The much awaited National Basketball League play offs are here, and teams will be in vying to dethrone City Oilers and UCU Lady Canons in the Men and Women categories, respectively – The pair will on the other hand, be fighting to defend their titles.
This year, the play offs come bigger and better than ever before, if we are to go with what the Federation (FUBA) officials revealed to journalists in a press briefing held on Thursday at UOC offices in Lugogo.
It was revealed that Sprite joins Tusker Lite on board as sponsors for playoffs.
“Sprite comes on board with Prizes in form of Flat TV Screens that are to be won by fans and outstanding performers in the playoffs,” said FUBA’s Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations Grace Kwizera. He added that the prizes will be given out throughout the playoffs series.
The quarter finals are going to be played on a best of three series, the semis will be played on the best of five and finals will be played on the best of seven series.
Betway Power, City Oilers, KIU Titans, Pemba Warriors, JKL Dolphins, UCU Canons, Sharing Youth and Ndejje Angels are the eight teams to compete in this year’s playoffs (Men).
In the ladies category, the teams include: JKL Lady Dolphins, KCCA Leopards, UCU Lady Canons, A1 Challenge, Nkumba Lady Marines, KIU Rangers, Angels, UMU Ravens.
It should be noted that Charging Rhino and UPDF Tomahawks were relegated from the Men’s top flight division. KCCA Panthers and Our Saviour didn’t finish in the playoff spots.
Magic Stomers and Javon Ladies were the relegated sides to lower divisions, after finishing at the league bottom (Women)
FUBA Hints On ‘Cleaning Dirt’
Poor officiating made headlines in the concluded regular season. Many team officials, players and fans alike always showed their discontent on the way the umpires (Referees) handled the games.
However, FUBA President Ambrose Tashobya told this website that some changes have been made to address those issues at hand.
In his own words, he stated: “We held a referee refresher course recently ahead if the play offs so as our umpires gain more skills needed.” He also added that during the finals, three officials instead of the usual two, will be used to officiate the games.
The President also noted that all teams have cleared with the Federation as far as their Hepatitis B cards issues are concerned, an issue that saw some of the clubs denied to play their playoff games last year.
It should be noted all this year’s games are to be played at Lugogo’s Indoor Arena with some games scheduled to be played on Monday and Tuesday, like never before. Throwing some light on that, the President commented that the move is intended to see that the league is concluded as early as possible so as it doesn’t interfere with some of other Basketball engagements which may include the Inter Regional Championship and National team games among others.
Here is the Play Offs Bracket in Full
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