City Oilers will head into the National Basketball League playoffs as one of the teams to beat after completing an impressive regular season with a 20-2 record.
The 10-time champions signed off their campaign with a 67-61 victory over Sommet on Friday, capping off a regular season that has restored confidence within a team determined to reclaim the title they surrendered last year.
Oilers suffered just two defeats throughout the regular season, losing to Rezlife Saints in the first round before falling to defending champions Namuwongo Blazers in the second round.
But despite those setbacks, the team remained consistent side in the league, and are currently sitting top of the 12-team log after completing their fixtures.
The rankings can still change if the Blazers win their remaining games but Oilers would still be second and avoid meeting the defending champions until the finals.
The campaign marks a significant turnaround from last season when Oilers endured a difficult title defence and only secured a playoff berth late in the regular season.
Their struggles culminated in heartbreak during the finals, where they surrendered a 2-0 series lead and lost the championship to the Blazers in six games, ending a decade of dominance in Ugandan basketball.
Head coach Andrew Tendo, who was at the helm during that difficult transition, believes the team is now better equipped to challenge for the championship.
‘We have had a solid season this year compared to the last with fewer downs and more ups,’ Tendo told Daily Monitor after Friday’s victory over Sommet.
‘We have a great squad that is finally with great chemistry, something we lacked most of last season. A few of the players have matured in their roles and I am confident that we shall make some noise.’
One of the major factors behind the Oilers’ resurgence has been improved squad health and stability.
Last season was heavily disrupted by injuries to key players Titus Lual, Fayed Baale and Edgar Munaba.
All three spent extended periods on the sidelines and struggled to regain peak condition during the demanding finals series against the Blazers.
Determined to avoid a repeat, Oilers moved aggressively in the transfer market.
The club added experienced campaigner and former league MVP Landry Ndikumana and reigning league MVP Joel Lukoji, strengthening both leadership and scoring options.
Defensive specialist Joel Kayiira also arrived from UCU Canons after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite defenders. He was named Defensive Player of the Year last season.
The roster was further reinforced during the mid-season transfer window with the additions of Silverbacks centre Jonathan Komagum, Patrick Rembert and Germain Roebuck Jr.
While only Komagum featured during the second round of the regular season, Tendo has indicated that the remaining imports are expected to be available in time for the playoffs, giving the Oilers additional depth at the most important stage of the campaign.
On the court, the team’s success has been driven by the leadership of Baale and Lual.
Baale has averaged 14 points and four assists per game, providing stability and playmaking from the backcourt.
Lual has continued to dominate inside, averaging 10 points and nine rebounds while anchoring the team’s frontcourt presence.
Beyond individual contributions, Oilers have rediscovered the chemistry, defensive intensity and consistency that defined their championship years.
Their ability to bounce back from defeats, maintain focus over a long regular season and integrate new additions has underlined their status as genuine title contenders for this season.
Finishing with a 20-2 record represents more than just regular-season success for the City Oilers. It is evidence of a team that has learned from the disappointment of last season and rebuilt itself with a renewed sense of purpose.
With improved chemistry, experienced reinforcements and key players healthy heading into the playoffs, the Oilers appear far better prepared for the championship challenge ahead.
The regular season has provided encouraging signs, but their campaign will ultimately be judged by whether they can translate that dominance into a return to the National Basketball League throne.
National Basketball League
City Oilers
Record: 20-2
Current position: First
Last season: Second