Team IMG (Enugu) emerged winner in the inaugural edition of the Kassy Foundation Basketball Invitational Championship tagged “the eastern challenge” by defeating Anambra Academy 78-63 inside the Gymnasium Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium at the weekend.
The competition which witnessed over 70 players from 8 teams within Enugu and the Southeast region put up some high level of aggression, amazing intensity and scintillating basketball skills to the admiration and excitement of the fans, supporters and enthusiasts of the slam-and-dunk game.
Enroute to the final, the Enugu based side defeated Dragon Warriors, Coal City Miners, Esut Hawks and UNEC Ballers respectively to cart home the star prize of a whooping sum of #200, 000.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with sportszone.com.ng Correspondent, the organizer and Chief Executive of the Kassy Foundation, Eze Jacob Kasimobi, the primary target of the competition was to discover and nurture talented players from the region, while also appreciating every personality that plays a part in the success of the event.
Reflecting on whether the quality and standard of players and their teams can be better in subsequent championships, Former Basketball player and the current Enugu State Taekwondo Coach, Dennis Ani, stated that despite the paucity of funding, the teams gave a good account of themselves, calling on the authorities and relevant stakeholders to support the development and growth of sports in the region.
On his part, Captain Light Diala, was excited about the participation and overall performance of the competition, adding that they had to work extra to emerge victorious.
However, Anambra Academy and Dragon Warriors who were placed second and third position were rewarded with the sum of #100, 000 and #50, 000 respectively.
Other prize recipients include winner of the dunking contest, Daniel Obiajulu (Dragon Warriors) got #10, 000, best 3-point shooter Maduabuchi Titus (Dragon Warriors) was rewarded with #20, 000 and the Most Valuable Player, Light Diala (IMG) also received #10,000.
Meanwhile, the 4-day championship which was organized by the Kassy Foundation in collaboration with the Enugu State Basketball Association, ESBA, has promised that the event would be a continuous affair, hinting that next edition would be bigger and better.
