Muslim Basketball

After last week's game, this felt like a must win. Going up against Lod, they figured out how to play a balanced game. They were rumors the team had some intense meetings and spent a lot of time looking in the mirror and reflecting on their mistakes. Nadeem stepped up big time, and Drew finally got some much needed help with Devo chipping in with 19 points and earning POTW honors. They finish the season vs Deir Yassin who blew them out in week 2. Will this be a revenge game? WIll they build on their success this week? When will AR return? So many questions....

The best of the worst in the league. That would be too kind in describing them right now. Injuries have definitely hurt them, but this team looks lost on the court. Ismail went out, Devo is in. Then AR goes out and they cannot rebound, defend, or score. If you can't do any of those things, then you should only show up to MALV on Monday nights for pickleball. This started out as a very promising season but has turned into a nightmare the last few weeks. They could easily be 1-6 if it wasn't for a couple of last minute wins vs Lod in week 3 and Sheikh Jarrah (when they were shorthanded). However, despite all of their issues, with Drew leading that team, and the possiblity of AR returning for the playoffs, they can get their groove back. Message for Farhad - stop making memes and figure out how to get the best from your bench. You'll need to rely heavily on them until AR can

So here's the current issue with Ramallah, they NEED Abdul-Rahman. Both games without him they've gotten smushed like a bug. AR has had some health issues this season and I just worry about his availability down the stretch. Drew had a Drew day today, with 24 points and 10 rebounds, but the role players on this team simply can't do enough to get wins without the engine of AR. I'm curious to see how this team figures this out down the line, cause I'm getting worried that this may be a massive issue. 

Ramallah continues to prove people wrong as they climb to 3 this week with a big win over Lod. Let me remind you that power rankings are a projection of future success, not standings. But I can honestly see them hovering around this 3-2 spot all season if they keep this up. They are what we thought they'd be, scrappy, smart, and grittier than sandpaper. They gutted this one out, a huge performance from POTW Drew M. who dropped 21 points and brought down 12 rebounds, his first huge performance of the season. One thing is for sure, having the minds of Farhad and AR on the team is doing wonders for this roster. Their strategy was strong, they closed out on shooters, they kept it close when they needed to, and they exploded at the end. Props to this team for an exciting performance in week 3. 

Alright here's where it might get a bit controversial. Ramallah ain't moving this week, I just can't justify it. No Abdul-Rahman, no Drew M., and no Omayr. I just can't say that after this weeks performance these guys suck. They took a rough loss this week to Dier Yassin but, I just saw a team that was missing their star players really. Bring Drew and AR into the mix and I think they had a great shot at winning. Big test coming this week with their matchup with Lod, who knows what a win there could do for them on the power rankings? Key contributions from Ismail K. and Saad K. who exploded for 18 this week, after a great POTW performance last week. 

Ramallah, congrats on the upset. #6 taking down #1 in convincing fashion was exciting. They played an efficient game, 47% from the field, paired with some great defense and above-average 3-point ability. This team is going to hang its hat on grit and defense. And they're tough, its not going to be easy for anyone to score on them, as they showed this week, holding Nazareth to only 41. They move up 2 spots this week, but only to the 4 spot as we think they still have much to prove in the weeks to come. Key contributions from Drew M. and Farhad M., of course, we also have to mention this week's POTW Saad K. who exploded for 16 on 80% from the field!!! I'll say one last thing here, we here the the power rankings team know Ramallah has felt slighted by the predictions so far. So here we are now, look above you, look below you, are you better than these teams? Go prove it then.

Farhad went all in with his first 2 picks, former MVP Drew Mohr is obviously the engine here. Drew is a great player, and maybe even more importantly a great leader. This will be a huge prove-it season for him though, as he will be leading a weak overall roster into the season. Abdul-Rahman Husain is also going to be trusted with a larger workload as he was picked 7th overall in the draft. I worry a lot about the depth here. Again, as mentioned earlier, only 8 players on a roster, everyone is going to get minutes, and I see some liabilities on the team. It'll be important for those guys to play to the best of their abilities, otherwise, I'm worried we're looking at a 1 man army here. How many wins can that top 3 will them to?