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Whereas the champions cruised in most of the games, the tactician believes some players are still struggling to find their footing in the season, something that must be addressed going into the business end of the season.
City Oilers ended the first round of the National Basketball League season with a clean 11-0 run and on top of the table.
The eight-time champions blew away every other side in the division to send a clear message that they are in it to win a ninth straight championship.
And yet head coach Mandy Juruni believes his side still has a lot of boxes to tick as they prepare for the second half of the regular season.
“Well, in terms of wins and losses, we did ok, but in terms of playing better games, we need to improve a lot,” Juruni told Pulse Sports after the team’s training session Monday evening.
15:54 - 01.06.2023
BASKETBALL First round end shows City Oilers are still the real deal
The big question which remains unanswered, however, is who will stop City Oilers and when?
“There are so many things we didn’t do right in the first round that we have to do better,” he added.
Whereas the champions cruised in most of the games, the tactician believes some players are still struggling to find their footing in the season, something that must be addressed going into the business end of the season.
“We need to get some guys going as well. A lot of players were struggling to play at their usual level.”
Players like Titus Lual, Fayed Baale and Michael Ngut all looked comfortable in the Oilers’ jersey despite joining the club this season.
But seasoned campaigners like James Okello, Jimmy Enabu and Tonny Drileba are yet to play at their best this season.
Lual was the most efficient player in the league, while Ruai Luak came second on the top scorers’ charts.
“Our performance was good and bad.
“In some games, we really looked good, playing good basketball and playing together, and in some games, we were the opposite.
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18:44 - 02.06.2023
BASKETBALL National Basketball League top performers from the first round
Peter Cheng is the division's leading scorer, having scored 214 points in total. He averaged 19.5 points per game as the Blazers ended the round with an 8-3 record and in third place.
“We lacked consistency.”
Second round will be better
KIU Titans and Namuwongo Blazers are the two teams leading the chasing pack with 9-2 and 8-3 records, respectively.
The two and UCU Canons are the teams expected to put up any sort of challenge to stop the Oilers from cruising to a ninth straight championship.
Whether they are good enough for the task, only time will tell.
“The rest of the teams were still finding themselves, but I think some have improved and will continue getting better.
“Second round should be a lot better than the first round.”
With the mid-season transfer window open until June 20, teams will be expected to beef up ahead of the second round.
And the task for the other ten teams remains the same, ending the Oilers’ dominance.
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