Titans Dominate All-Star Roster After Another Silver Finish
posted on Sept. 5, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Titans' exciting 2024 National Basketball League season ended on Wednesday evening with a 64-51 defeat to City Oilers in Game Four of the finals series played at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Despite a strong regular season and a memorable display in the playoffs, the Titans fell short in the finals series, losing 4-0 to the Oilers. However, there are plenty of positives to celebrate.
Two players, Joel Lukoji Banza and Pierre Kasereka Tembo, were selected for the season's All-Star Team, recognizing their outstanding individual performances.
Banza was named the best point guard of the season, while Tembo was recognized as the best shooting guard of the 2024 season.
This marks the second consecutive All-Star Team appearance for Banza, who is only in his second year with the KIU Titans.
The team showed significant improvement in defensive rebounding and three-point shooting throughout the season, which contributed to the Titans dominating the Team of the Season.
2024 NBL First Five:
Joel Lukoji Banza (KIU Titans)
Pierre Kasereka Tembo (KIU Titans)
Peter Cheng (Namuwongo Blazers)
Titus Lual (City Oilers)
Pauti Ozias Kikomba (Kampala Rockets)
MVP – Titus Lual (City Oilers)
Challenges
The biggest challenge the Titans faced this season was injuries to key players, which hindered the team's consistency and depth.
Apart from rookie Carlos Isabu, every KIU Titans player, including the coach, suffered at least one injury during the season, with Ahmed Kassa's injury being the worst, as the 22-year-old guard is still out of action.
Some of the injuries suffered were not basketball-related but still greatly affected the team's aspirations.
The Titans also struggled with turnovers and foul trouble in crucial games, especially in the finals, giving their opponents an advantage.
Finals Series Summary
KIU Titans lost 4-0 to the City Oilers, with an average margin of seven points per game. They lost Game One 70-61, Game Two 70-66, Game Three 72-70, and Game Four 64-51.
They struggled to contain the Oilers' high-powered offense, particularly with long-distance shooting and rebounding dominance.
Off-Season Objectives
The team will look to strengthen its depth through strategic retention, recruitment, and player development.
More emphasis will also be placed on improving ball handling and decision-making to reduce turnovers, as well as enhancing defensive strategies to outperform every other team in the league.
While the season ended in disappointment, the Titans showed promise and individual brilliance.
With a focused off-season and strategic improvements, the team can build towards a stronger, more competitive future.
Congratulations to Joel Lukoji Banza and Pierre Kasereka Tembo on their All-Star selections.
News Gallery
Event Activities
