First round is often only a starter before ‘real’ play-offs
KAMPALA.
When local body, Fuba, decided to increase the number of teams in the National Basketball League from 10 to 12 four years ago, it was inevitable to grow the size and length of the playoffs. Cosmetically, a quarterfinal round was introduced as an additive to semifinals and finals meaning the post-season now has eight and not four teams.
The first major casualty of this expansion was UCU Canons. In 2013, the university side, then seeded second after the regular season, were bundled out by Startimes Falcons in the first round.
Seventh-seeded Falcons, 2-1 victors over UCU, went all the way to the final, losing to City Oilers. The latter, then debutants won the final 4-3 for a first of three straight titles.
Falcons-UCU is the major ‘upset’ that has happened to local basketball in the post-season. Throw in the fact that Falcons are six-time league champions, a record, and you find it empty.
Such has been the nature of the eight-team first round of the playoffs that it hasn’t made sense since it was introduced. This year’s started last night and don’t expect anything mind-boggling.
City Oilers (1) vs UPDF (8)
Top seeded Oilers, armed with a 19-3 record, should brush aside league newcomers UPDF Tomahawks who should be pleased they are here. Oilers desperately need a challenge to prepare them for December’s Africa Club Champions’ Cup and UPDF, despite their enthusiasm, may not provide.
KIU (2) vs Falcons (7)
Stephen Omony has it in him to force a decisive Game Three but collectively, Falcons have the will and not the tools to make KIU Titans rethink. Falcons’ 9-13 record suggest they are as good as UPDF despite finishing the season on a six-match winning streak.
It’s high time KIU coach Hamza Nyambogo turned to Burundian point guard Jean Hakizimana permanently to run his offense to validate their 19-3 season.
Power (3) vs Our Saviour (6)
Third-seeded Power will speak loudly about adding to their five titles.
Beating sixth seed Our Saviour should come with a Game Three but not the examination they desire.
Power’s season will start when they face KIU in the semis to test their wit.
Warriors (4) vs UCU (5)
Pemba Warriors-UCU series have been the most enthralling in the past seven years. This may as well be just as good even if neither seems to have the depth and cohesion to reach the final.
As four and five, Oilers await them in the semi. For everything that last year’s losing finalists UCU lack on court, they will find in the mastery of coach Nicholas Natuhereza. Going the whole nine yards is guaranteed for this one. Thereafter, Warriors’ guards Syrus Kiviri and Mark Opio have to make the right call down the stretch.
Women
Top seeds UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards get byes into semis while JKL Dolphins have enough to beat Javon Ladies to join the pair there. A1 Challenge vs KIU Rangers will be as good as Warriors vs UCU, perhaps even better. The margins will be small and tears are certain.
RECENT CHAMPIONS
2015: City Oilers
2014: City Oilers
2013: City Oilers
2012: Warriors
2011: Power
2010: Power
2009: Warriors
2008: Power
2007: Falcons
2006: Falcons
2005: N. Marines
2004: N. Marines
2003: Falcons
2002: Falcons
2001: Falcons
2000: Power
1999: Falcons
1998: C. Rhino
1997: Power
1996: Makerere
