Other articles you might enjoy

• CBA – Spring Showcase
• GUBL results and standings 2010
• Gauteng University Basketball League 2010

“ Basketball South Africa has been mandated by SASCOC to organise and select the National Team for the 2010 Zone Six Games that will be hosted by Swaziland from 09^th December 2010 until the 19^th December 2010 in Mbabane.As a Federation we have been unable to select the Team as we had initially planned due to our financial position, as an alternative and after lengthy deliberations by the Board of Basketball SA, it was resolved that we use the remaining players from the 2008 Under 20 National Team, add them with the 2008 Schools Under 17 National Team and Under National Team and use the 2009 Under 16 Team as addition to the Squad.

Attached is a Squad that was compliled using the above resolution. We are seeking your assistance as Provinces in getting hold of the kids and give the attached Bio Data Form to fill inn correctly, attached a copy of a valid Passport(certified) and a recent pasport photos(4).

These forms needs to be send back to the National Office on or before Wednesday the 26^th May 2010 close of business.”

Here are the two draft “teams”:

Article by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• Basketball SA cancels U18 IPT 2010
• GBA Goes Ahead with AGM on May 30th
• The Road to May 30th – Gauteng Basketball AGM 2010

Just looking at both teams, you would quickly see that Team300 were bulkier than the Vikings who were much taller in height. They were much stronger and played with high intensity throughout the game. The Canadian players were versatile and would interchange positions throughout the game, making it difficult for the defence to adjust.

In the second quarter, Vikings tried to get a run going but Team300 would respond in kind. But there were signs of Vikings finding their confidence and getting their offence going. It was a better contest in this quarter with both sets of players competing for every ball. Vikings were passing the ball better, getting good looks to the basket and stayed within touching distance of their opponents. HT: Team300 35 – 29 Vikings

The 3rd quarter was about full throttle for the Canadian visitors, they ran riot with increased ball pressure and fast break lay-ups. The “referees” (if that’s what you want to call them) decided to have an influence on this scrimmage with some very dodgy calls but that’s the trend throughout SA so why even mention it? The Vikings only scored 6 points in this quarter which shows an increased amount of pressure from their opponents and frustration. Q3: Team300 63 – 35 Vikings

Vikings made their best run in this quarter with increased intensity on both ends of the floor. They rattled Team300, forcing turnovers and tough shots but it was a case of too little too late for the home team. The big crowd in attendance was enjoying every dunk from the visitors and as soon as Vikings made a nice play their allegiance would change; it was interesting. The game was soured towards the end with the players on both sides venting their frustration at some of the calls being made. With about 2 minutes left, Team300 made a last push with increased defence and quick baskets. Q4: Team300 85 – 57 Vikings

Article by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• NBA to open offices in South Africa in 2010
• Update from Serbia 2009 World Student Games… (2)
• Referees in SA, is it crisis time?

Some of the interesting clashes in the preliminary rounds of the tournament included the game between Wanderers Scorpions vs. Soweto Raptors (Ladies) and TUT Limpopo vs. UJ (Men). Scorpions looked like a totally revamped team that can now challenge some of their more renowned opponents and they beat Raptors by 4 points with Emma Ledwaba doing the business down the line. In the men section, TUT Limpopo almost upset UJ with a close encounter that could have gone either way. Notable mentions must go to Jerry for the entertainment he provided with his dunks over some of the UJ boys and the fact that his team was playing without a coach speaks volume for their dedication.In the men’s semi finals, Egoli came face to face with UJ and in another close encounter they beat their younger opponents by 2 points. In a game that was dominated by the 3 point shot, Thabo Letsebe and Lucky Loate carried the torch for UJ while Egoli had Sifiso Ngcobo, Tsakani Ngobeni and Quintin Denyssen playing the controlled game throughout. Final score: Egoli 70 – 68 UJ

In the other semi final, VUT made easy work of their Swazi opponents the Jazz. They had a 26 point lead with one minute left in the 2^nd quarter and coach Flosch was already using his bench. VUT played man on man the whole tournament and against a team with a decent point guard they quickly shut down that threat. Final score: VUT 59 – 29 Jazz

On the final day of the tournament, spectators were treated to some drama and wonderful basketball. There was the impossible comeback from VUT ladies to win the game against UJ ladies after being 15 points down then there was the blowout by VUT over their more experienced Egoli opponents in what was almost like a passing of the torch from the older generation to the upcoming stars.

