Undoubtedly, Division I is the most competitive league in Uganda (with all due respect). This is mostly because the rift that divides teams in terms of organization, finances, and skills is almost non existent. With such monolithic competition, the margin between losing games or winning them always comes down to how intricately detailed players are and of course the tactics.
Earlier today in a conversation with a friend of mine, he drew my attention especially from a place of experience (having played this season in Division I), about what i felt my All Division I First Team starting five would be. And here I am jumping on the privilege to share my Division One All First Team.
Starters:
1.Opiyo Brian – UPDF Tomahawks
Opiyo Brian’s game has grown tremendously from his Gulu Hawks days, the pointguard / shooting guard has been been crucial for Tomahawks championship quest. His ability to defend has equally grown. I would definitely fancy having a scoring and defensive guard on the floor.
2.Colin Mukiza – Knight Riders
Colin Mukiza is a killer. Every team needs such a prolific shooter with the ability to create his own shots. He is definitely a starter because of his ability to stretch the floor. With defenders worried about Mukiza’s 3-ball, there’ll be open lanes allover the floor.
3.Wafula Bbossa – Gulu Hawks
Very few players in Division I can match Wafula’s skill set, calmness, strength and explosiveness. Many times this season, he seemed like he was carrying all Gulu’s chances on his shoulders. A multi-dimensional player who can knock down 3s, very effective in the mid range and probably the best footwork and dazzling post moves for a small forward in Div I. Defensively, you just don’t want to be guarded by Bbosa!
4. Duallo Joshua – Tropical Royals
The lanky Power forward has been phenomenal this season. Not only is he of outstanding offensive arsenal but his tenacity as a shot blocker has made him a nightmare for his opponents. Joshua Duallo makes believe the bucket is closed for business.
5.Peter Cheng – Namuwongo Blazers
If you asked me which player in Division I is the worst nightmare to play against, without any shred of doubt, It’s the 6’10 Namuwongo Center Forward Peter Cheng. With all that length and athleticism, he is indeed the worst nightmare. At his height, he can dribble attack with both hands, shoots 3s, a good catcher on the blocks, a good passer and a monster on the boards. The Blazers wreck havoc when he is on the floor as smaller opponents try to go into double teams, the shooters go off. He is definitely top 2 and not number 2 if i were drafting.
Substitutes:
6. Vincent Yiki – Namuwongo Blazers
Yiki knows how to get buckets, he is one of those players who are natural scorers. Very effective in the quick offense and can’t forget to mention he has range.
7. Ainebyona Arthur – Old Tymers
Arthur represents one of those guards that can get you buckets in tough situations. Very good off the dribble shot (with it the ability to create for self) both behind the arc and in the mid range and one of the few players in Division One gifted with the ability to score in traffic.
8. Arafat Musa – Bushcourts
By far, Arafat is one of the quietly most skilled players in Division One. Very quick, decisive , a very good vertical and not wasteful a scorer. I’ve seen him pull off some of the slickest defense splits in Div One, the entirety of what he can do within a different structure is simply left to my imagination!
9. Felix Mukunzi- UPDF Tomahawks
Felix Mukunzi is what i’d call a human ‘shapeshifter’. He is that guy you call on to do anything, defensively and offensively – dirty or clean. He is vicious on the attack and would risk his body to get buckets – isn’t that what he does anyways? Every winning team needs a Felix Mukunzi, period.
10. Muhumuza Moses – UPDF Tomahawks
They call him ‘BigMoze’ for a reason. Probably the most consistent scoring Power Forward in Division One. Moze has mastered the art of using his body to create shots. Somehow, he manages to cope in fast paced games. If ever i needed sure buckets from the low block, i would look no further than Moze.
11. Sydney Chasimba – Nkumba Marines
Sydney Chasimba is another ‘shapeshifter’, the Small Forward / Power forward can play from position 1 through 5 and can equally guard from position 1 through 5. Very tenacious on the attack, an excellent defender and shooter both in the three-range and in the mid range and a very good passer.
12. Sam .G . Mayaka -Charging Rhinos.
Sam G is one of those Forwards with high basketball IQ. Offensively and defensively has the ability to read the floor, a good catcher on the blocks, a very good passer, an excellent rebounder and he compliments his post moves with the ability to shoot the mid range off the dribble attack. There’s always something about Forwards who have good court vision and passing skills, Sam G being a good communicator on the floor is an added bonus.
There you go folks. I know i got you thinking about which team could actually beat my All Division One First team. How about you share your team selection as a comment to this post or on our social media pages and we get this conversation going.
Always fun sharing!
Cucu Brian | Twitter: @cucubrian
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