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Are City Oilers headed for the 8th straight win?
Defending champions City oilers, who have won seven straight league trophies have resumed the National Basketball League with lots of positives.
The record champions have won all their three opening fixtures of the Basketball league since the games resumed.
The oilers sit top of the table with six points from three games. They are trailed by UPDF Tomahawks and Ndejje Dolphins [on 4 points each] second and third respectively.
Surprisingly, KCCA Leopards are last on the league table with no point.
KCCA Panthers and KIU Titans defeated the champions in two games played during the Easter break. This looked like the oilers would be having a bad season, however they have showed that they know how to win games in the actual league.
Despite the losses prior to the league resumption, the Silverbacks tactician Juruni remained confident his troops would come to the party when it’s time to fight for the league title.
Juruni believed that the game showed his side what needs to be done before the start of the season.
Oilers have a well-balanced team with some youth and experience. They also made some key signings to freshen up the team that has dominated basketball the last seven years.
Silverbacks assistant captain Joseph Ikong, Michael Makiadi and Ceaser Kizito are some of the top pieces that have been added to the side and Juruni is confident they will deliver this season.
Ikong played with Jimmy Enabu, Ben Komakech and Makiadi at Betway Power and that has ruled out any chemistry issues.
He has also trained and played with the likes of Tonny Drileba, Ivan Muhwezi and James Okello on the national team.
John Dombo, Luak Ruai and Emmanuel Makuei are the new kids on the block for the record champions.
Francis Azolibe, Josh Johnson, Daniel Juuko and Johnathan Egau are the players Oilers let go.
Veteran Stephen Omony is still out with injury.
According to Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA), the short season will have teams meeting just once in the regular season and the fight for the eight playoffs spots starts straight away.
The seven time champions have seen and done it all the last seven seasons and will still be favourites for the title once again.
CITY OILERS SQUAD
Jimmy Enabu, Ben Komakech, Ivan Muhwezi, Joseph Ikong, Caesar Kizito, Michael Makiadi, James Okello, Landry Ndikumana, Tonny Drileba, John Dombo, Luak Ruai, Emmanuel Makuei
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