The ladies final was a one sided affair until the 4^th quarter with everyone in the stands thinking it was a foregone conclusion with UJ in the lead for most of the game. That was until Requelh Molema (VUT 9) decided that enough was enough and she decided to take the game over by capitalizing on some complacent defending from UJ. With a lot of new faces trying to gel as a unit for UJ, the coach Mandla was using this tournament as a way to get his charges ready for the USSA qualifiers. UJ must look at themselves to figure out how they lost this game because they had enough opportunities to put this one to bed. Even with 49.6 seconds left they were leading by 3 points but they still couldn’t close it out. Requelh made a basket and then fouled out. With 10.8 seconds left, UJ had a one point lead but missed the chance to extend their lead by not converting 2 FT. And they were made to pay as in their next possession VUT 8 made them pay for some slack defending by converting a second chance opportunity and making a layup to win the game for VUT. Final score: VUT 67 – 66 UJ

In another titanic battle between Egoli Magic and VUT, the men final began with energy and excitement that had Wits Hall 29 packed with an expecting crowd. Quarter one and two belonged to Egoli but after that they began to fall to piece literally and figuratively. For Egoli, the first half was about the “Silent killer” Tsakane doing the damage on the floor with some good offense and defense. At half time, Egoli were up by 9 points but they knew it was far from over.

As always VUT was playing man on man in what had been the theme for the tournament. And the plan to get Egoli tired worked as they couldn’t keep up with the uptempo of their younger upstarts.  VUT came out like a house on fire with 6 points from Egoli turnovers and at the end of the quarter they were up by 2 points having overturned the deficit. At the end of Q3 the score was 45 – 43 to VUT. Then the wheels came off for Egoli, they were blown away by a much younger, fitter and hungrier group of players. VUT players ran ragged with dunks, And1 tricks and blocks galore in a statement that had everyone take notice. The fact that Egoli only scored 6 points in the final quarter speaks volume about VUT’s defence and the moral of the Egoli players in the last quarter. The final score: VUT 78 – 49 Egoli.

All in all it was one of the best Ashraf tournament and a great occasion to honour a player that had basketball pumping through his veins. His family must have appreciated the gesture even more.

Article by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• USSA 2009 Final
• USSA 2009 Semi-finals
• USSA 2009 day 3

Date: 02^nd to 05th April 2010

Venue: Mamelodi Beer Hall (Pretoria)

Time: 10h00Accommodation

• Rooms for accommodations will be provided (remember to bring your own blankets)

Registration information

• 02 April 2010- Registration – 09h00 to 10h00
• Games start at 10h00.

Registrations (per team)

.:. Senior Teams = R 400.00 (males)

.:. Senior Teams = R 300.00 (Females)

.:. Junior Teams – U/18′s = R 300.00 (Boys)

.:. Junior Teams – U/16 = R 250.00 (Boys & Girls)

Winning Prizes

• Seniors 1⁵¹ position Men ( R 3500.00)

Senior 2nd position (R 500.00)

• Seniors 1⁵¹ position woman  (R 1500.00)
• Seniors 2^nd position (R400.00)
• Juniors U/18′s Boys (R 1500.00)

Juniors U/18′s Boys (R500)

• Junior U/16′s (Boys & Girls) (Gold medals)

Junior U/16′s (Boys & Girls) (Silver medals)

For further information please contact:

Sipho Mabeka – 073 160 7820

Bernard Masemola – 073 165 6750

Information provided by Tertius Phetla

Other articles you might enjoy

• St Mary’s DSG Basketball Play-Offs
• Pretoria High School League results 2010
• Tuks Basketball Junior Camp

The basketball games began started at 08h30 with the 2nd teams; both University of Pretoria teams (women and men) won, setting the high standard for the senior teams.At 12h30, the 1st team ladies game started. Due to time constraint, the games were 20min halves, running time thus teams had to play hard and smart from the beginning as the recovery time was little. The first half Tuks ladies dominated as they played their usual game of good defence while UJ played their game of good offense.  With many of the old UJ players gone most people thought that the game belonged to UP but that was in vain. In the second half Tuks ladies looked out of shape as most walked occasionaly back on defence. When the Tuks defence cracked UJ just kept scoring 3-pointer after 3pointer giving them a very confortable lead. In the end UJ won 51-30.

At 13h30 men 1st team game began. Both sides looked determined and hungry for the victory. Both sides had a lot of new players and from the warm up it looked like it would be an interesting game.
The score was head to head for the first half. Tuks men, as the underdogs stepped up to the plate played a good game of basketball. In the 2nd half and Tuks men looked like a different team as they slowly lost the game and UJ dominating. In the end the pressure was too much for the Pretoria team and UJ won 58-40.

