Muslim Basketball

Chemistry and rhythm are probably the two most accurate words to describe the Islamabad season. Congratulations to Omar Abbassi for another unbelievable season this far into his career! Highs in both points and rebounds, 4 assists per game as a center, and just tremendous IQ dictating what happens on the court. Hi team had a great season, but going forward, where is the chemistry after playing just once (and losing in a shorthanded affair) in what feels like 2 months. Will they be able to pickup where they left off?

Jakarta had their way in the first half, but man does Islamabad just grind you out. Shareef gave Omar Abbassi all he could handle, but he and the rest of Jakarta just could not keep fighting. They played a shorthanded Jakarta squad, but they themselves were missing a key piece in Bilal. They aren’t losing another game this season.

Didn’t blow it open early, but the consistency of their style of play and efficiency prevailed, grabbing a 25 point win. It’s very impressive watching them - they make their opponents look helpless. Kabul had zero chance to win this game, even when the score was within single digits. Omar Abbassi had what he diagnosed as his worse game of the season, yet the team did not stutter - his tangible double double impact and his intangible leadership, court management, spacing, and overall IQ is so so valuable to this team. Even when shots don’t fall, they look somewhat sloppy, or other teams are finding ways to score, there is never any let up and their substantial point differential confirms that - they dominate even when it looks like they shouldn’t.

What a difference Omar Abbassi makes. They looked significantly more in sync, played seamless defense, and owned the glass. Palermo isn’t a good team, but doubling up any team is a testament of intensity and focus. Abdul hadn’t scored less than 25 all season, and Islamabad held him to 17 - it was an impressive five man effort that got it done. Offensively, it was pedal to the medal for 40 minutes. Big O should be the frontrunner for the MVP because he makes good players great and plays at an unbelievably high level in every aspect of the game.

Omar Abbassi’s MVP candidacy may have strengthened in his absence. His impact is not fully captured on the stat sheet, but if you watched Islamabad with and without him, he is the key to the smoothness of their offense. Nobody on the team had scored 20+ in their first four games, Fursan drops 22 in Omar’s absence, but the offense did not run the way it normally does. They even had a season low of 8 assists in his absence, 5 less than their 13 assist per game average. They also shot a season low of 30%, while their previous season low was 40%. Beyond making a case for Omar’s MVP candidacy, they are a significantly better and more complete team while he is on the floor.

Made minced meat of suba in the first half. The overall offensive execution, unselfishness, and efficiency makes it very difficult to stop them. This wasn't their best offensive performance, but they box out and rebound very well, defend as a cohesive unit, and play at a very consistent level. They won't have a Player of The Week, they won't have an MVP, but they all play at a very high level, consistently, and efficiently. They spread the ball and attack at every angle - this makes them very difficult to defend.

The efficiency and ball movement of their offense is a thing of beauty. The chemistry and understanding where everyone is comfortable with the ball makes their offense click. Solid defensive team, but they’ll win games by taking and making better shots than their opponents. Have not shot the ball well from beyond the arc, that’s where Bilal and Fursan need to find a way to make defenses respect the team’s full offensive arsenal and un-crowd the interior.

This is not a rush to judgement just because they beat the top team. Dhaka was shorthanded, no doubt about it. Islamabad has won two games to start their seasons against two of the top and most consistent teams in the league. Additionally, they have guys that are experienced and are willing to take on any challenge that faces them. Omar Abbassi is now 4 years removed from his last championship, and you want to question whether or not he wants it? When I look at this team, I see hunger, more hunger than in any other team. They are talented, maybe not the most talented, they are great, but maybe not the best in a seven game series, but man, that hunger, that desire to win puts them on the top of these rankings. Islamabad is 2-0 with arguably their best player struggling, when Bilal gets going, he’ll find himself as the catalyst of a team that desires nothing besides a championship.

Was not the prettiest performance, but assisting on 18 of 21 field goals is impressive. Considering that more than half the team is related, the chemistry is evident. All 4 of the Abbassis have the ability to carry a team – combine them and this should look more and more like a well oiled machine as the weeks go on. Additionally, they stifled a very solid Istanbul squad – that is noteworthy.