American International School, Dhaka's (AISD) first month-long league tournament, Dhaka Basketball League, came to an end this week on April 9, with the home team securing the trophy after beating St. Joseph Higher Secondary School’s (SJHSS) basketball team in the finals with a score of 42-38.
The tournament made way for young stars from a few selective school teams to demonstrate their skills individually as well as a team through friendly competition.
Only 5 selected schools partook in the games and among these SJHSS and AISD made it to the finals on April 9. In the first quarter, AISD maintained a lead of 7 points with a score of 18 against SJHSS who made 11 points in the first. However, SJHSS soon closed in, bringing the gap to 3 points with 31-28 in the third quarter.
After the game the players and teachers voted 5 players to be awarded the title of “All Star”: Rhyme - SJHSS, Ellias – AISD, Ethan – AISD, Jalen – AISD, Yeasin – SJHSS.
Does Height matter?
We’ve seen 5’7” Nate Robinson dunk over Dwight Howard in NBA’s 2009 dunk contest live on television, haven’t we all? Or, better yet the time when he rejects 7’5” Yao Ming and knees him half way to the ground?
In our country, a 5’7” player dunking on the court is a miracle! The average height of an NBA player in today's league is 6'7". But the bar is much lower in our country. Most players below six feet cannot event touch the ring. But is that all that matters in the game of basketball? Other dynamics such as ball handling, agility and speed are also taken into account.
It’s apparent that players who are taller and have a larger built have an advantage in strength and, in almost every other attribute of this sport. But in most cases, they lack in speed and agility. Some even lack the skills of dribbling the ball properly. They have a harder time moving swiftly across the court with the ball still in their hands.
Whether you are as tall as a giraffe or as strong as an ox or as thin as a rake or as timid as a rabbit, all it takes to reach your goal is a little practice and a little heart, fueled by your own willpower.
Stay with us next week as Dhaka Tribune talks to the Players of Bangladesh’s National Basketball Team to find out their views on the matter!
