As Basketball Stakeholders yearn for the restoration of the glory days of the sport, the Initiator and founder of Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr.Igoche Mark has assured lovers of the Slam and Dunk to anticipate the return of the glamorous championship.

Mark ‘D’ Ball, an annual basketball championship fiester, blends basketball and entertainment; and has recently raised the gold standard of basketball championship, following last year’s edition that has various incentives for participating teams.

Speaking to Sports Journalists at the Weekend, Mr. Mark explained that the  Championship which had indeed helped to resurrect the moribund state of domestic basketball in the country, took a short break due to some circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, as he assures of a return of the championship soon.

“Let me use this medium to inform all stakeholders that the next edition of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship will become a reference point in Africa.

“We are currently working on using a new basketball arena for the championship which was one of the reasons for the break.

“But by the grace of God, we are excited that we have one now as the Mo Arena just opened. So we are in discussion with the owner as we intend to use this magnificent facility for our next tournament, we are returning with a bang very soon.” He said.

The Mark ‘D’ Ball brand and its affiliations have contributed so much to the ecosystem of games in the country, with verifiable proof.

The Initiator of the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Basketball Tournament, Sam Oguche has thanked the CEO of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Harmeet Ahuja for his support towards basketball in Nigeria.

He was speaking ahead of the grand finale.

Oguche attributed the successful tournament to the benevolence of Harmeet Ahuja, the CEO of Bullet Energy Drink.

He insisted that without him, the Sam Oguche Bullet Energy Drink Tourney wouldn’t be possible.

Oguche, a former Nigeria Basketball International is currently organizing the third edition in the year 2023 of the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Tournament in Abuja with 8 teams participating.

“Today, I stand here to pay tribute to my mentor, my benefactor whose crest I have rode on to contribute this little to basketball development. With his gesture, we have been able to touch so many lives, and also boost the ecosystem of basketball in Nigeria.

” Interestingly, the CEO told me that he will continue to support basketball and sports in general. We are appreciative of your milk kindness through the supportive role you have played.”Oguche stated.

He, however, charged the Basketball stakeholders in the country not to relent on the development of basketball in the country, saying the future is bright for the basketball game.

Recalled that on Monday, Oguche said the winner of the 3rd edition will go home with 1 million Naria, while the runners-up will have half a million Naria for their efforts.

Basketball stakeholders have commended Sam Oguche for his constant effort towards basketball development in Nigeria.

The former Nigeria Basketball International is currently organizing the third edition in the year 2023 of the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Tournament.

In his commendation message on Tuesday, Mr. Igoche Mark says the zest and commitment that Sam Oguche has shown towards giving back through basketball is a virtue others must emulate.

“I relish your commitment, Passion, and zest you have shown, by giving back to basketball, a sport that made you. This is indeed a virtue others in basketball must emulate. Thumps up, Sammy!” Mark’s message reads.

Speaking in the same vein, a former assistant coach to the national basketball team, Emmanuel Odah also praised Sam for his consistency in organizing the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Tournament, which has helped domestic basketball players to be active recently, following the recession that greeted the country’s domestic basketball.

“Sam Oguche has been consistent in organizing this invitational tournament.

This is the third edition this year, and so far we have eight elite teams from outside and within Abuja. This tournament has helped our domestic players survive following the break in domestic basketball. More grace to you Sam Oguche.”Odah stated.

On Monday at the Mo Arena in Abuja, Sam Oguche said, “I am impressed about the progress made so far, I have seen some of the kids who attended this tournament playing in the league team, and for me, that is really good, that means they are growing and the game is growing in the country.”

He, however, charged the Basketball stakeholders in the country not to relent on the development of basketball in the country, saying that the future is bright for the basketball game.

Meanwhile, the winner of the 3rd edition goes home with 1 million Naria, while the runners-up will have half a million Naira as their reward.