In Uganda, when we talk about the Greatest Player Of All Time, usually two names stand out. We unequivocally speak of Stephen Omony and Norman Blick. Without candid numbers to consider, we are always made to delve into the conversation based on how these two players revolutionized the Ugandan game and how individually at the same time or at different times were number one on everyone’s list. A lot of the conversation is driven by Norman and Omony’s style of play. How as younger players they made whoever was watching them feel. Both players at their prime had astonishing athletic abilities and could jump out of the building. Indeed they put so many on posters but so little the cameras captured. The conversation is equally shaped by the longevity of the players. Norman and Omony are largely considered the bridge of generations – They schooled both the Old School and the new school. They were also both able to build rather successful basketball careers outside Uganda.
Norman Blick with Power
Stephen Omony with Falcons
So yesterday, I had a casual conversation with my dawg Kirya Jonathan and to put it in perspective, we were exchanging ideas for our new DOUBLE DOWN show and with some not so rare randomness, Kirya said; “You Know Jimmy (Enabu) is my G.O.A.T”. It really had me thinking – how we have subconsciously ignored the Jimmy Enabu G.O.A.T conversation. To some extent we can relatively refer to Jimmy’s numbers over the last five years but eight NBL chips including seven straight is not something you ignore. That’s probably the most number of chips anybody around here has and by default, that should elevate you to G.O.A.T status.
Of course Norman has five NBL chips and Omony has Four from Uganda. And you can argue that both players were winning chips when they played outside Uganda with Norman playing in Kenya, Qatar and U.K while Omony spent most of his professional career in Seychelles were he was the most dominant basketball force ever experienced on the Indian Ocean island.
Jimmy Enabu as UCU open MVP in his first year (2013) with Oilers.
Jimmy wasn’t exactly the leader when he got his first chip with Dmark Power. He was briefly shadowed by Ben Komakech, Joseph Ikong, Norman and Isaac Afidra who were big timers on that squad but he moved on and he built his own castle at City Oilers and damn did he dominate. Ever since that dynasty was built, it hasn’t been denied for seven straight years and Jimmy’s been a central piece in all of them.
All three players have been exceptional for the Silverbacks with Stephen Omony being the longest serving captain for the Black Yellow Reds and his leadership has always showed. A lot of the new school players have really bench-marked Jimmy because they’ve been able to see and try to replicate his approach to the game.
Just what do you think about Jimmy Enabu being added to the G.O.A.T conversation? You can leave a comment down below.
I have added a throwback video of the lightening quick Jimmy Enabu with Dmark Power.
Cucu Brian | @Cucubrian on Twitter.
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