Wits men’s and women’s basketball captains have lauded Varsity Basketball as an important cog in the growth of South African basketball.
Varsity Basketball returns to the Wits Multi-purpose Sports Hall from 4-6 and 10-12 October with the finals on Sunday, 13 October. Significantly, Varsity Women’s Basketball will make its debut this time around.
Eight men’s teams will compete, namely current champions Wits, UJ, NWU, VUT, UP-Tuks, UWC, UCT and UKZN, while the four women’s teams will be NWU, UCT, VUT and WITS.
Wits Women’s captain Danja Lunnemann explained that Varsity Basketball is massively important for the development of not only South African basketball but women’s basketball as well.
“Varsity Basketball is such a great platform for women to show their talent. It’s a never-ending fight to have women up there too at the same time. I’m just glad the women’s Varsity Basketball league had to wait only one year after the first ever men’s competition. We’re so excited to show our talent and play the sport we love.
Lunnemann continued: “Varsity ball is important because it adds extra growth to the development of basketball in South Africa generally. Varsity Basketball will show South Africa that there’s more talent out there. This is a great stepping stone to grow basketball in South Africa.”
Angelo Quinn, one of Wits men’s team leaders, is looking forward to another shot at the title and is grateful for the platform that Varsity Basketball provides.
“We are looking to win again. Our team has had its difficulties this year, but we’ve kept the goal of winning Varsity Basketball in our heads. Our team has always had great chemistry, we are strategic about how we beat our opponents, and we have a lot of experience. Our only downfall could be our only real rivalry, UJ – so look out for that game!
“Varsity Basketball is the first real platform that high school and university students can really aspire to, and take real appreciation for. You feel credited as a baller, and at the same time you have a great opportunity to pursue academia,” Quinn concluded.
Tickets will be available for R10 at Wits Multi-purpose Sports Hall on matchdays. Alternately, watch selected Varsity Basketball fixtures live on SuperSport or follow updates @varsitysportsSA on social media – #VarsityBallin.
