Basketball in Africa

First Bank Basketball Club will begin training for the 2015/2016 season at the sports hall of the National Stadium today with 10 old and seven newly signed players with one other serving as a player for the future.

According to coach Peter Ahmedu, who made the list available at he weekend, the returning players are skipper Chioma Udeaja, Atosu Upe, Iornumbe Regina, Nkechi Akashile, Ulabo Queen, Juliet Chinyere, Elawure Odion Tina, Adekoya Biliqis, Akaraiwe Nkem and Chidinmma Nwakama

The new players, who successfully went through screening, which had 30 players in attendance, are Daniel Buki Idowu, Benin Republic import Kondoh Aishatou, Ezeh Jennifer Adaezeh, Anaswen Josette, Isuombut Mary Okon, James Happy Rita, Kato Magdalene and Akinbode James Onome Mary, who is making the team as a player of the future.

Ahmedu stated that the new players were selected based on their all-round ability on the basketball court. He noted that they were tested on their ball handling skills, offensive and defensive play, their positioning on the court and their level of stamina.

"I must admit that basketball requires lot of skills and any player who hopes to be a successful basketballer must have vast knowledge in basic skills of the game. However, a good player must also have the stamina to go all the way. Basketball demands a lot of energy and at First Bank BC, we need players that can complement their skills with stamina.