Basketball: Chariots, Union Bank clash as DSTV League begins
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- Written by Victoria Aigbirhio (NAN)
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What makes Saturday’s opening game a must-watch is that Chariots, who narrowly escaped relegation on their maiden appearance last season, would want to prove a point that they have come to stay in the league, even if not winning it now.
For Union Bank, what is at stake is honour as they will not afford to go down beyond their second position in the 2010/2011 season.
In the second match of the day in the Atlantic Conference, Ebun Comets of Lagos, which could not make it to the Final 8 last season, would hope to start their campaign to be among the conference’s top four this season with a win over city rivals, Islanders.
Islanders, who were champions in 2008/2009 season, have sworn to win the competition this time around, but they must contend with the fiery skills of the players of Ebun Comets, who have promised all teams defeat.
In the Savannah conference, the matches will not be easy with Kano Pillars, though they have recruited five new players. The other teams are taking a cue from them.
Some of the coaches said that they hoped to surpass their previous records.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu of defending champions, Royal Hoopers, who expressed the hope of retaining the title for the second consecutive time, said they would depend on hard work and determination.
“We will make sure we do our home work very well this season, because the league is becoming competitive every year,’’ Odaudu said, Scott Nnaji, the coach of newly promoted Customs Basketball of Lagos, also assured their club fans of doing well and qualifying for the Final Eight of the league.
“Our relegation has taught us a lesson and we are putting up a good team that can see the club through to the Final Eight.’’
Coach Adeka Daudu of Dodan Warriors said that having recruited seven new players for the season, the team would give other teams a fight for their money.
“We have worked on all our weak points, so I think we are ready for every challenge that will be coming our way this season,’’ he said.
Teams that are competing in the Atlantic Conference include Royal Hoopers of Port-Harcourt, Union Bank, Dodan Warrior, Ebun Comets, Police Baton, Islanders, Chariots and Customs, all based in Lagos.
In the Savanna Conference are Kano Pillars, Kada Star of Kaduna, Bauchi Nets, Plateau Peaks of Jos, Niger Potter of Minna, Yelwa Yawks of Bauchi, Immigration of Kano and newly promoted Civil Defence of Abuja.
It will be recalled that at the end of last season, Delta force of Asaba, which was beleaguered by financial problems were relegated while Customs basketball Club of Lagos returned to the league.
Customs won the Division One League to secure a return to the men’s premier league.
More than 56 matches will be played in the season.
However, the question on the lips of spectators is: “Will there be upsets as witnessed last year when Royal Hoopers of Port-Harcourt dethroned three-time champions-- Kano Pillars?’’
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Basketball: Chariots, Union Bank clash as DSTV League begins
Category: Sports Written by Victoria Aigbirhio (NAN) Hits: 694
Basketball fans will on Saturday watch Chariots Basketball Club, appearing for the second time, take on Union Bank-- the 2010/2011 runners-up of the DSTV Men’s Basketball Premier League-- as the 2011/2012 edition dunks off. The annual league, sponsored by Multi-Choice Nigeria, will begin simultaneously in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.What makes Saturday’s opening game a must-watch is that Chariots, who narrowly escaped relegation on their maiden appearance last season, would want to prove a point that they have come to stay in the league, even if not winning it now.
For Union Bank, what is at stake is honour as they will not afford to go down beyond their second position in the 2010/2011 season.
In the second match of the day in the Atlantic Conference, Ebun Comets of Lagos, which could not make it to the Final 8 last season, would hope to start their campaign to be among the conference’s top four this season with a win over city rivals, Islanders.
Islanders, who were champions in 2008/2009 season, have sworn to win the competition this time around, but they must contend with the fiery skills of the players of Ebun Comets, who have promised all teams defeat.
In the Savannah conference, the matches will not be easy with Kano Pillars, though they have recruited five new players. The other teams are taking a cue from them.
Some of the coaches said that they hoped to surpass their previous records.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu of defending champions, Royal Hoopers, who expressed the hope of retaining the title for the second consecutive time, said they would depend on hard work and determination.
“We will make sure we do our home work very well this season, because the league is becoming competitive every year,’’ Odaudu said, Scott Nnaji, the coach of newly promoted Customs Basketball of Lagos, also assured their club fans of doing well and qualifying for the Final Eight of the league.
“Our relegation has taught us a lesson and we are putting up a good team that can see the club through to the Final Eight.’’
Coach Adeka Daudu of Dodan Warriors said that having recruited seven new players for the season, the team would give other teams a fight for their money.
“We have worked on all our weak points, so I think we are ready for every challenge that will be coming our way this season,’’ he said.
Teams that are competing in the Atlantic Conference include Royal Hoopers of Port-Harcourt, Union Bank, Dodan Warrior, Ebun Comets, Police Baton, Islanders, Chariots and Customs, all based in Lagos.
In the Savanna Conference are Kano Pillars, Kada Star of Kaduna, Bauchi Nets, Plateau Peaks of Jos, Niger Potter of Minna, Yelwa Yawks of Bauchi, Immigration of Kano and newly promoted Civil Defence of Abuja.
It will be recalled that at the end of last season, Delta force of Asaba, which was beleaguered by financial problems were relegated while Customs basketball Club of Lagos returned to the league.
Customs won the Division One League to secure a return to the men’s premier league.
More than 56 matches will be played in the season.
However, the question on the lips of spectators is: “Will there be upsets as witnessed last year when Royal Hoopers of Port-Harcourt dethroned three-time champions-- Kano Pillars?’’