When the National Basketball League (NBL) regular season concluded on June 14 at the YMCA in Wandegeya, the unofficial communication had been that the post-season playoff quarter-finals would kick off on June 17.
But that did not materialize, as focus turned to the national teams’ engagements in France, Angola and Nigeria. This meant that all domestic matters were put on hold. However, following the Silverbacks’ failed campaign in Angola, for a slot to the Fiba 2027 World Cup, focus now turns to the NBL best of three quarter-final playoffs, beginning July 10 at the YMCA.
However, the pick of the action on the women’s side has the Magic Stormers take on the Pearl Queens, while the UCU Canons and Victoria Crocs contest highlights the men’s draw. Both the Stormers and Queens had an indifferent first round in the 2026 season. Yet, the two teams realized an impressive turn-around in fortunes in the second round.
In spite of a laboured first half, Stormers and Queens finished fourth and fifth respectively. Stormers lost six games in the first round, but reversed their struggles by only losing thrice in the second round. This was significantly aided by the addition of Cameroonian guard, Susan Eben, who boosted their attacking threat greatly.
Yet, according to Stormers’ assistant coach, Emmanuel Gashugi, their poor start to the season had everything to do with how they prepared for games.
“We had to strengthen our preparation, to ensure greater consistency in our approach,” Gashugi said.
In fact, looking back at Stormers first round display, inconsistency in squad lists, coupled by the inability to have all key players present for games, affected their results. But with most present in the second half, the team started blowing opponents away, hence completing the regular season on a high.
Their match-up with Queens is expected to be exciting. This is not only because they lost to the Queens in the second round, but because of the threat the Queens pose at this moment.
The Queens added Kenyan international Belinda Okoth and Ugandan international Jamila Nansikombi to their roster, boosting both their front and backcourt with admirable experience. Okoth has both height and build to trouble any defence in the NBL, while Nansikombi brings speed and agility.
Remember, in 2018, Nansikombi was the main reason the JKL Lady Dolphins won their first league title. She even inspired a second league title in 2019 because of her high scoring numbers.
The fact that she has been studying and playing in the USA, Nansikombi’s game has moved to a new level, making her a prized asset for coach Angela Namirimu, her former team- mate at JKL. On the other hand, the Canons and Crocs clash should be mouth- watering.
Both teams are known for their speed and high energy levels, something supported by their overall youth. The winner of this quarter-final will face the winner between Namuwongo Blazers and the Kira Jaguars. Inevitably, that is a tantalizing prospect.
Yet, before all that, Crocs coach, Roger Serunyigo believes that having lost to the Canons twice in the regular season, his team feels an undying desire to correct that.
“This is the first time we are in the playoffs. In 2025, we were ninth. This time we finished fifth, which is growth. Qualifying for the semi-finals is a clear objective for now, and we believe we can achieve that,” Serunyigo said.
The Crocs can easily boast of having guard Mark Ngobi and centre Choul Nyot in their ranks. The two were among the top performers in the entire regular season. But equally, in Jimmy Otim, Jesse Okurut, Ezekiel Ekirapa, and Jimmy Lihumi the Canons have a tough team.
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