Muslim Basketball

They rolled past Akka pretty easily, and Daishon looks like he’s been on one lately. Not to mention Ronny having a breakout season and becoming the perfect second scoring option, all while having Mohamed Amin and Subhan. If they Daishon continues his high level of play, I can see a first chip for GM Abdurahmen Sakar. Prediction: Championship Contender. 

This was probably the most turbulent season for Nazareth, and they still finished 7-2. Shafic has been playing at a high level, racking up assist after assist. Not to mention Omar Mana being Omar Mana. Breakout of this team has been Amir Hassan, who had to step up with Elias missing. Predictions: Championship Contender. 

They were given a run for their money this past week, but they still finished as the third seed. Mattias is great for this team. He’s a free throw machine and not to mention, won the scoring title this season. Sami Butt has also come into his own, same with Omar Subhani. Prediction: Championship Hopeful/Semi Finalists. 

They lost this past week but still finished as one of the top seeds coming out a really competitive season. Ahmed Ismaeil constructed a great team, led by Arjun Petgrave and Zion Hammond. The x-factor here is Abdelrahman. He’s a baller, and if he can stay hot, I can see Sheikh Jarrah being unstoppable. Prediction: Semi Final Hopefuls. 

Isdud is a weird team because they’ve been missing their squad for most of the season. Having Anas taking a more present role this season, along with Mohamed Albana and Ammar Saymeh being the players they are, they can really shine when they need to. Prediction: Quarterfinalists. 

Areeha is a weird team because they have one of the best players in MB in Musa Yanes, but everyone else sort’ve struggles to find their roles. Theres an obvious lack of chemistry, and not playing up to everyone’s strengths. But when they get hot, they’ll stay hot. Key players here are Ehsan Popal and Sheff Doola. Prediction: Quarterfinalists. 

This team pushed Beit Jala till the last couple minutes, led by Omar Abbassi and Ibraheem Sharaf. Any given week, this team can turn up and beat whoever they need to. The player here to watch is Ahmed Kouar, who keeps possessions alive with his hustle. Prediction: Quarterfinalists/Semi Final Hopefuls. 

Husan Zakir has been playing at an elite level, especially with Abdul Popal missing. Humza Shah and Mohammad Bashir have also been contributors on this team. I have zero doubt in my mind that when this whole squad is there, and MP is feeling it, they’re one of the better teams in this league. Prediction: Quarterfinalists. 

Ending the season with three straight losses, Mahrooz Qaderi and Omar Singer look to lead this team this playoffs. Key factor here is Salman Ilyas, who came second this season in rebounds per game. Also if Ameer Koyas and Zia Siddiqui step up to the pressure. Prediction: First Round Exit/Upset Potential. 

Just when they found their footing, Marawan Elbaz gets hurt early on. A tough break for who I consider one of the best bigs in the league. Key players here are Mounssif and Alaa. Lowkey player to watch is Usama Ahmed, who we all know can light people up from three. But without Marawan, it’ll be tough. Prediction: First Round Exit. 

Their record is a bit inflated because of two forfeit wins, but with Omar Hadid playing great and Ryan Albana being the player he is, I can see them playing well if they want to. Prediction: First Round Exit. 

A team I absolutely know nothing about at the moment besides that Mairaj is leading them. They’ve added new players and I don’t know if Bronny and Bryce are coming back either. But Shayan Ahmed is definitely a key player if he does play, same with Mike Johnson. Prediction: Massive Upset Potential. 

We’ve gone at them all year for not using Messiah well and not playing up to his strengths. But they played well against Isdud, and if they keep up the same pressure as last week, there’s potential there. Prediction: Low Upset Potential/First Round Exit.

Another team I know nothing about because they’ve been changed so much, but they seem like they’re in better shape with this roster than the last. Omar Hussein is leading this squad, and Josh Alvarez and Jamall McDaniel look great. Not to mention they just beat Sheikh Jarrah. Prediction: High Upset Potential. 

While Elton has been playing great, the rest of the team hasn’t stepped up entirely just yet. They’ll be playing Nazareth again, when they almost beat them with only four players. Not to mention pushing Areeha to OT. Key Player here is Lindi Sela, if he’s on fire with Elton, Nazareth may fall. Prediction: First Round Exit/Slight Upset Potential.

This team definitely isn’t a winless team. They play well and just gave problems to Ramla. Kasey Ramsey’s been playing well and so has Ilyas Shabazz. These kids are quick, and move around the court with ease. Prediction: First Round Exit, but they’ll make it fun.