In the summary. UP dominated the 2nd teams games but the 1st teams could not meet the standards set. So the 2010 intervarsity bragging rights go to UJ.

Article by Vee and edited by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• USSA GAUTENG VALENTINES WELCOME TOURNAMENT.
• Tuks Basketball Junior Camp
• Bees just another fairy tale story

TIP OFF: The first half of the NBA season has been nothing short of a soapie; with Iverson headlining it by taking a leave of absence and then retiring and then returning to Philly.  Gilbert Arenas and his gun issues has been somewhat disappointing for some of us who were looking forward to seeing him play after a long lay off due to injury.  But the drama off court is nothing compared to some of the heroics displayed by some veterans and young superstars on the hardwood.  Guys such as Zach Randolph, David Lee, Monta Ellis, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Aaron Brooks and a few others have done a great job in keeping their teams in a great light.  Certain names still remain prime while others are moving into the right direction, we cannot deny the growth of Kevin Durant.  I remember watching him play at Texas and 2 games that come to mind are when he played against Texas A&M and another against Oklahoma State; it was clear from then that this is a future scoring champion in the league.  He didn’t get the NCAA championship, but the player of the year accolade was much deserved.

I’m certain that it didn’t come as no surprise when DWade was handpicked by Mike to be part of the Jordan family; I’m looking forward to see him launch the Jordan 25 during All Star weekend. He’s had his ups and downs this season, but I still maintain that this season is his best chance to get the MVP award.  Somebody else that I’m forecasting for the MVP award is Carmelo. He is currently the league’s scoring leader and even though his season has been plagued by injury, I think his return is gong to motivate his team further as they just beat my Lakers behind an inspired game by Chauncey Billups. Joe Johnson and the Hawks have had a great season, carrying some good momentum from last year’s playoff run.  Ask the Celtics, things ain’t easy in Atlanta no more, the pack 1 of the leagues more entertaining attacks and it’s great to see Jamal Crawford embracing his role and looking like the 6^th man of the year.  I was disappointed to see Hedo leave Orlando, but I think that the Magic are still looking good enough to have a good run well into the playoffs.

A lot of people had anticipated a great final last year between the Lakers and the Cavaliers; some Magic happened and the Cavs vanished somewhere on the way.  While some people are still talking about why Lebron turned his back and didn’t shake anybody’s hand, young man is back and looking much more lethal.  Apart from their signings in the off-season, you cannot deny that nobody can match up to his size, play and athleticism on court.  The Cavs currently own the best record and a winning streak of 13 games going into the break.  Meanwhile, my boy Kobe is currently nursing a broken finger and a sprained ankle; to a lot of people surprise, the Lakers just pulled 2 great wins behind the inspired play of Pau Gasol and Lamar kardashian.  I’m very sad to see Kobe missing the All Star game, but I think that this is a well deserved break for him.  I know that his and Bynum’s return is going to charge the team to a repeat.

MAIN COURSE:  It’s All Star Weekend.  I got my pvr almost ready; I have to delete a couple of old games to make way for the festivities.  Its already confirmed that Allen Iverson (not like I’m surprised) and Kobe Bryant won’t be playing, so we know that the East is going to Win.  The main part that we have to guess is who will take the MVP honors; will it be LeBron, to increase his tally, or DWade in honor of the Jordan XXV, or might anybody else just come in and sneak past them?  Kevin Durant set a points record in last year’s rookie challenge.  Can Brandon Jennings come in and kill the assists record?  Will Tyreke Evans steal the show like he did back in High School’s McDonalds All American? I hope that Derrick Rose heals and is able to play, it would be interesting to see him go against Tyreke for bragging rights as the better Memphis Tigers Alum.  I’m looking forward to see Shannon Brown in the dunk contest, if you’ve seen him play in college; you know that he packs some crazy hops. I know Gerald Wallace can up, lets see what he’s got for the contest. I feel sorry for the guys whose wives and girlfriends have already been complaining about? this basketball of yours?, if you gonna book a romantic get away for 2, please make sure that the resort has ESPN.  Either that or have my number with you for updates.

DESSERT: I think that the secret to the Nets turnaround is if they quickly bid for Maya Moore of the lady Huskies.  She’s already led the UConn ladies to a win streak of 63 games.  Perhaps she can turn their Ls to Ws, or maybe increase the attendance.  CONGRATULATIONS to the New Orleans Saints for winning the Superbowl, certain people are still not talking to me because I WAS RIGHT.

You already know who it is.

