Basketball

Dallaji U17 Basketball Tournament: Kaduna Coach Optimistic Of Beating Kano In Final

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2021

The U17 Basketball team coach of Kaduna, Simsim Morrison is optimistic that his boys are capable of defeating the hosts, Kano in today’s final of the Noah Dallaji U17 Basketball Tournament.

Simsim said the confidence level of his boys rises as game proceeds saying that it will be an advantage to his boys to win the title.

He said, “in the beginning of the competition when we saw what was happening, we were a bit doubting whether we can be in the final but as game proceeds we have confidence in the players that they will go far because they improve game after game.

He said the aim of playing in the final almost became impossible after losing to Buachi in the preliminary stage.

“But when we lost to Bauchi we thought that was the end of the road but we went back and re-strategise again and I told the guys that we can actually make it to the final. I don’t see Kano or any team as the best in this competition. We’re capable of beating any team. As for me in this competition my boys are the best and ready to beat Kano.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Maku, Kano U17 Basketball team coach played down Simsim threats insisting that Kaduna cannot stop them from lifting the trophy.

“We have learned from our mistakes after our loss to Plateau in the group stage, we went back and planned again.

“I have sat down with my boys to identify and fix our weakness . The opponent I know are a good team but the commitment of my boys will see them through.

The same tempo we use to beat Plateau in the Semi-final is the same we will bring into the game in the final to bring smiles into the faces of Kano residents.” He concluded.

Kaduna defeated Kebbi in the Semi-final of the competition to set a final battle with Kano who edged Plateau in the semis.

The final match is scheduled for Sunday (today) at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha stadium, Kano.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 weeks 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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