Basketball

MFM underestimated us and they paid for it’ ASPAC Coach Says

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2023

…. We will bounce back – MFM Coach

ASPAC coach, Adognon Landrey, stated that his team capitalized on MFM’s complacency to secure a significant victory in their initial match at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women Qualifiers held in Abuja.

Emphasizing that they remained focused despite the crowd, the coach acknowledged the caliber of their opponent and highlighted that being underrated worked in favor of his team.

“We didn’t let the crowd distract us. As a continental team, we’re back on our home turf. In sports, it’s not over until it’s over, and that resilience was our strength in the game. Despite being underrated, we’re making our mark.”

Team captain Somakou Marlene stated, “We thoroughly studied MFM, identified their weaknesses, and plan to capitalize on them. We weren’t intimidated and adhered to our coach’s instructions.”

In contrast, MFM coach Okworogwu Ochuko admitted during the post-match conference that her team allowed ASPAC to regain momentum by not defending well in the last two quarters as they did in the first two. Despite the defeat, she expressed optimism about her team bouncing back in the next game.

“In the first half, our strategies were effective. However, in the second half, we deviated from what was working for us initially. The players recognized this issue, and our opponents capitalized on it, particularly in defense.

Defensively, we overloaded one side, resulting in vulnerabilities in our backline. Our opponents seized this opportunity. Now that we’ve identified these mistakes, we’re committed to correcting them in our upcoming match. The defeat, though disappointing, is not the end as none of the three teams have secured qualification yet. We’re all competing for the two available slots. It’s an open competition, and I believe we can still turn it around.”

Team captain Okoh Ukamaka echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing that “it’s not over until it’s over.”

“As my coach mentioned, we abandoned the strategy that was effective for us, and defensively, there were shortcomings. Our communication faltered, unlike in the first half, leading to our downfall in the second half. However, we are determined to come back, better and stronger.”

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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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