Basketball in Africa

Written by Dorothy Kyamazima http://www.observer.ug

It’s pretty safe to say that their wins notwithstanding, D’Mark Power have so far flattered to deceive in the local basketball league.

Not so long ago, Power pulled up short when they faced off with Kyambogo Warriors. With that little puncture in their ego, Power, the defending league champions, managed to pick up the pieces. They have gone on a winning streak that has paradoxically won them more doubters than approvers.

During the first two quarters of last weekend’s match between Power and KIU Titans, the doubters were vindicated. Power chased shadows, and it wasn’t until the end of third quarter that the defending champions closed the 13-point margin. This was great news in itself, but the fact that Joseph Ikong only managed two points throughout the match soured things. Power used Richard Balemwa’s 13 points and new recruit Jimmy Enabu’s 11 points to turn around things.

Speaking of Jimmy Enabu, had Power not had the assistance of this shooting guard Jimmy, the game would well have slipped out of the defending champions’ reach.
The duo Jimmy and Emma Enabu seems to be making quite a name for the team. Many pundits reckoned the two star players would take awhile to fit into the team. None imagined they would soon carry the team on their own shoulders so soon.

By the fact that Power won, they might have less to worry about. Many critics have, however, reduced this to papering over the cracks. Big egos look set to hurt the club. Undoubtedly, this team made up of some of the league’s finest has now more than ever started to let the fame go to its head.

Whether it is because of the lack of organisation or the need to be on the score sheet, Power’s prowess has definitely wavered. The only team that managed to capitalise on this was Warriors, but many won’t be surprised if the 7up Falcons also manage to get one up on Power next Friday.