Traditionally, the male premier basketball league tips off around March and spans for about four to five months with each team playing a total of 14 games in regular season (7 home games and 7 away games). Last season, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) had to improvise as there were only 5 teams in the Atlantic Conference. This saw teams play the same opponent twice a week leading to a total of 16 games for the regular season for the affected Atlantic Conference teams. However, the NBBF is making a huge jump from previous years by announcing a total of 28 regular season games for the 2017 Season of the Premier Basketball League. There will be four rounds of action in regular season with each team playing against all the other teams in the conference in each round. At the end of the four rounds, each team would have played 2 home and 2 away games against every other team each respective conference. In the past few years, basketball stakeholders have expressed displeasure over the few number of games in the league arguing that it is not enough for the development of the players, the teams and the league as a whole. This move from the NBBF will be the first time in recent years that the teams will have a sizable number of games and the reaction from club representatives is as expected. "This is a good one. It is good for the players and teams. With the number of games, players now have enough time to understand themselves, master their plays and perform better. Teams can also properly for the season, come up with revenue generating ideas and increase fan attendance. The grand finale is in September which means the top two teams that will represent the country at the continental championship won't be rusty when its time for qualifiers" - Azeez Bello, Secretary of the Kwara State Basketball Association. In the news bit released by the Rivers Hoopers, the Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu also expressed his delight with new format. 'It is way better than what we had last season because we are playing more games, the more the games the better it is. By the time the players are getting into form, that's when they find out the games are over after playing 16 games in the regular season. But with 28 games, you have lots and lots of opportunity to correct all your wrongs that you may find. If it were to be more than that, it would have been better but we will make do with what we have right now' Not all teams pay their players all year round. A number of them pay only for the duration of the league. With this 2017 format, such players get to earn to little bit more. Making it to the Final Eight Playoffs gives them an additional month's pay including other allowances and match bonuses. Although, this is a good initiative, it can get better. What we would like to see is for games to be played across conferences. Teams from the Atlantic Conference need to travel to the Savannah to play teams there and vice versa. Not only will this increase the number of games to 30, it will also increase the competitiveness and fan experience. The Conference Six Playoffs and the Final Eight are played in Lagos. So the Savannah fans never get to see the Atlantic teams play and the Atlantic teams do not get the opportunity to host the Savannah teams in their home court. Coach Odaudu feels the same way; "I would have preferred more games like we had 8 or 9 years ago when the road trip was in existence where you have to go to the Savannah Conference and still play all the teams there. It would have been better if we had opportunity to face the teams in the Savannah Conference before the final. I am hoping they will work on it in the near future and the road trip will be reintroduced.' The 2017 calendar is as follows; Regular Season - April 13 to August 5 2017 All Star Weekend - June 17 2017 Conference Six Playoffs - August 14 to 18 2017 Final Eight - September 4 to 9 2017 Championship Game - September 9 2017. Courtesy of: bballnaija.com
Josh-Emmanuel Akognon selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games - 7 days ago
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We bring you last week's top performances from Nigerians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level. Giannis Antetokounmpo (211-G/F-94, agency: Octagon Europe) could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (44-38) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Milwaukee Bucks (44-38) lost 107-113 on the road to the Boston Celtics.
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JOSH-EMMANUEL AKOGNON
We bring you last week's top performances from Nigerians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.
#1. This week's number one is former international point guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton, currently plays in Spain). He could not help CB Canarias (14-14) in their last game. Despite Akognon's very good performance CB Canarias lost 88-92 on the road to the lower-ranked (#12) Gipuzkoa.
He was the top scorer with 22 points in 23 minutes on the court.
It was CB Canarias' third consecutive loss in a row.
This year Akognon averages: 9.4ppg, 2FGP: 55.6%, 3FGP: 39.3% in five games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.
Akognon played for the Nigerian senior national team two years ago.
#2. Second place goes to former international small forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (199-92, currently plays in Greece). He contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Kolossos HH (9-14) crushing them 87-63 in the Greek A1 in Saturday night's game.
Antetokounmpo scored 8 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks.
Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens (23-0) is placed first in the A1.
So far his team won all twenty three games in the Regular Season.
There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
Antetokounmpo's overall stats this season are: 8.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 2FGP: 65.7%(65-99) and FT: 64.7%.
He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Greek.
Antetokounmpo played for the Nigerian national team in 2016.
#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, agency: 3Eye, college: Wayne St., MI, currently plays in Italy). Lawal managed to help Scandone Avellino in a victory against the league outsider VL Pesaro (6-20) crushing them 103-81 in the Italian Serie A last Sunday.
