Sponsor of the maiden edition of 3*3 basketball invitational championship tagged “hoop for hope”, Ogbodo David has opened up concerning his plans and programs for the development of basketball in Enugu State, hinting that the concepts would be basically for scouting and harnessing young players within the ages of 12-14 years
He made this disclosure at the end of one-day tournament, which was staged inside the Indoor Gynasium Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Speaking to newsmen, he revealed that he was hoping to organise an under-16 basketball league in the state for players within the age category but unfortunately the financial and logistics involvements is capital intensive and tasking.
The UK based Nigerian, who is enthusisatic about the growth of game in the state reassured that the young coaches would also not be left out, as they wouldl have the opportunirty to be certified, ugraded and exposed to morden innovations of global basketball, reaffirming that the championship would be organised regularly.
Also Speaking, Coach of Enugu State Basketball, Chiedozie Nwoye was indeed imperssed with overall performance of the turnout particularly the winners of the competion, hinting that to win such competition the players must be prepared mentally, physicslly, pscycologically and also must have a large heart.
On his part, Team Captain, Hillside Chiefs, Ifebuche Ohagwu acknowledged that the final was tough and competitive as a result of the qualities and experience their opponent possesses, hinting that their resilence and doggedness gave them the edge at the end.
However, Team Hillside Chiefs comprising of Chime Ifeanyi, Chimaobi Chima, Ani Chibuikem and Ifebuche Ohagwu were rewarded with a whooping sum of a #100,000 for winning tthe championship while Diala Light got the Jordan Son of Mars shoes for the best 3-point shooter.
Meanwhile, the competition which was supported by the Enugu State Basketball Association witnessed over 70 players from 16 teams within the metropolis and beyond participated.
