Drileba: We still have a lot of work to do

Namuwongo Blazers’ 81-80 win over City Oilers on Friday left the majority of the basketball fraternity excited and anticipating an end to a decade long dominance by the latter.

With three of the pillars that helped Oilers make the National Basketball League championship their own now in the red of the Blazers, it is projected to be the season the 10-time champions are stopped.

Jimmy Enabu, James Okello and Tonny Drileba are the three stars expected to lead the quest for a change of guard.

But despite the win and excitement, Drileba is aware of the challenge paused by his former side and believes it would be wrong for the Blazers to undermine Oilers.

“They came out and played like 10-time champions,” Drileba said after Friday’s game, referencing Oilers’ resolve even while playing without some of their key players.

“It’s an eye-opener for us. I think a lot of people think we are champions elect on paper, that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he added.

With Fayed Baale and Titus Lual missing the game due to injuries, and team captain Ivan Muhwezi not appearing for the opener, Oilers relied on veteran Ben Komakech to ensure it was a proper contest from the first whistle.

Komakech scored 18 points, collected six rebounds and dished out four assists in the game.

“We have to check ourselves. We really have to check ourselves. I think we have a lot of work to do to get to a point where we can even compete for this championship” the Silverbacks guard emphasized.

Two of the big signings, Enabu and Okello, were pivotal down the stretch in that game, making big plays to get the Blazers over the line.

Enabu recorded a team-high 21 points while Okello got 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Blazers return to action tonight, in a clash with newly promoted Victoria University Crocs at Abja Park in Naalya and the goal will be to make it two wins in as many games.

At Lugogo, UCU Canons will face off with Kampala Rockets while KCCA Leopards and Miracle Ravens also tussle it out.

JT Lady Jaguars, who defeated JKL Lady Dolphins in the opener, will go up against Angels at YMCA. Tonight will mark the first time Fuba is holding games at multiple venues simultaneously. 

National Basketball League

Wednesday Games

Abja Park

W: UPDF vs. Nkumba, 7pm

M: Nam Blazers vs. Victoria, 9pm

Lugogo

W: KCCA vs. Miracle, 7pm

M: UCU Canons vs. Rockets

YMCA

W: JT L. Jaguars vs. Angels, 7pm

M: Livingstone vs. JKL, 9pm