Ordinarily, nothing has changed at City Oilers. Kami Kabange, Landry Ndikumana and Jimmy Enabu are still running the show at the three-time defending champions.
However, when you take a close look, a lot has changed from the transformation of James Okello into a more silky small forward who can do more than hustle play to switching Jimmy Enabu to the point.
Okello’s transformation aside, Enabu has turned into a big time player since switching to City Oilers in 2013.
Having played as a number two most of his career, Oilers coach Mandy Juruni has switched Enabu to the point guard role and the reason is simple.
“We want him to be involved more and we think he can do that at one,” Juruni reasons.
“We want him to take charge of games and he can’t do that at two as he looks lost in the game,” the four-time league winning coach adds.
Oilers have already started reaping dividends of switching the 2014 Finals MVP to the point as he knocked down a big 3-pointer in the 78-73 overtime win over Warriors last Friday.
“He is an experienced player so you expect that from him. His 3-point percentage is still low but he has mastered his mid-range shot especially off the dribble,” Juruni says.
Enabu believes he is fitting into the new role well and says he can only get better at it.
“I’m growing in the role quite well. I have been playing two but the coaches want me to point and I’m getting better at it,” Enabu told Kawowo Sports.
On the shot that literally kept Oilers’ unbeaten start to the season intact, Enabu said it’s a routine shot that he works on at practice.
“I thought I could make it. It’s a practice shot I work on off the dribble. It wasn’t a surprise or something.”
