Basketball in Africa

hampions Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power open the new basketball league this Friday in what promises to be a tough season as JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE and FELIX EUPAL explain.

Warriors’ capture of Henry and Eric Malinga from Falcons should make their defence even more impregnable because that was their main strength as they won the championship last season. Boasting the likes of 2009 playoffs MVP, Ronnie Kasewu, Stephen Okias, Ramathan Abdullahi and Martin Okwako, Warriors are good to go.

But they tip off the season without Tanzanian Abdullahi and Kenyan Okwako, who have not yet returned from holiday. Gad Eteu, their coach says; “the team still needs some time to blend with the Malingas.”

On the other hand, 2008 champions DMark Power’s acquisition of big man Martin Mubiru is expected to sort out their 2009 defensive deficiencies, which cost them dearly in the playoffs final last season. He’s also good at rebounding.

That said, the most eagerly awaited debut is that of towering Kenyan import Joseph Omondi, MVP at last year’s Zone Five Club championship. A good shooter and ball-handler, Omondi is expected to join Falcons and cover-up for the Malingas’ departure.

However, there is speculation that Omondi could join Kampala International University Titans in order to pursue a degree at the institution. KIU’s Makmot Orom and Michael Kariuki must be praying for that to happen because Omondi’s presence alone would elevate the team status to title contenders.

Nkumba Marines won’t have such possibilities but Phillip Wakimwero should make them formidable. Meanwhile, the return of Jeff Omondi to UCU Canons has taken a huge weight of expectation off Ivan Enabu’s shoulders because Omondi is a winning gem.

ENABU LEADS THE PROSPECTS

Emmanuel Enabu, 19, the youngest in the Enabu basketball playing family showed what an amazing point-guard he is during the recent Sprite Basketball Challenge that his DMark Power team won. He’s very efficient and clever and a lot is expected of him.

Similarly, Miriam Tamale of KIU Rangers is an amazing point-guard and scorer and should graduate into a star this season together with teammates Judith Nansobya and Suzan Amito. In addition, UCU Ladies pair of Maureen Amoding and Angela Namirimu should also light up the season as well as Emmanuel Ateng (Miracle) and Geoffrey Soro (Ndejje University).

TWO LADIES DIVISIONS IN ONE

Although there are still 11 teams, the imbalance between the top six teams and the bottom six in the ladies game big. In fact, the lower teams act as feeder teams with their best players crossing to top teams. As such, it’s not unusual for scorelines with an 80-point difference.

Hamza Nyambogo, the A1-Challenge coach says; “the experienced teams don’t learn much when they score 120 points and their opponents score only 10 baskets. They need a challenge in order to improve. It would be better if the ladies league had the top teams play each more than twice a season.”

For KCC Leopards, Miriam Hamala, the 2009 MVP should lead from the front but A1-Challenge’s Hatima Kassim and UCU Ladies’ Frances Nabulobi are hungry to step out of the KCC shadow. Nalubolbi’s scoring record is the best in the ladies game.

On the other hand, Berkeley and St. Michael ascended to the topflight men’s division but considering the latter’s performance over the past two seasons, they are set to become whipping boys. Three other teams in Ssaku, Giant Stormers and Makindye Shooters have joined the league and are yet to show what they can offer.

TWO HORSE RACE

Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power remain the best bets for the men’s top division title but in the women’s division, it’s a three horse race with A1-Challenge, KCC and UCU all in contention. The relegation fight is unlikely to spare Knight-Riders, KCC Lions and Berkeley. So, let’s get started!