Basketball in Africa

Let’s face one fact; The Canons are unbeaten thus far in the NBL because they’re playing the best basketball. Of course playing good team basketball couples up with each individual player having their A-game on. In a long time, I have not seen a balanced team like the Canons are thus far, even the bench seems to bring the same energy and precision at execution of team plays. Let’s not forget the exceptional individual brilliance that has been showcased by players like Sudi ulanga,Syrus Kiviiri, Desmond Owili , Martin Okwako, Brian Namake and the monstrous rebounding sense of Ivan Lumanyika.

Dmark Power is also unbeaten thus far but they’ve had to get away with 4^th quarter basketball once or twice already. But that doesn’t really matter today against the Canons. The Power I know, plays for moments like these; when they come into mouth watering fixtures like this one, they play for pride, they play to prove a point, whether as a team or on shoulders of one or more players. Norman Blick, Isaac Afidra, Ben Komakech, Joseph Ikong, Emmanuel Enabu and Paul odong are all players that can tweak a ball game in Power’s favor at any moment, let alone a silent Lugudde possibly coming to life out of the blue.

Another obvious fact is, Power arguably will get very little from the paint, I see Desmond and Lumanyika’s muscles dominating Kiberu and Kojo. Isaac Afidra could do something on the inside if he doesn’t opt out, good thing though, Afidra can drop a few threes.

 Defensively, everybody knows Power struggles against zone defenses with huge men but they have also learned to choke whichever opponent with their full court press and transitional basketball. Can the Canons stop Power from running? Can Power Stop the Canons in the paint? These questions are very decisive of who wins tonight.

For me, this game is about who retains the bragging rights as the sole unbeaten team in the NBL. It’s going to be jam packed and very loud inside the Lugogo Arena and whoever can tame the moment will win.