Sharks depose Kings in FIBL

The Filipino Indian Basketball League (FIBL) capped another banner season with the 2008 Goodwill Cup. New faces. New line-ups. New venue.

This is FIBL commissioner Dilip Budhrani’s affirmation of the league’s responsibility and commitment to the Filipino-Indian community to continue to foster goodwill, camaraderie, family bonding and sportsmanship through the games.

Budhrani made the games more competitive. The top draft picks – Ravi “The Battery” Gurnamal, Mukesh “The Silencer” Mohnani, Manoj “The Surprise” Chandumal and rookie Ajeet “The Aviator” Singh – each spearheaded their respective team’s crusade for the championship.

After a disappointing exit last year, the Sharks capped their impressive performance this season with an 82-79 overtime conquest and a 2-0 sweep of the defending champions Kings to bag the title Sunday at The Arena. The Bombay Bombers took third place.

Spicing up the awarding ceremonies were a “FIBL Moments” photo exhibit, live instrumental rendition of the national anthems, individual videos showcasing the awardees’ best plays, dual big screens, and a FIBL blimp which hovered inside the Arena during the proceedings.

“We wanted the spectators not only to enjoy the game but to experience something novel. The league owes it to them for making the games a popular Sunday afternoon habit for their families and friends,” Buhrani said.

Blue Sharks’ Manoj Chandumal ran off with the most trophies – MVP plum, including No. 1 in assists, steals and interceptions, Mythical 5, defensive team, MVP of the championship and team champion.

Other awardees are Ajeet Singh (Rookie of the Year), Mukesh Mohnani ( scoring) Kishore Mirpuri (rebound), Sanjeev Gangwani (blocked shots), Ashwin Budhrani (most improved player), Gurdeep Dhaliwal (sixth man) and Ramesh Michandani (sportsmanship). Defensive team members, aside from Chandumal, are Sanjeev Gangwani, Kishore Mirpuri, Ajeet Singh, and Gurdeep Dhaliwal. The league’s standouts who made the Mythical 5 selection, aside from Chandumal, are Mukesh Mohnani, Kishore Mirpuri, Ravi Gurnamal and Ajeet Singh.

San Juan Vice Mayor Leopoldo “Boy” Celles, Mrs. Cindy Ejercito, wife of Mayor JV Ejercito, Indian Embassy Counselor Tsewang Namgyal, Alaska Aces coach Tim Cone and PBA player Will Antonio presented the awards with the commissioner.

Budhrani said he remains very grateful to Indian Ambassador Rajeet Mitter and to all the team owners for their patronage and continuous cooperation. The league’s sponsors are Bikram Yoga Manila, Esquire Financing, Businessman’s Club, AXN Eyewear, Van Heusen, RayBan, Phiten, Oakley, WSNP Electronics, David’s Salon, Molten, the official ball, Hello Baby, Indra Garments, Sehwani Manpower, Multi-Sphere Trading, Orogem, MB Garments, Cotton Stuff, Kashmir, Mossimo, Indian Chamber, Cooper Jugs and Canadian Beddings.