He scored only 4 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 23 minutes.
Scandone Avellino (17-9) is placed fourth in the Serie A.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
It's Lawal's first season with the team.
This year Lawal's overall stats are: 4.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 45.0% and FT: 25.0% in five games.
He has both American and Nigerian nationalities.
Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball. Lawal played for the Nigerian national team two years ago.
#4. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu (206-90, college: Wake Forest, currently plays in NBA) was not able to help the Portland Trail Blazers (49-33) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance the Portland Trail Blazers (49-33) were badly defeated 119-102 in New Orleans by the Pelicans.
Aminu was the second best scorer with 21 points. He also added 8 rebounds.
Aminu has relatively good stats this season: 9.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1spg.
He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.
Despite Aminu played previously for the USA U19 national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.
#5. Former international forward Melvin Ejim (201-91, college: Iowa St., currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Astana (6-15) 90-75 in the VTB United League last Sunday.
Ejim scored 10 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists.
Unics Kazan (18-2) is placed second in the VTB United League.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
There are only three games left until the end of the VTB United League Regular Season. So now every game will be important.
Ejim's total stats this season are: 7.9ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.6apg.
He holds both Canadian and Nigerian passports.
Ejim used to play for the Nigerian national team
six years ago.
#6. Power forward Trevor Mbakwe (207-89, agency: Pensack Sports, college: Minnesota, currently plays in Italy) was not able to secure a victory for Fiat TO (12-14) in their last game. Despite his good performance Fiat TO was edged 67-65 at home by the higher-ranked (#6) Virtus Bologna.
Mbakwe scored 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line) in 24 minutes.
It was Fiat TO's sixth consecutive loss in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be extremely important.
This year Mbakwe has relatively solid stats: 12.9ppg and 7.5rpg in 21 games.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
Despite Mbakwe played previously for the USA university national team, he is also a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team two years ago.
#7. Former international swingman Stan Okoye (198-91, college: VMI, currently plays in Italy) led Openjobmetis VA to a victory against the 12th-ranked Grissin Bon RE (11-15) 80-73 in the Italian Serie A in Sunday night's game.
Okoye scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists.
Openjobmetis Varese (13-13) is placed eighth in the Serie A.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only four games left until the end of the Regular Season.
Okoye has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.5apg.
Okoye holds both American and Nigerian passports.
He used to play for the Nigerian national team
three years ago.
#8. Power forward Talib Zanna (206-90, also represented by 3Eye, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Israel) was the major contributor in an Ironi Nes-Ziona's victory against the fifth-ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (13-12) 92-75 in the Israeli Winner League last Thursday.
Zanna scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 29 minutes.
Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (10-15) is placed ninth in the Winner League.
Zanna has reliable stats this year: 13.7ppg, 8.4rpg and 1.4spg in 25 games.
He plays currently for the Nigerian national team.
#9. International guard Ike Nwamu (196-93, college: UNLV, currently plays in Greece) couldn't help Lavrio (13-10) in their game against PAOK (15-8) in the Greek A1. Despite his very good performance on Sunday night Nwamu scored 14 points.
There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season.
Nwamu's total stats this season are: 10.0ppg and 1.5rpg.
He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.
#10. Point guard Ben Uzoh (191-88, college: Tulsa, currently plays in Mexico) couldn't help Caballeros de Culiacan (4-3) in their game against Lobos UAD Mazatlan (2-6) in the Mexican CIBACOPA. Despite his very good performance last Tuesday He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Uzoh also added 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Uzoh averaged so far 14.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.7apg and 2.0spg.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
Uzoh is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.
#11. International guard Obi Emegano (190-93, college: ORU, currently plays in France) led SPO Rouen to a victory over the closely-ranked JA Vichy 101-92 in the French ProB (second division) last Friday.
Emegano was MVP of the game. He recorded 20 points and blocked 3 shots in 37 minutes.
Emegano has very impressive stats this year: 16.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg in 28 games.
He plays currently for the Nigerian national team.
#12. An experienced international guard Michael Efevberha (193-84, college: CS Northridge, currently plays in Lebanon) was the main contributor in a 2-point Beirut Club's victory against the leader Al Moutahed 85-83 in the Lebanese LBL in Sunday night's game.
Efevberha was the best player in that game. He recorded 28 points (!!!) and grabbed 6 rebounds in 37 minutes.
Efevberha has very impressive stats this year: 22.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.4apg and 1.8spg in 10 games.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
Efevberha is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.
