AMMAN — Applied Science University (ASU) lead the Premier Basketball League as Leg 2 kicks off on Wednesday.
Looking back at Leg 1, Jalil and Nashama Urdun seem destined to be one of the relegated teams while Orthodoxi, who won the title two seasons ago, are not in the top four.
Orthodoxi will play for the title with no import players on line-up this season.
They managed to beat only the two bottom-placed teams and will play Kulieh in the first match on Wednesday. Friday will see ASU play Jalil and Ittihad play Nashama. Riyadi, who are playing in Dubai International Tournament, will have their first match against Kulieh on January 21.
Observers note that a gap in competitive levels of clubs and lack of fans have cast a negative impact on the second most popular game in Jordan.
Jordan Basketball Federation League Commissioner Mudar Majdoub told The Jordan Times that many aspect needed to be revised, noting that clubs had agreed not to hold the Jordan Cup nor enlist import players until new criteria is put in place.
“Player transfer rules and contracts were not revised or changed. But clubs unanimously agreed to play this season with the status quo,” Majdoub said, adding that each club was given the right to sign up six players from the transfer list which included players on the national team and those who played professionally abroad.
Majdoub said game experience is expected to help younger players have a chance for a better performance in the upcoming round.
In 2012 season, ASU won the league for the third time, Ittihad schools were runner-up as Riyadi took third place and Kulieh fourth. Former champs Orthodoxi pulled out of the event, citing result and technicalities that allowed Kulieh to advance to Round 2.
Last season saw cup holders Riyadi Aramex beat ASU to win the 10th Jordan Basketball Cup.
