Namuwongo Blazers upgrade roster for BAL qualifier
Namuwongo are fresh from lifting their maiden National Basketball League (NBL) championship, defeating the Oilers 4-2 in the Finals. To keep the good times rolling, the Blazers need to finish in the top three at the eight-team Elite 16 tournament.
Fresh off winning their first league title the Namuwongo Blazers head to Nairobi for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 Qualifiers. (Courtesy photo)
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BAL East Division Elite 16 Elite 16 (Nairobi, Nov 18-23)
Group A: Namuwongo, Nairobi, Joburg & TBD
Group B: Bravehearts, Matero, Beira & Dar
The Namuwongo Blazers had a straightforward march to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 East Division, playing two games and picking up the necessary and obvious victory over Djabal.
The next order of business is a lot more demanding, however, and Namuwongo have understandably beefed up their ranks for the engagement, which gets underway in Kenya on Tuesday, November 18.
The Blazers have brought in guard James Mooring and centre Muhammed Djitte, both of whom are seen as upgrades on John Murray and Joseph Obasa, who were part of the team for the first round of qualifiers in Dar es Salaam last month.
The influential Tony Drileba, who missed the last qualifier with injury, is also back on the roster, which also features the skilful Jaycson BeReal.
Namuwongo are fresh from lifting their maiden National Basketball League (NBL) championship, defeating the Oilers 4-2 in the Finals. To keep the good times rolling, the Blazers need to finish in the top three at the eight-team Elite 16 tournament.
That begins with surviving Group A, which features two tournament favourites in hosts Nairobi City Thunder and Johannesburg Giants.
Namuwongo BAL Elite 16 roster
Players: J Enabu, T Drielba, J Lukoji, J Okello, A. Wanyoto, I Muhwezi, I Ochera, M Moses, P Obleng, A Chukurah, J Mooring, J BeReal, M Djitte & M Muhumuza
Coaches: S Nyeko, E Malinga & J Najja