#13. Former international power forward Suleiman Braimoh (203-89, college: Rice, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to Enisey's victory against the eighth-ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod 85-79 in the VTB United League last Sunday.
He scored 8 points, had 7 rebounds and dished 3 assists (went 6 for 6 at the free throw line).
Braimoh's total stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 6.3rpg and 1.2apg.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
Braimoh used to play for the Nigerian national team
two years ago.
#14. Former international center Solomon Alabi (216-88, college: Florida St., currently plays in Japan) contributed to Fukushima's victory against the sixth-ranked Iwate Big Bulls 86-81 in the Japanese B2 League in Sunday night's game.
Alabi recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting the same number of rebounds. He also added 2 blocks.
Alabi averaged so far 12.9ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5bpg.
He used to play for the Nigerian national team
back in 2013.
#15. Former international center Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (207-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in France) couldn't help Chalons-Reims in their game against Gravelines-Dunkerque in the French ProA, despite his good performance last Saturday.
Ibekwe recorded 10 points in 20 minutes.
But his team lost 83-97.
This year Ibekwe's total stats are: 7.1ppg and 3.9rpg in 14 games.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
Ibekwe used to play for the Nigerian national team
two years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:
#1.Giannis Antetokounmpo (211-G/F-94, agency: Octagon Europe, currently plays in NBA) could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (44-38) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Milwaukee Bucks (44-38) lost 107-113 on the road to the Boston Celtics.
Antetokounmpo had a double-double by scoring 35 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 7 assists and 3 steals in 45 minutes.
It's Antetokounmpo's fifth season with the team.
Antetokounmpo has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 27.0ppg, 10.1rpg, 4.9apg, 1.4bpg and 1.5spg in 77 games he played so far.
Antetokounmpo has a dual citizenship: Greek and Nigerian.
#2.Victor Oladipo (193-G-92, college: Indiana, currently plays in NBA) led Indiana Pacers to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32) 98-80 in the NBA last Sunday.
He was MVP of the game. Oladipo recorded 32 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
The Indiana Pacers have 48-33 record this season.
This year Oladipo has very high stats. He averages: 23.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.3apg and 2.4spg.
Oladipo is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.
#3.O.D. Anosike (203-F/C-91, agency: Alti Sport, college: Siena, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Real Betis (7-21) in their last game. Despite Anosike's very good performance the bottom-ranked Real Betis lost 96-101 at home to the higher-ranked (#14) Burgos.
He had a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 10 rebounds in 31 minutes.
It was Real Betis' third consecutive loss in a row.
This year Anosike has relatively solid stats: 10.4ppg and 5.8rpg in 28 games.
He has both American and Nigerian nationalities.
#4.Micheal Eric (210-C-88, college: Temple, currently plays in Turkey) was not able to secure a victory for Darussafaka (15-10) in their game against Demir IBB (8-17) in the Turkish BSL.
Eric recorded 8 points in 15 minutes.
Darussafaka was edged 77-75 in Buyukcekmece by the much lower-ranked (#13) Demir IBB.
This year Eric's total stats are: 8.8ppg and 5.8rpg in 25 games.
#5.Danny Agbelese (206-F/C-90, college: Hampton, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an overtime Gipuzkoa's victory against the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus (11-17) 107-99 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Sunday night.
He recorded 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 27 minutes.
Delteco Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (12-16) is placed 12th in the Liga Endesa.
This year Agbelese's total stats are: 7.0ppg and 3.6rpg in 27 games.
He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.
#6.Michael Fakuade (201-F-89, college: Ill.-Springfield, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Danny Agbelese and both played together in the last Spanish Liga Endesa game.
Fakuade contributed to an overtime Gipuzkoa's victory against the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus 107-99.
He recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Fakuade's total stats this season are: 6.1ppg and 3.4rpg.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
#7.Moses Kingsley (208-F-94, college: Arkansas, currently plays in Belgium) couldn't help Antwerp Giants in their game against Basic-Fit Brussels in the Belgian Euromillions League.
Kingsley scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
His team was defeated 81-66.
Kingsley's total stats this season are: 9.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2apg and 1.5bpg.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
#8.Olaniyi Akingkube (208-C, college: N.Carolina A&T, currently plays in Mexico) couldn't help Pioneros Los Mochis (2-6) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Pioneros Los Mochis was edged 85-82 in Tijuana by the leading Zonkeys.
Akingkube was the second best scorer with 20 points. He also added 8 rebounds in 37 minutes.
