One team's army. Image Source: NBL Twitter
Basketball fans are recklessly already handing over the 9th National Basketball League (NBL) Championship to City Oil. A wise man once said that a bad start leads to a good end. The KIU team was revamped after a cold, windy breeze dragged through the Namuwongo Blazers Camp seemed shocked to be playing an opening game of the season. Unfortunately, the Kampala International University (KIU) Titans' ship is still on land, and they have not started to row. The Blazers took advantage of the KIU situation to remind all teams that "Opening games are not for everyone." Hastily stated. The week is coming to a close at a fast pace, and the Blazers will soon face their fate after the exodus of their key players in the 2022 league. The lamentation that City Oil has no competitor in the league is nearer to reality than we thought. What happens when the country's top talent is all pooled into one team? Probably it's a way of training for the team as it prepares for the Basketball Afrique League (BAL) mid this year. Talking about losing players, the Blazers are not alone in this bracket, as they are warmly comforted by the staggering UCU teams. Fayed Baale and Titus Odeke, the apples of the team, have since settled in with the champions, and occasionally, you will see pictures of them eating Cafe Javas. Long gone are the days of "rolex" at Uganda Christian University (UCU). Fadhili Chuma's move to Just Kip Living (JKL) at the last minute came as a mind-blower, given that he was very instrumental in the 2022 season. Akon Rose, who nearly scooped all the team points, averaged 15 rebounds per game, and was a force in the defense for the UCU lady Canons, is now plowing her craft professionally. Other significant losses have greatly affected the defending champions, who shook the league to force a game seven against the JKL ladies in the 2022 league.
Ball or ball. Image Soource: NBL Twitter
Flirsh Flavia returned for her nth season. The most decorated Ugandan Basketball player is not hanging her dogs soon. She looks to have all the right energy and mindset as she still has National duties to perform since the Women's Afrobasketball games are around the corner. Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) women lost their young promising talents; Longom Karen and Awor Leticia to JKL and Purity Lamara to KIU. Unlike the men's race, which seemingly looks predetermined, the women's NBL is still young. KIU had an excellent shooting form in the previous season, and nothing less should be expected from this youthful team. With a few recruits, they will probably shake the table this season as well. They are already back to their winning ways after slaying Angel's basketball. KCCA resurrected some sleeping talent. Lito Peace is back to competitive basketball. We can't wait to watch what her return bears. KCCA's loss of the only woman NBL coach is painful to comprehend as she peacefully retired from club basketball. The women's JT Jaguars team has collectively brought together most (if not all) of UCU's former players. Twelve women's teams in the NBL sound great to the basketball fraternity—time to watch more women's compact action.
Ndejje University seems to be finally woke. Two wins in highly contested games. KCCA panthers fell to their knees when they lost by three points to these Ndejje boys. UCU, a top contender for the championship in 2022, also lost to the Ndejje. It's a question of if they will maintain this run. Rezlife Saints, the babies of the league, had a great way to start the league though they fell short by two points to the DMark Power. However, the team looks optimistic with the former Namuwongo Player on its sideline. Kampala Rockets is warming up in their new jerseys as they await to compete in the NBL for the first time.
Same faces, different uniforms. Image Source: NBL Twitter
The division known for producing all the great NBL players is underway this weekend. With a keen interest in women's basketball, the division is improving and growing. It's with joy that we witness three new teams join the lower division; Our Savior had a great teaser for us during the KT RACH tournament, and it has cemented the rumors; Our Savior Banyabo, with their home grounds in Bishop Cypriano Kihangire, is here to stay. Tigers, whose full information still lazes around, is having small wars with the Makerere Sparks as the two share a home ground. The Sparks also lost three-quarters of their squad; over the years, it's one team that has produced great players that soon find a home in other teams. The women on the block are the Legends team, which was born from the idea to have veteran women athletes make a comeback and maintain a physically fit lifestyle. They deserve to be applauded. Tough move to be a mother in sports, but they are taking the league by the wheels this season. The squad has "retired" former National team players such as Rachel, also known as KT RACH, and Siima Monica (The most defensive national team player).
The games are still young for us to draw conclusions, but the crazy player transfers make this season a worthwhile must-watch. Let's not hand over the 9th Championship before KIU starts to row its boat.
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