The NBL Finals kick off tonight at the Lugogo MTN Arena. Whether you were able to call it or not, It’s the Oilers in their seventh straight NBL finals since their inception into the NBL in 2013 of which they’ve won the last six straight; and for the second time since 2015, they’ll be challenged by the UCU Canons. On paper, It’s a repeat of the 2015 finals but technically, the dynamics are a lot different. I prefer to look at it as the Coaches Mandy Juruni (City Oilers) and Natuhereza Nicholas having a second go at it. There’s little doubt that these two are the best in the game in Uganda. Without specific reference to one or the other, this is a Greg Popovich versus Pat Riley sort of thing!
One unique similarity that both coaches have painted especially this season is their ability to use whatever resources available to them to achieve great things. Short-handed due to injuries, Juruni was able to deliver 9-man City Oilers to yet another NBL final. Similarly, under criticism for their inexperience, Natuhereza has been able to deliver the UCU Canons to yet another Final. Both teams with their respective limitations overcame such formidable opponents in the semi finals; with Oilers overcoming the Kyambogo Warriors and Canons, Betway Power.
Juruni boasts of the longest NBL Finals streak and rings by a coach in Uganda. Seven straight finals and seven straight championships since 2012. In 2012, Coach Juruni won it for the Warriors from where he was head hunted by the Oilers in 2013 when they were promoted to the NBL from Division One. Since then, from one challenger to the next, It’s been Juruni’s Oilers.
You can argue that Coach Nick hasn’t been so lucky at the Finals because his being a university program, players come and go which makes it hard to build super teams. But without any shred of doubt, in their six year reign, the closest the Oilers have come to losing their title was in 2015 against the Canons – a series that lasted the entire seven games.
I had a chance to ask coach Juruni a few questions post semi finals. I asked if he can ever get used to it now that he was into his eighth straight NBL Finals, he said;
“No, there’s no such thing as getting used to it. You see, every year is different with it’s own challenges. You set up goals at the beginning of the season and you only happy when you’re able to achieve them”
He spoke about how challenging this year has been for his City Oilers and how much they’ve suffered injuries right from the start. Juruni has all the regard for the chemistry, character and togetherness they have built as a team over the years as the X-factor in their ever forward pursuits.
“We know we are three men down so we have to keep playing together and for each other. When one man is down, the others have to pick up from there. That’s the mentality we have.” – Juruni.
I also asked him what he felt the nature of challenge UCU Canons will be and he said;
“UCU has played well through out this season, they have big bodies and length and they run the floor pretty well. It’s definitely going to be a big challenge but it’s all about preparation.”
The NBL Finals are a best of seven games series. Game one is always an important game as it sets the flow for the rest of series.
brian@basketball256.net | Twitter: @Cucubrian
Schedule:
JKL Lady Dolphins vs UCU Lady Canons | Game One | 6:30PM , MTN Arena
City Oilers vs UCU Canons | Game One | 8:30PM, MTN Arena
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