FUBA LEAGUE
Today at YMCA
Men’s Div 1:
Power v Miracle, 8.30pm
Women: UCU v A1, 6.30pm
HE was the man-of-the-match in Power’s most important game last season. Today, at YMCA, he will be the main nemesis as the 2010 FUBA men champions begin their title defence in the top division of the national basketball league against the Miracle Eagles.
The legend of Norman Blick goes on. Exactly 77 days today after he dropped a game-high 22 points on the Kyambogo Warriors in Game 7 of the 2010 finals as Power won their fourth FUBA crown, he will be in a rival camp.
Power have been hurt by Blick’s departure and even tried to lure him back in recent days. Some reports indicated that the versatile guard had developed doubts about the move that will see him play alongside fellow superstar Stephen Omony.
Ultimately, the failure to get him back to the Power fold will only add to kettle of emotions boiling over today’s fixture.
Power talisman Isaac Afidra says there are no hurt feelings.
“Life goes on,” Afidra stated. “Power is a team, we are not about individuals,” he added.
Not that Miracle will mind. With Blick and Omony, the Eagles believe this is their year. Anything beneath a maiden playoff appearance will be considered failure and even if this is just the opening test, Miracle are expected to show intent.
In the ladies showdown, the Lady Canons are similarly expected to lay down the marker against A1 Challenge in the women’s opener.
The reigning champions take on the team they swept in last year’s finals, and with A1 having lost key pieces in the off-season, the Canons should continue to find joy against their rivals.
The Mukono university side starts the season as title favourites, A1 as an unknown quantity in terms of playing staff. This contest will offer more light.