Varsity Basketball has finally arrived. South Africa is about to be treated to eight of basketball’s best. It’s big lights, hip hop, sick sneakers and three-pointers all on one court. But what can we expect from the eight squads aiming for the crown?
VUT and Wits: Title contenders
They are so evenly matched that only one point, in overtime, could separate these two at the USSA final. VUT came from behind to pip Wits 72-71. They come into the Varsity Basketball season with the biggest target on their backs. Wits will have the home ground advantage. VUT have no problem winning away, as they showed in the USSA final. They’ll meet in Round Six, just one match before the semi-finals. This will undoubtedly be the match on the group stage. It will also be live on SuperSport. Don’t miss it!
UJ and UKZN: Dark horses
The Orange Army and UKZN are both just short of challenging the top dogs. These are teams expected to reach the Varsity Basketball semi-finals, but probably not expected to reach the finals. These teams will be putting fear into the top two. And they’ll feed on the fact that they are hot on the heels of Wits and VUT and hungry to topple them.
UCT and Tuks: Time to step up
There two university powerhouses are at a vital stage of their development. They qualified for Varsity Basketball quite comfortably. But they are at least 30 points off the top two. With a mountain to climb from a mid-table team to a top two, and a big drop to seventh or eighth on the log – these two teams need to push hard, practice longer and make this month count. If the options are up or down, we all know what’s easier. It’s time for the hard graft. Both of these teams face the favourites in the opening round on 5 October. No time to find their feet – they’ll need to hit the ground running.
TUT and Madibaz: Nothing to lose
Competition will be fierce and although TUT and Madibaz will have a fair idea of who their opponents are, things are different on the bigger stage. When the SuperSport cameras are on, thousands are watching on and the buzzer is about to sound – it’s a different type of pressure. But TUT and Madibaz have already overcome a giant hurdle just by qualifying for Varsity Basketball. They’re in the top eight. This season will be all about learning, absorbing pressure and stepping up their game. And with nothing to lose, they could be dangerous opponents. While Madibaz have arguably the toughest start to the tournament, TUT could gain some momentum in their opening three matches, with an easier run in.
