Muslim Basketball

Ali Omari put on his batman suit last night and took over this game. He led the way with 20 points on 70% from the field and was clamps on the defensive side of the ball. Despite not getting much from their guards, they came out on top after starting the game miserably. Still waiting on that infamous Shafic performance that everyone keeps raving about. 

No Ali, no problem... For Jerusalem, haha. All jokes aside, Kabul really did what they could to stay in it, and eventually, it got away from them in the second half. They brought along three guests who impacted the game in their own way, but none are any replacements for either Ali. Elias yet again has shown he can be a major part of this team, and Mo Dirty Mustafa continues to gather himself. Shafic has continued to test our patience with these passive results, but I'm sure that long-awaited game is right around the corner. Kabul is another case of, when this team is all present and healthy on the court, they're no pushover, so that's why they get the benefit of the doubt and stay atop the two 1-4 teams. Looks like we're headed for a great game vs Damascus next week, both teams are seemingly desperate for a revenge game.

No Ali, no problem…… For Sana’a. Sana’a had their way with this team from the jump. S/o to Elias for doing his part and stepping up in place of his injured captain. Shafic and Muhammad Mustafa combined for 28 points on 10-18 which is a great sign moving forward. Not having a true big is hurting this team as they are dead last in rebounds per game. I still want to see more out of Shafic as he has yet to give us that “WOW” game that we have all become accustomed to. 

Their guards showed out and can’t blame them for their efforts. Islamabad just didn’t miss. Ali and Shafic combined to go 11 for 24 from the field and Sadat had a nice game as well adding 13 points of his own. This was a tough matchup for them as they had no one to defend Zain. They need more from Elias who was drafted to be this team’s defacto big man. But since size isnt in their favor, their star backcourt has to BALL OUT! And I mean combine for 40-50 points. They might just need more if they have any hope of competing with Sana’a.

Overall not the greatest performance from their guards, but it got the job done. Their star backcourt combined for 35 points on 12 of 29 shooting from the field and each hit a pair of 3s. It was nice to see them get contributions from Ali Omari and Elias. With 4 consistent contributors and their guard play ranking among the league’s best, Kabul is a sleeper team to watch out for.

So close, but a valiant effort. Ali Hassan carried his squad with 32 points, as he and Elias were the only members in double figures. Quiet game from Shafic but he did defer to Ali more than I would have like to see. If Elias can complement their two star guards on a consistent basis, I’ll take back what I said about them not having anyone else that scares me.

Speaking of scary backcourts, Ali and Shafic are without a doubt going to a be a problem! Two guys who can both average 20 points per game and create for their teammates. My only concern is no one else on that team really strikes fear into me if I am game planning for them. I guess Lagos will have the privilege of informing us come Tuesday.