2019 WNBL Preview: JKL Lady Dolphins primed for title defense

The JKL Lady Dolphins have taken first steps towards defending their 2018 WNBL Championship. They completed a month of training.

However, when the Lady Dolphins tip off their 2019 campaign on Friday they will enter the season in an unfamiliar position; defending a championship.

What to expect

JKL will not have Stella Oyella and Muhayimina Namuwaya for the bigger part of the Regular Season with the duo part of the She Cranes preparing for the Netball World Cup.

Youngster Jane Asinde will be the starting center and a more experienced Maureen Atulinda will wait on the bench.

JKL will be more athletic in the open floor than they were last season. Asinde and Feza Ebengo bring athleticism to the frontcourt and Hope Akello can be athletic when she chooses to. For Jamilah Nansikombi, it is bread and butter while Ritah Imanishimwe can be complementary.

Lady Dolphins ball movement in the halfcourt has been getting better, and better. The team got a lot of open looks during the UCU Invitational as every player on the floor knows the basic motion of the flex offence that the side runs.

Familiar faces

JKL Lady Dolphins has maintained the core of the championship winning team. Jamila Nansikombi, Ritah Imanishimwe, Flavia Oketcho and Hope Akello were the heaviest contributors to the winning the championship and all have returned for this season.

Point guard Angella Namirimu looks like a player who is now willing to take shots, Evelyn Nakiyinji is coming of age and Peace Nakirijja who has been with the team right from Division One is still the vocal self.

Newbies

JKL brought in just a single newbie in Jane Asinde couple with some experience in Maureen Atulinda and a lockdown defender in Brenda Nakitende.

The trio had competitive minutes during the UCU Invitational and are all important pieces to JKL’s title defense and the regional title chase.

Biggest Obstacle

If the Lady Dolphins face any setbacks this season, it will probably be because the players own complacency.

Opening Fixture

JKL Lady Dolphins will take on KCCA Leopards in the season opener on Friday, April 12.

The Leopards were the only team that beat Lady Dolphins last year with the Regular season and Playoffs combined.

The Team

Ins: Maureen Atulinda, Brenda Nakitende, Jane Asinde

Outs: Salma Akinyi, Hope Gimono, Alicia Wasagali

Roster: Flavia Oketcho, Ritah Imanishimwe, Jamila Nansikombi, Hope Akello, Jane Asinde, Angella Namirimu, Evylin Nakiyingi, Peace Nakirijja, Feza Ebango, Maureen Atulinda, Brenda Nakitende, Stella Oyella, Muhayimina Namuwaya

Head Coach: Mandy Juruni

Assistant Coach: Henry Malinga