Finally, the 2024 FUBA Division One playoffs will get underway on Saturday, January 4th with the quarter-finals but some people have expressed concerns on the quality of basketball that is expected to be showcased.

The final regular season games happened on 22nd November and 43 days later, the first games of the playoffs shall tip-off.

Between that time, a lot has happened, which has ultimately brought concerns about the quality of basketball to be expected, and I shall break down some of the reasons why I and some people think it could be low.

1. Low Fitness levels

Most teams and players haven’t trained much in the past 40 days and that significantly has an effect on their bodies.

Mental fitness is also another thing that will come in handy as some players haven’t set their minds on the games.

2. Lack of Rhythm

Given that it’s been a very long time since some players and/or teams played competitive Basketball, this is an area that will cause a lot of concerns.

Some players have been training with other players in different settings and getting back to rhythm as a unit will come in very handy.

The fact that the games are also few affects how quickly the players have to adjust and if you don’t catch up in the first game, you might end up getting eliminated.

3. Absence of some players

Given that a large segment of players are high school and University students, some of them are not available to play.

High Schools and Universities are currently in holiday and some players stay in very far places which makes it very difficult for them to be available for the games.

Some teams may end up missing key players which could ultimately affect their performance.

4. Low Morale

Just after the regular season had gotten done, there was a lot of fire and hunger within the players but as the days went by, all the energy kept dwindling.

Turning the switch back on instantaneously is quite hard but as teams progress, the possibility of qualifying to the NBL will ignite more fire within players and the camps.

As one coach pointed out,

“This playoffs will be decided on experience and individual brilliance. The teams and players who know how to win will have the edge”

The games start on Saturday 4th January and will Sunday 5th with all teams in action.