Basketball in Africa

Kampala

Jimmy Enabu lacks the appropriate language to describe his feelings. For a player from a family with a great basketball tradition, time spent honing skills left little for public speaking lessons.

His skills will hold him in good stead as he can now claim to be the best player here after being the 2014 basketball men’s playoffs Most Valuable Player on Saturday night at Sheraton Hotel. The shooting guard beat off competition from City Oilers’ teammates Ben Komakech, a two-time winner, and Kami Kabange, dethroning the latter to basketball’s ultimate individual accolade.

No wonder Enabu could hardly speak. He stood on the podium, clearly struggling to take in the moment. His transition to the pinnacle from being a role player at Tiger Head Power in 2013 is complete. “
Thank you all,” Enabu said, in between pauses. As he made his way through a packed Rwenzori Ball Room to the podium under dim lights, Enabu hugged all his teammates.

Fittingly, Kabange got the last hug and whispered words of wisdom. Some must have felt Kabange deserved it more having averaged 18.3 points and just under 10 rebounds in the playoffs.

Enabu was not too far behind with an average of 16 points which culminated in a 4-0 finals sweep of Power to clinch back-to-back titles. For the finals, Kabange stood at 21 and Enabu on 13. “I never really play for awards or even numbers but it’s a good thing, even for the team,” a calmer Enabu would latter admit when the lights had dimmed. In the women’s category, KCCA Leopards’ forward Claire Lamunnu capped a remarkable year with her first MVP diadem.

She beat teammates Flavia Oketcho, a four-time MVP, and Becky Akulo having led KCCA to stunning comeback against UCU Lady Canons having trailed 3-1 in the seven game series. “I feel honoured,” a soft-spoken Lamunnu, 21 points’ average, said. “Thanks to my team and the management.” Enabu and Lamunnu received their prizes last on a long night that almost shed midnight.

Sudi Ulanga, formerly UCU Canons and now Power, was named regular season MVP, as was UCU Lady Canons’ Purity Odhiambo in the ladies’ category.