The 2026 National basketball league (NBL) is less than 30 days from tip-off and there is a lot of player movement.

In this article, we talk about the top 10 most valuable players and how they can impact their teams and the league.

Note: these players are not ranked in a particular order

Tonny Drileba

In game 3 of the 2025 NBL finals, we saw the impact that Tonny can have on a team and a game. His composure and calmness can help steady a team when in murky waters and given his winning DNA and mentality, he is a very big asset.

Additionally, he has vast experience, ball skills and leadership skills. He is one that can command the team in absence of the coach and his teammates respect him a lot.

All these qualities make him a very valuable asset to whichever team he goes to.

Joel Lukoji Banza

Lukoji was the 2025 regular season MVP and playoffs MVP as the Namuwongo Blazers won the NBL championship.

He has a lot of skills and flair but most importantly, he is a proven source of offense and his defense is decent.

With the Blazers, there were very many guards and given that his team was super strong, he wasn’t entirely the man to run the show.

However, when he was with the KIU Titans, we saw what he could be like at full potential.

Rumors have it that he could be heading to the City Oilers and if this is the case, he will pair up with Fayed Baale, another very skilled guard who plays with flair.

In this situation, Lukoji could be more on the ball with Fayed being off, which makes him a very big catch and shoot threat.

Joel Banza is very valuable and who knows if he can win another MVP title.

Joshua Duallo

Duallo scooped almost all the end of season awards. He was the regular season MVP, playoffs MVP, Best rebounder, top scorer, most in steals and top 3 in assists.One can easily argue that he is the best big man in the country.

Joshua has very many abilities and he was heavily used as a center for the UMU Flames in the 2025 Division One season.

However, he is a piece that can be moved to multiple positions. He can guard from 1 to 5, bring down the ball, and play anywhere from 3 to 5.

If he stays with the UMU Flames, he will undoubtedly be their go-to man. If he moves on, any team in the league can use his services.

Ian Duncan Lubwama

It was very surprising for him not to be named in the team of the Season but he had a spectacular 2025 season.

Matter of fact, he was summoned to the National Team for the Afrobasket but due to work commitments, he was unable to join the team.

Duncan is described by some of his teammates as a basketball addict and a details freak. Not to take away his ingenuity, he is said to be one that likes to follow the script to the dot.

This makes him a very good asset for any team because as a coach, you are guaranteed your extension on the floor.

He has also matured in the game and commands a lot of respect from his teammates. It is no wonder the JT Jaguars bestowed upon him the Captaincy role.

Joel Kayiira

Kayiira is a student of the game and his growth has been seen by very many. From a tiny guy in 2023 to a dominant player for the UCU Canons in 2025, he has developed right before our eyes.

He made his National team debut in 2024 and also played at the 2025 Afrobasket.

Joel is very athletic, has added a couple of moves to his bag and has a lot of confidence in his abilities. He is also a leader and a presence in the UCU Canons locker room.  

Most importantly, he is still young, can be molded into what the club wants in order to can serve for a number of years

Word has it that the City Oilers are looking for his signature as though a treasure hunt and no doubt, he can impact them tremendously.

Franck Nyembo Fataki

Fataki was a force in the NBL since making his move to Sommet. He helped them move from relegation threatened to the number 2 seed in the league. Also, in the playoffs, he carried Sommet with his offense and defense.

He is very strong and every time he made a strong drive, he seemed unstoppable. Nyembo also could shoot the three ball at a high efficiency not forgetting his incredible rebounding.

In the second half of the season, he was hands down the best player in the league and any team that has him has a very big upside in terms of being a dominant force.

Fayed Baale

If Fayed was not available for the City Oilers, there was a very high likeliness that they would not have made it to the playoffs. He was a leader both on and off the floor, led the league in scoring and carried the team in many stretches.

Given that he has been with the Oilers for a while, it is very hard to see him leaving at a time when the team is not the favorite.

However, when it comes to value, he is the most valuable player for them (Oilers) because of what he adds to the team.

At the start of the 2024 season, he almost made a move to Rwanda but the Oilers countered that and managed to lock him down.

He will also be a very important person to watch out for in 2026.

Mark Ngobi

Ngobi is one of those players that you to have on your side because of the very many things he does. A very good listener, team player, can take on any defensive assignment and will always work hard in order to improve his craft.

He is one that can score for you whether from drives, cutting to the basket, and shooting. However, what makes him very valuable is not his offense but rather his ability to play hard defensively.

When given a task, the coach can be comfortable knowing that he will try his best to accomplish it.

He left Sommet and it is yet to be known which team he will be heading.

Peter Sifuma

When it comes to consistency, there is a name that doesn’t get off people’s lips and that is Peter Sifuma. For the past 3 seasons, he has been averaging a double-double.

When it comes to picking rebounds, you are guaranteed as long as he is on the floor. His presence in the paint also makes it very difficult for opponents to score at the rim easily.

He is one of those who you know what you will get and surprisingly, he looks like he can add to his game and become better.

Puati Ozias kikomba

The 2025 NBL season was not the best for him but in 2024, we saw what he was capable off. He is a rim protector, guarantees you rebounds and will get you a double-double in almost every game.

With the scarcity of big men in Uganda, Ozias is one who is proven and he can be very impactful on any team.

These are the top ten players who are very big assets in the NBL and whichever team they play, they will be very impactful.

The NBL is scheduled to tip-off on 6th February with team and player registration ending on 20th January.