Muslim Basketball

An abysmal performance by a squad others dubbed the preseason champs. Iyaad had his lowest scoring game of the season at 19 points, still at a really good day. Joe Capone needs to start shooting more. He’s a great player but for some reason, he hesitates when he gets the ball. This team just couldn’t fight their way out of the zone coverage Qibya planned for them, and they failed to adjust when they needed to. 

Khan Yunis was pushed to the edge this game, going all the way to the wire. Iyaad had 27, but you can tell they were missing their big men in Mairaj and Yazan. They were out-rebounded 19-36. It was a rough game, and I can imagine they’re grateful they escaped with a win.  

This was a lot closer than everyone expected, especially with who Nazareth was missing. Iyaad (22pts, 11rbs) continues a strong start to his career—five games into the season and he’s averaging 27ppg. Brother Sabir also had himself a game (20pts, 11rbs), the siblings each going home with double-doubles. Need to also give love to Mairaj (11pts, 11rbs)—he’s looking younger than ever, and having a resurgence in his 21 season career. 

This was a nice bounce back game for the team. Iyaad, the young rook, is stating his claim for the best player in the league. 37 points on 15-20 shooting (7-9 from 3) is insanity. As the weeks go by, he’s looking more and more unstoppable. Joe Capone also had a nice day, having 18 points. The rest of the team did what they were supposed to, which was all that was needed to get past Akka. 

They were down the whole game and it was an uphill battle from the start. Iyaad is a star in the making, having 26 points. Towfeek added his own 20 points as well. Watching this game, it felt like they weren’t ready defensively. Too many blown coverages and gifting mismatches for Rafah to take advantage of. They also looked really tired most of the game, and ran out of time when the comeback started. They’ll learn from this, I know that. 

Iyaad isn’t just making his case for ROY, but also MVP, having 22 points on 7-13 shooting. The cast is absolutely stacked, Joe Capone having 15 and I need to give some love to Yazan. He isn’t on the stat sheet yet but he’s a force down low. The passing game will also give issues to anyone they verse. I’m hoping to see more assists by Towfeek, that’s his bread and butter, and I’m sure he’ll get to them. 

A round of applause for this dominating performance, despite no Joe Capone. Iyaad dropped 28 points in his MB debut, and is already in the running for ROY. Not to mention Mairaj having a double-double and being a force on the court. Unc still got it. Towfeek also having a double-double solidifies this team as someone you don’t want to face at full strength. 

On paper, this team is full of stars. MB newcomer Iyaad teaming up with veterans—Amir, Towfeek, Joe Capone and Mairaj. Those are household names. Watch out, because they’re already contenders.