The battle for the four slots in the 2025 National Basketball League begins this weekend, as the Division One Playoffs tip off at YMCA in Wandegeya and KIU in Kansanga.
The lower division playoffs were postponed last year after referees decided to boycott the playoffs due to the increasing arrears with the federation, an issue that has been resolved according to a statement from the federation.
The best-of-three quarterfinals start on Saturday with two-time National Basketball League champions Nkumba Marines against UPDF Tomahawks the most even match-up of the round. The Tomahawks remain the most aggressive side in the league playing a lot of bully basketball while Marines have more finesse coupled with good length.
Rezlife Saints were head and shoulders above every side in the division and might not find enough resistance in the first-round matchup against Miracle who secured a playoff spot on the final matchday of the regular season.
Meanwhile, Victoria Crocs were locked in throughout the regular season with their combination of length and athleticism troubling most of the teams in the league. However, Entebbe Knight Riders will be confident having shared the regular season series.
Sommet, the other side in the league whose promotion ambitions were clear during the normal season has seasoned campaigners UMU Flames as their first hurdle. In terms of personnel, Sommet has an edge but the Flames were competitive in the regular season series both of which they lost by under 5 points.
Quarterfinal Fixtures (Game 1&2)
Saturday 4th January – KIU, Kansanga
- Nkumba Lady Marines vs. Seeta High
- Angels vs. Watoto
- Rezlife Saints vs. Miracle Eagles
- Sommet vs. UMU Flames
Saturday 4th January – YMCA, Wandegeya
- Legends vs. Amazon Rhinos
- Makerere Sparks vs. Our Savior
- Victoria University vs. Entebbe Knight Riders
- Nkumba Marines vs. UPDF Tomahawks
Sunday 5th January – KIU, Kansanga
- Amazon Rhinos vs. Legends
- Our Savior vs. Makerere Sparks
- Entebbe Knight Riders vs. Victoria University
- UPDF Tomahawks vs.Nkumba Marines
Sunday 5th January – YMCA, Wndegeya
- Seeta High vs. Nkumba Lady Marines
- Watoto vs. Angels
- Miracle Eagles vs. Rezlife Saints
- UMU Flames vs. Sommet