Basketball

Dr Abubakar Applauds Sports Minister For Secondary School Basketball Initiative

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2022

With the lastest grassroots initiative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by Sunday Dare, Dr Abubakar Auwulu has showered encomiums on the Sports Minister for conceiving the Secondary School Basketball Championships.

Dr Abubakar said the move is one that prioritizes grassroot sports development, which is critical for national sports development.

Abubakar, the Principal of Namman Secondary School, Kano stated thus: “With the abundance of talents in the country, most lying fallow, it’s expedient to take Basketball and Sports in general to this basic level. It would provide an avenue for talents to be spotted from each geo-political zone. My school has a team already and this opportunity will be massive for them, just like other schools.

“The Sports Minister has shown that he is grassroots-oriented. The last time out, we had the Principal’s Cup, which we participated in. Now basketball is in the fore. If we continue in this manner, alot of talents will be unearthed across different sports. This would boost local players discovery and help create healthy competition with those coming from abroad. The Minister has done well and we can not wait for this to start,” he added.

The Sports Minister announced that the Secondary School Basketball Initiative will be taken to all geo-political zones to give every part an opportunity to play, with the zonal representatives making it to the national contest, in Lagos or Abuja .

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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