Akingkube has very impressive stats this year: 20.0ppg, 7.0rpg and 2.0apg in two games.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
#9. Experienced Alex Owumi (196-G-84, college: Alcorn St., currently plays in United Kingdom) contributed to Scorchers' victory against the tenth-ranked Plymouth Raiders 95-82 in the British BBL last Sunday.
Owumi recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in 29 minutes.
Owumi's stats this year are: 11.4ppg, 5.3rpg and 2.5apg in 28 games.
He holds both American and Nigerian passports.
#10.Weyinmi Rose (196-G/F-86, college: Providence, currently plays in Argentina) contributed to Atenas' victory against the 14th-ranked Comunicaciones 91-81 in the Argentinian LigaA on Saturday night.
Rose scored 13 points and added 3 assists.
Rose averaged so far 10.9ppg, 2.5rpg and 3.8apg.
He has Nigerian and Jamaican nationalities.
OLANIYI AKINGKUBE Pioneros de Los Mochis (CIBACOPA) agreed terms with American (has also Nigerian passport) center Olaniyi Akingkube (208-102kg, college: N.Carolina A&T). He just played at played at London Lightning in Canadian NBL. In 21 NBL Canada games he had 5.3ppg and 2.6rpg this season. The last summer Akingkube played at Denver-FAS San Salvador in Salvadorean Liga MB where in 27 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.2ppg, 13.3rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4bpg. A very spectacular season... [read more]
OLANIYI AKINGKUBE
Pioneros de Los Mochis (CIBACOPA) agreed terms with American (has also Nigerian passport) center Olaniyi Akingkube (208-102kg, college: N.Carolina A&T). He just played at played at London Lightning in Canadian NBL. In 21 NBL Canada games he had 5.3ppg and 2.6rpg this season. The last summer Akingkube played at Denver-FAS San Salvador in Salvadorean Liga MB where in 27 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.2ppg, 13.3rpg, 1.8apg and 1.4bpg. A very spectacular season in his career as he was named to Latinbasket.com All-El Salvador Liga Mayor Torneo Apertura Honorable Mention. He won El Salvador Liga Superior Clausura championship title in 2016. Akingkube has played previously professionally in El Salvador (San Marcos) and TRBL (Greensboro Cobras). He graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 2015 and it is his third season as a professional player.
IKE OKOYE Penarol Mar del Plata (LigaA) added to their roster 31-year old American (has also Nigerian passport) power forward Ike Okoye (206-86, college: Boise State). He just played at played at San Isidro in Argentinian TNA league. In 10 games he recorded very impressive stats: 20.5ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.5apg and 1.2bpg this season. Good year as he was named League Player of the Week. Okoye also played for Abejas in Mexican LNBP earlier that season where in 20 TNA games he averaged 13.6ppg, 7.1rpg [read more]
IKE OKOYE
Penarol Mar del Plata (LigaA) added to their roster 31-year old American (has also Nigerian passport) power forward Ike Okoye (206-86, college: Boise State). He just played at played at San Isidro in Argentinian TNA league. In 10 games he recorded very impressive stats: 20.5ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.5apg and 1.2bpg this season. Good year as he was named League Player of the Week. Okoye also played for Abejas in Mexican LNBP earlier that season where in 20 TNA games he averaged 13.6ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.2apg. Good season as he was named League Player of the Week. The other team Okoye played shortly was Al Karkh (Superleague) in Iraq. The list of the past achievements is quite long as among others he won Chilean Liga Saesa championship title in 2016. Okoye was also voted Latinbasket.com All-Chilean Liga Nacional Honorable Mention in 2016. He is quite experienced player. Thanks to Okoye's pro career he managed to play on four different continents (Europe, Asia, Latin America and of course North America) in eleven different countries. Okoye has played previously professionally in Estonia (TLU/Kalev), Finland, Germany, Holland, Poland (Stelmet Enea BC), Romania, Spain (Palencia Baloncesto and Sammic Iraurgi Saski Baloia), Uruguay (25 de Agosto), Argentina (Sport Club and Salta Basket), Chile (Deportivo Valdivia and CD Castro) and Bolivia (La Salle Tarija). He attended Boise State until 2010 and it is his eighth season as a professional player. The scouts decsribe him following way:
Ike is a triple threat post man - scorer. He can score with his back to the buck with good footwork. He can face up and shoot or face up and drive to the rim and finish. He is fast in transition and aggressive on rebounds especially defensive rebounds. Good court vision and goog basketball IQ. Great character on and off the court.
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