UPAC 2011 Finale
UPAC 2011 Finale
will the big names win?
Group A: UEW, Accra Polytechnic, Sunyani Polytechnicwill the big names win?
Group B: T'di Polytechnic, Kumasi Polytechnic, UG
After doing 3 cities, 12 schools, 144 players, 12 head coaches, not more than 3 referees at a time in three weeks, its finally time to battle out for national supremacy. The games I've seen so far got me thinking and clogging my thoughts about what to say about them. With just over 24 hours to go I think I figured a way to put it, even though it's not the most genius of ideas. Its more of a what-coaches-should-know-before-playing-in-this-finale thing. I recognize some of the analysis will not be as accurate, due to the absence of stats, but lets make do with the basic we have....
Best Offensive team Even though Sunyani Poly are owners of the highest points made in a single game in the zonals, it in no way made them the best ofensive team, as that score was against a weak Christian Service University College(CSUC) in the weakest and slowest zone. With a PPG of 48.3 in what many think was the toughest zone, UEW are the best offensive team. A balanced offense of Osofo driving the lane and dropping dimes, Sky Walker finishing breaks in the open court, Ill Nana scoring in diverse ways and a three point threat in their other Derrick, UEW definitely will be a nightmare for most defenses.
Best Defensive team Can't wait to see the UEW vs A Poly match in group A. After holding opponents to a 19.3 PPG, and further holding UG to a scoreless third quarter of the zone 2 finale, what more can be said about this team's defensive capabilities. They got the size in Amuzu and Doggie, and got hard workers in Theo and Dickson who work their butts off to keep the boards clean in all situations.
Names matter All teams in the coastal zones have their fair share of Accra league players, and Accra Poly leads that pack with 7 players, 2 of whom were all stars last December. UG got a good and developing point guard in Nii Lantei Mills, not so much leadership in Naasei and a big fundamental in Dennis Boateng. UEW got Osofo, Derrick Brefo(ill nana), Sky Walker(the most popular tertiary player in the country now) and Rubberman, yes! 70-30. T Poly got high rising Serge and long John. Kumasi Poly has its fair share of names but definitely cannot be compared the earlier mentioned ones. They got experince and composure in Pope, size and fundamentals in Kwame Konadu and Cyprian Adusei, and a vocal floor general in Eric Oppong Fori who all played vital roles in all three of their victories in the slow paced zone 3.
