Varsity Basketball’s sophomore season has delivered some intriguing results, not least an underwhelming title defence by Wits.
After securing the inaugural title undefeated, Wits were brought to ground with two defeats during the opening weekend of this year’s tournament – at their home venue to top it all.
The losses would have been tough to swallow, coming as they did against Gauteng rivals Tuks and UJ – who continued their USSA title-winning form into the first four rounds of Varsity Basketball.
Wits head coach Tshiamo Ngakane felt his team took last weekend very hard, with the team opting to take Monday off to recollect and try find their spirit back.
“Tuesday and Wednesday we came back together and looked to get our heads right, because we are a team that plays with a lot of joy and heart… I felt that we lost that a little, even before the tournament,” Ngakane reveals.
“When we did meet again this week, And reflected, I saw the boys got the joy back and started playing well like you saw today against UWC.”
Wits’ 94-48 bounce-back win against UWC in Thursday’s Round 5 action was crucial. With it, they’ve moved back into the top four and only one win behind UJ, UKZN and VUT – the latter two who they still have to meet in season-defining clashes.
With those in mind, Ngakane is clear about the approach needed if Wits are going to stand a chance of defending their title in Sunday’s final.
“The main focal point for us has been on the defensive part of the floor. So we’ve made a few adjustments in terms of who’s starting and who’s coming off the bench and what kind of energy we’re looking for in both starting and what kind of impact the subs are making when they’re coming on to the floor.”
In that regard, Thursday’s win will surely have pleased the coach.
“I think we’ve got a much better balance this week and that’s what we’ve been looking for. I feel we’re a lot more balanced in terms of our offence and defence, which I really hope we’ve finally got for the rest of the tournament,” Ngakane concludes.
By S’fiso Nyawo
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