Drama tets the tone as ASK Basketball Cup Season II tips off at USIU

Organised by the ASK Foundation—an initiative rooted in South Sudanese youth empowerment—the competition has doubled in size from its inaugural 2025 edition, reflecting its rising influence in both Kenya and the region’s basketball ecosystem.

The opening day delivered intensity, surprises, and storylines that promise a thrilling week ahead. In Group A, The Originals produced the comeback of the day, overturning a massive deficit to defeat Maldore Knights 71–66 in a dramatic fourth-quarter surge.

Coach Richard Mudi praised his players’ resilience, revealing just how deep the hole had been.

“We were down 31 points, but I kept reminding the boys that in basketball, you fight until the final whistle,” he said.

He attributed the turnaround to a renewed defensive intensity:

“Defence won it for us. We managed to limit them to only four baskets while scoring about 40 points. Defence wins championships.”

In Group D, Hope Warriors sealed a confident 57–46 win over Junubin Basketball Academy, despite stumbling late in the match. Their coach, Kuol Rin Deng, was full of praise for his disciplined squad.

“Today the players followed every instruction to the letter,” he said. “Everything ran smoothly for us.”
With eyes fixed on the title, he added, “We came hungry, and we are going for everything. It’s the championship we are here for.”

Other early clashes were equally competitive. Defending champions Longhorns narrowly edged JBA 61–60, while Jamus overcame Elite Drive 55–50 in a tight Group B contest.

Preliminary rounds will continue at USIU until December 14, before shifting to Nyayo Gymnasium for the quarterfinals and semifinals on December 15–16. The grand finale is set for December 18 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

ASK Foundation representative Maguil Malith highlighted the growth, vision, and inclusivity driving this year’s tournament.
“The youth needed something bigger, and that’s why we came in bigger than last time,” he noted, pointing out that the field has expanded from 10 teams to 20 across both genders.

He emphasised the foundation’s mission to reach every young player whilst also appreciating Kenya as a rapidly evolving basketball powerhouse.

“Kenya has given our youth a safe and supportive environment, and that’s why we are building this tournament here. Nairobi has become a second home for South Sudanese basketball.”

With teams drawn from Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, Bungoma, Kakuma Refugee Camp, and even Juba, the ASK Foundation Basketball Cup is evolving into a powerful symbol of unity, talent development, and cross-border sporting identity.