By Andrew Gum
The City Oilers sealed an 11th straight National Basketball League (NBL) final berth on 25 October 2024, defeating Sommet 79–70 in the semifinals. Holders of 10 titles, the Lugogo-based side endured a turbulent season marked by player departures and patchy form but still fought their way through.
Key players Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Tonny Drileba left after disputes with management, later joined by guard Ivan Muhwezi. Their absence contributed to an inconsistent campaign, with critics highlighting the Oilers’ reliance on individual efforts when their offence faltered.
Despite losing the semifinal opener, the Oilers recovered to win three of five games, led by Mer Maker’s scoring and the versatility of Kurt-Curry Wegscheider and Chad Bowie.
Blazers bring the heat
The finals pit the Oilers against the Namuwongo Blazers in a best-of-seven series at Lugogo Indoor Arena. The Oilers chase their 11th consecutive crown, while the Blazers arrive on the back of a 19–3 regular-season record and a semifinal sweep of UCU Canons.
Led by Joseph Chuma, Peter Obleng, and captain Paul Odong, the Blazers rely on rebounding power and balanced scoring. Their two regular-season wins over the Oilers (81–80 and 83–74) showed their ability to exploit turnovers and push the pace.
Experience vs. hunger
The Oilers’ experience remains their greatest weapon. Maker’s 23 points and 14 rebounds in Game Five against Sommet proved his dominance, while Wegscheider and Bowie add depth. However, their 10 regular-season losses and turnover struggles expose vulnerabilities against aggressive defences.
For the Blazers, rebounding and transition play are their strengths, boosted by Micheal Makiadi and the returning Drileba’s shooting. Their weakness is inexperience, having fallen to the Oilers in the 2022 finals.
If the Blazers dominate the boards and capitalise on turnovers, they could control the tempo. Yet if the Oilers slow the pace and use their playoff know-how, they are likely to edge the series.
Prediction: the finals should stretch to six or seven games. The Blazers’ hunger makes them dangerous, but the Oilers’ pedigree gives them the edge—4–3.
