board member and President of FIBA Africa Zone-3 Muktar Khaleh were elected as the federation 1st Vice-President while Aniefiok Effiong Ukpe is 2nd Vice-President.

Other board members of the Nigeria federation includes, Babatunde Ogunade, Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Yusuf Tagwai, Shehu Maijamaa, Ibrahim Saaad, Margaret Abara, Moses Jituboh, a Chief Superintendent of Police and ADC to the nation Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Lt. Col U.O. Olatoye.

Speaking with our correspondent shortly after the election, the NBBF President pledged to remain focus in the task of moving the game forward in Nigeria.

He however, pay glorying tribute to his predecessor, Gyang Buba who is now the paramount ruler in Jos, Plateau State as the Gbong Gwon Jos for achieving some lofty goal for the game in the country.
Umar charged members of the federation to be prepared to go the extra miles in helping to reposition the game.

The NBBF president called on all stakeholders to come forward with useful information that will assist the board in moving the game forward and reposition Nigeria as one of the leading basketball playing nation on the African continent in particular and the World in general.

By Olusegun Ikuesan

RAIN spoiled the day, Sunday, and the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) had to call it a day as the slippery Victoria Gymnasium court became unplayable.

All the matches on that day will now be rescheduled.
PLS Hawks were leading winless Mont Fleuri Dawgz 42-25 in the third quarter when play wasHotShots’ Toussaint (left) gets an open look at the bucket from behind 3-point range stopped.
The day before, three matches were played in the women’s and men’s first division leagues.

In the women’s league, defending champions HotShots were given a scare by Mont Fleuri but sailed through to get their third win of the season on a 54-50 score.

They built their success from downtown with nine 3-pointers for 27 points – half of their overall total.
For the second match in a row, sharp shooter Jenita Toussaint netted five threes for 15 of her game-high 21 points. She also got five 3-pointers as her team steamrollered RA Sisters 96-29 the previous weekend.

The team’s other four 3-pointers were sunk by the Fontaine sisters – Beguitta (three for her nine points) and Zerah (one for her three points).

Skipper and centre Tina Agathine and power forward Myra Solin, who fouled out, finished with 10 points apiece for HotShots, who won three of the four quarters – the first 15-11, the second 8-7 and the fourth 23-19.

Mont Fleuri, who outscored HotShots 13-8 in the third quarter to level matters at 31-31 after 30 minutes of play, were paced by Lindy Aglaé (16 points) and Williana Dubois (12 including a 3-point shot), but they both fouled out along with Bernadette Songor (four points).

Coach Philip Arissol’s HotShots have six points after three wins, while Mont Fleuri, who are coached by Tony Juliette, boast three after a win and a defeat.

In the men’s first division, Baya and MBU Rockers extended their winning run to five games, but one of them will lose the 100% record this coming weekend when they clash heads.

Reigning champions Baya trailed by one point – 13-14 – at the end of the first quarter but rallied to win the remaining three – 29-13, 23-21 and 29-26 – for a 94-74 victory against Praslin Warriors’ five-man army.

Player of the year Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Camille was on fire with a season-leading 42 points including three 3-point field goals. Captain Steve Denis and centre Robert Léon were the other two Baya players in double digits with 12 and 17 points apiece.

Joseph Souffe (28 points), captain Jackson Auguste (25) and Edmond Félicie (15) combined for 68 of the Warriors’ 74 points.
The Praslin-based team are yet to get a win in four games.

With their main scorers – playmaker Nigel Sinon (18 points), swingman Cyril Agrippine (17 including four triples) and Brian Morel (12 including two treys) – scoring in double figures, MBU Rockers had no worries against Cascade Bullets in a 74-56 win.

Robert Francis also scored twice from downtown for six of his eight points as his team won the first half 50-33 and edged the Bullets 24-23 in the second 20-minute spell.

Coached by Grégoire Scholastique, the Bullets were paced by playmaker and captain Kenneth Sophie with 16 points – nine of those coming from the foul line.

Teammate Dan Côme netted two 3-pointers for six of his 10 points.

G. G.