USIU Tigers’ coach David Maina is eyeing a spot in the semifinals of the Kenya National Basketball Men’s Premier League (KNBL) this season, raising the team’s ambitions beyond just making the playoffs.
Maina, known for his calm demeanor, believes his team is capable of surprising the league’s top contenders and has calculated their path to the playoffs, expecting to land either the fifth or sixth seed.
“Our goal has evolved; we’re now aiming for the semis. The team is full of youthful vigor, and I’m confident we can make a strong push,” Maina commented.
Currently, the Tigers have a record of eight wins and five losses from 13 games, positioning them third in the standings with 21 points, trailing the leading Nairobi City Thunder by seven points. After a recent defeat to City Thunder, the Tigers are preparing to bounce back in their upcoming game against Umoja at the Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.
In another development, Equity Dumas’ coach Carrey Odhiambo is encouraging his team to maintain a positive mindset and strong teamwork after their convincing victory over Umoja.
“The right attitude is crucial at this juncture. A positive approach to our endeavors is what we need to focus on for future success,” Odhiambo emphasized, highlighting the importance of intangible qualities like hard work and punctuality in the quest for a championship.
Odhiambo praised his team for rectifying their earlier defeat to Umoja and stressed the need for continuous improvement as the postseason approaches. “We’ve shown efficiency and effectiveness, but there’s room for growth, particularly in our rebounding, which we’ll be looking to enhance,” he added.
The Dumas are currently second in the league with 23 points from 14 games, having secured nine victories and suffered five losses. They are poised to refine their play as they gear up for the playoff battles ahead.
