The Players’ Representa
tive on the Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Olumide Oyedeji, has said that the just-concluded 2013/2014 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Playoffs was one of the best in recent times.
Oyedeji made the assertion while reviewing the competition which was held in June in Lagos.
He said the inclusion of the All Stars game among the best 24 selected players of the championship for the first time further brought the entertainment to spectators.
Oyedeji, a former U.S.-based professional basketball player, said the introduction of the veteran’s game and the three points shoot out were part of the side attractions that made the championship more glamorous.
“We are happy about this edition, we wanted to bring something new to celebrate with our sponsors Zenith Bank for their 10 years unwavering support to the development of the game.
“We also wanted to add some more interesting aspects for the participants and the fans.
“The veterans’ game was important because we wanted to recognise those who have been a core part of the championship, hopefully, we will continue with this concept,” Oyedeji said.
First Bank of Lagos emerged the 2013/2014 champions.
A determined First Bank fought hard to overcome the former four-time champions, First Deepwater, 64-61 in their semi-final clash and began to believe that the championship could be theirs.
However, they still had to face high flying Dolphins Club of Lagos, 65-51 to finally clinch their sixth title having waited for four years.
Ironically, it was Dolphins who halted First Bank progress in their semi-final clash of the 2012/2013 edition which was later won by First Deepwater.
According to Scot Nnaji, the coach of the national female team, D’Tigress, First Bank, First Deepwater and Dolphins can be regarded as the elite teams of the competition.
“The likes of First Bank, First Deepwater and Dolphins are obviously the best teams in the championship.
“They have the best organisational structure and a very good culture of developing youths through basketball.
“They have also been in the forefront for many years and with their passion for the game they will always dominate the scene for many years to come,’’ Nnaji said.
However, Aderemi Adewunmi, First Bank coach, expressed satisfaction over his team’s performance.
He stressed that his team was the best team in the championship, adding that his side was well prepared for the championship psychologically and physically.
“We played well throughout the campaign and clearly deserved to win the trophy at the end.
“However, we still had to work hard all through and did not allow any complacency to set in until we were crowned champions.
“It is a great achievement for us winning our sixth title, because we have waited for five years to win this title, so it is precious to us,’’ Adewunmi said.