S. GitahiOkal wins individual award in concluded Oman Basketball League
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 20.03.23. | 15:15
Okal led Ahli Sidab to fourth in the Oman Basketball League final standings
Kenya Morans' Ariel Okal has been awarded the best center cum forward title for his outstanding performance in the 2022-2023 Oman Basketball League season
Okal made his second return to the Mohamed Alowaisi Ahli Sidab squad in November 2022 after an eventful season with Ugandan National Basketball League side Namuwongo Blazers in the 2021-2022 season, leading the Lugongo-based side to the finals where they lost in a seven match series to the eventual champions City Oilers.
In his second spell at Ahli Sidab, Okal was a vital cog in the team’s wheel that ended their season in fourth place after going down to Al Seeb and Nizwa Club in two consecutive knock-out and bronze medal matchups respectively.
In his last regular season games, The Doctor put up commanding numbers in wins- posting 15 points, 27 rebounds and six assists against Oman Club - and another 16 points, 10 rebounds double-double against Salalah.
“It was a tough end to the season since we lost two starters to injury,” Okal said in response to the postseason skid. “We were left thin, only had eight active players and two of them were juniors.”
Best Center/Forward In The Oman Basketball League.
— Ariel Okall (@th3doctor15) March 16, 2023
The end of 2022 was the toughest for me, nothing was working out for me and i was drowning in depression, i almost quit on life itself, three days to my birthday the best gift i have given myself is mental stability, pic.twitter.com/fSwVt0pBHC
In regards to what won him the award, Okal averaged double doubles all through the season, just missing a couple of games early January with a playoff spot sealed.
In his playoff games, Okal put up 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks against his other former side Al Bashaer, while posting 21 points and five steals against Nizwa Club.
“The award was well deserved looking at the numbers and results I posted this season,” Okal said of winning one of the league’s individual awards. “This is a product of the hard work I have put in this season. From a grueling run in Uganda last season to here, it's been a lot- just me spending time crafting and working on myself to be mentally and physically ready. Being a better person.”
Next for Okal will be a stab in the Oman Sultan Cup - a title he won in 2021 with Al Bashaer.
“I am extremely motivated and already back in the gym preparing for the next assignment,” Okal concluded.
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