Muslim Basketball

Despite Gagan (10pts) getting teched out of the game, they held Tiberias down. Mohamed Eladl (8pts, 9reb) scored in the paint with ease, and not to mentioned Devin Bennett being a force down low, even if he didn’t score much. He was a clear difference maker here. 

Sami Shaban coaching this young squad to a win over another young team, not to mention finishing with 7 assists on the day. Kareem led this squad with 28pts, on 11-15 shooting while Iyaad looks like his old self right now, having 24pts. This was without Husan Zakir and Sabir, which should only elevate their squad more when they make their return. 

Walking into a 4v5 and walking out with a W. What a game by Anas (30pts, 13-24), who continues to control every aspect of the game. Not to mention the Mohamed Amin pick up, who continues to get double-doubles (15pts, 13reb) and Omar Abuattieh (16pts, 11reb, 5ast). If this squad had a full five, this game would’ve been a blowout. 

Only reason they were 7 last week is because I didn’t know how they’d look with the loss of Sheff Doola. They proved me wrong this week at least, with Musa Yanes and Ehsan Popal scoring 13 a piece and newcomer Todd having 12. They shot really efficiently, 46% from 3 will win you games. I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue playing. 

Mahrooz continues to lead this team, finishing with 11pts. They just couldn’t score even when Gagan teched out of the game. Not to mention going 0-16 from three. Despite a horrible, sloppy start to the season from the reigning champs, it was a close game. 

Mattias is back with a new supporting squad, finishing with 20pts on 7-13 shooting. He has a nice control of the game, and looks to be dishing the ball more this season than last. Luthfi made his MB debut with 16pts. Nablus has great players, yea, but they also have holes on their squad they need to patch up. 

A dominant win against a brand new team. Omar Hussein led this team with 28pts on 8-12 shooting—a really effective day. Ahmed Ismaeil finished with 13pts, while Aymen put in 10 himself. This is a team that I think can contend, and this was a game they needed to work out the kinks before they face tougher teams. 

A tough loss, but a good showing from Shaharia Shajib (10pts, 14reb), working the boards and the paint. Ibraheem finished with 11pts and Towfeek had 10pts before he went down with injury. Might’ve been a different game if he stayed in. Once Kasey comes back, I’m sure the W’s will come. 

A young, new Nazareth team which looks rough around the edges. Mohamed Adam had 13pts and Hussein Barahma had 10pts, 7reb. This is a team which I can tell will develop throughout the season, and behind Coach/Cap/GM Elias, they might win some quality games. 

Losing a 5v4 is never a good thing. Khalil Farraj led the squad with 12pts, but it’s obvious that there will be growing pains for this team. I expect better weeks from Usama, he’s a dead-eye and this young team will rely on him more. They look like they have talent, but getting the rookies up to game speed may take a game or two. 

A new team as well, but a last-min put together team at that. Their chemistry will need to improve for them to have a good season. 

I have nothing good to say at the moment. This is a new, young team. We’ll just have to see how they improve from here.