Get Familiar, It’s your Boi

Juice-The Mogul

Other articles you might enjoy

• Cabby’s NBA experience – part 2
• Cabby’s NBA experience – part 1
• Hop on the Basketball Roller coaster ride

Women

1.       Dumisani Chauke             -              E. Cape

2.       Nosipho Njokweni          -              E. Cape

3.       Thobela Gatywa               -              E. Cape4.       Siphokazi Hess                  -              E. Cape

5.       Philadelphia Khoabane  -              Free State

6.       Tsebo Mahlope                -              Free State

7.       Monalisa Maphumulo    -              KZN

8.       Silindile Shange                 -              KZN

9.       Emmerentia Ledwaba    -              Limpopo

10.   Phuti Mosehlana              -              Limpopo

11.   Requelh Molema             -              Limpopo

12.   Kelello Tswai                      -              Limpopo

13.   Veranique Samuels         -              W. Cape

Men

1.       Cyril Shabalala                   -              KZN

2.       Nhlanhla Dlamini              -              KZN

3.       Christopher Fynne          -              KZN

4.       Lindokuhle Sibankulu     -              KZN

5.       Christian Mdeltshe          -              KZN

6.       Fumani Marhanele          -              Limpopo

7.       Nakedi Maputla                -              Limpopo

8.       Wisani Chauke                  -              Limpopo

9.       Jerry Manyubele              -              Limpopo

10.   Mlungisi Shongwe           -              Mapumalanga

11.   Tutu Gama                          -              Mapumalanga

12.   Lucky Loate                        -              N. West

13.   Amogelang Keogatile     -              N. West

14.   Andre Du Plessis              -              W. Cape

Information supplied by Lunga Ntuli and edited by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• KZN and Limpopo rule the court at 2009 IPTs
• BSA national champs ’09 – day 2 update
• BSA national champs ’09 – day 1 update

The KZN men’s team won this tournament after battling it out with Limpopo in the finals that was packed at the Varsity by 64- 55.  At first it seemed as if the home team was going to lose this match as at some stage Limpopo were trailing by 31-29 end of the first half.  But with the KZN boys fully understanding that leading doesn’t mean you have won and that it not about how you start that matters but how you finish, this saw them coming back in hot form to clinch this victory.It was the experience of the KZN coach Dennis Wucherer, who is a former assistant coach of the German team, revealed it’s self during this tournament.

In the third position, North West surprised everybody as they have improved a lot during this year despite the fact that they were regarded as under dogs of this tournament.  North West took position three after thrashing Western Cape by 63-48.  This goes to show the high standard of these games and the level of commitment that each and every team has putted during these games.

In the Ladies category, Limpopo walked all over Eastern Cape in the finals by trashing them, 79-48.   If there is one team that came prepared to this tournament it was Limpopo as both their men’s and women’s teams reached the finals.  The home team KZN was never going to give up without registering their name in the top three teams that tested glory.  KZN took the third position after beating Free State by 57-41.   80% of the KZN players came to this tournament after being involved with the Provincial government games which had taken place in Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal before the start of the tournament.

This meant that these players didn’t get time to rest as they arrived in Durban on Tuesday and the next thing they were on the court playing.  One player can be a crucial ingredient of a team but one player can not make a team, it was the same for Silindle Shange, who inspired the home team to get this far as she was also awarded as the All-star player.

Despite that it was disappointing to see the reigning champions of 2008, Gauteng not participating in this year’s event as they were expected to defend their trophy.  It was also a bit strange to see the decision that was made by Basketball South Africa when they decided who should get the award for the most organized team, while they were not part of tournament and only came in on the last day.  Despite all this the tournament still went well and players displayed lots of talent and skills with the ball.

At the end of the tournament a National Squad was selected for both the Men’s and Women’s team.

President of KZN Basketball Association, Sanele Mthiyane wished all his acknowledgment to the sponsors the people who supported to make this event a success.

“Our teams really performed as expected.  With the minimum amount of time we had to prepare, we are proud of the results.  The women’s team has shown a good improvement from 2006 where they were placed position eight, last year they came out number five and so, to get a bronze medal from the team that had majority of players who had just finished participating in the Government games must be applauded.  Overall I want to thank the participants, the coach who have putted so much effort and not to forget our partners eThekwini Municipality department of Sport and Recreation, DSTV, KZN Academy of Sport and DSR for their support,” said Mthiyane.

Article by Lunga Ntuli and edited by Victor Shakineza

Other articles you might enjoy

• SA national team selected at ’09 IPTs
• BSA national champs ’09 – day 2 update
• BSA national champs ’09 – day 1 update