Jordin is MVP as Lagos City Stars win CBL’s May Madness

America’s Mayes Jordin was named the undisputed most valuable player at the 2017 Continental Basketball League Lagos Madness, which ended in thrilling form at the weekend.

The competition drew basketball stars from across the world to the Teslim Balogun Stadium with a stop over in Yaoundé, where Camerounians also tasted the best moves in the game.

At the end of the competition, Lagos City Stars defeated Abidjan Raiders 73 to 59 to win the tournament, which served basketball connoisseurs the best of the game.

Apart from Jordin, such incredible stars as and Nigerian-American Olatunji Olalekan ensured the Lagos City Stars did not give the Abidjan Raiders any respite in all the quarters of the game.

The Abidjan Raiders with the commitment of Pohohoolou Asselain and Harrison Demone could only end the game with a 39 to 29 deficit before break. City Stars eventually won the game 73 to 59.

Speaking after the game, Jordin said his team was determined to make a mark in the tournament, noting that he worked hard to see his team achieve the feat because of the love  he has for the game.

“It was not easy for the team because of the abundant talents in the championship. We were not carried away by other teams’ performance, but we capitalized on their weak points to win.

“Winning the three points shot contest and now the MVP award in CBL has brought  joy to me. The championship is good and I believe African players can learn from the more experienced players by competing in the tournament.”

To the head coach of Lagos City Stars, Godwin Owinje, the players’ steadfastness throughout the tourney were instrumental to the victory.

“The players were eager to win the tournament  against all odds. At the beginning it seemed difficult, but we gave it all the best. The tournament has opened doors for Nigerian basketball stars to learn from their counterparts from America and other parts of the world,” he said.

In the first semifinal of the tournament, Abidjan Raiders beat Yaoundé Giants 72 to 65, while Lagos City Stars stunned hitherto unbeatable Eko Kings 82 to 73.

CBL CEO, Ugo who commended the participating teams for their sportsmanship and good conduct during the tourney, assured that more values would be added to improve the standard of the league in the future.

Awards were given to notable basketball administrators, coaches and players including star musician, Sound Sultan, who is among the management of Lagos City Stars Basketball Club.