Power Rankings Week 7

For the first time in any LIMBA season, we have no undefeated teams heading into the playoffs. This is going to be fun.

1. Hamza Warriors (↑ 1)

The Warriors haven't been at the one spot since week 2 and they don't seem to plan to lose that spot soon either. They beat the Mambas without their leader Bilal Lateef, and it displayed even further the array of options this team has on offense. The big question coming into this season was their defense, but the additions from Masjid Noor brought their gritty defense to match along the skilled offensive attack of Bilal, Shamikh and Zak. They are doing it on every level, and except for the little bump on the road against the Hawks, they've been in total control this season.

2. ICM Mambas (↓ 1)

They only have one loss to their name, but the loss showed a lot. Without ZQ, this team is very weak down low and much less equipped to score on offense. The Warriors, whos missing Bilal Lateef cancelled the excuse of a missing ZQ, held the Mambas to a mere 39 points. That being said, when Mohammad Elzanaty and ZQ are on the court together, you feel as if you're guarding Russ and KD on the old OKC squad. These two guys can get to the line, shoot, drive, and create for anyone on their squad. Together they are one of the most lethal tandems in LIMBA.

3. Bilal Bears (↔)

Wali Hamrah just cannot be stopped. Its that simple. The craziest thing is, even with Wali leading the league in scoring, Zain Ahmad is also a top 10 scorer in the league, as well as the league leader in rebounds. The man is bringing down a whopping 13.5 rebounds a game, and put that together with Wali’s offense, Arif’s gritty defense, and Yaqubs passing ability, and you have a complete mess for opposing teams.

4. Baqi Blazers (↔)

Shahid Naimi is 2nd in the league for scoring, and 4th in rebounds per game, so he is doing his part. The Blazers are having a regular season which mimics the Cavs regular season. A lot of lineup changes and lack of chemistry building for the starting 5. We’ve yet to see the full 5 play together, but when they do, it looks like they'll be an issue. I see them beating any team below them.

5. Hamza Hawks (↔)

The Hawks have shown flashes of greatness but they seem to have a glaring hole in their defense. The low post. We expected a stronger presence there and have yet to see it. Hussain has been carrying this team on his shoulders, willing them to a 3-3 start. I need to see bigger numbers from guys like Dar and Rana if this team hopes on making a deep playoff run.

6. BIC Blue Storm (↔)

This Blue Storm team has the ability to be a top 4 team but they lack a true creator. Wasi has been lighting the league up, but they wont go far without someone creating for guys like him.

7. JMB BucketTeam (↔)

Underdogz. Didn't give up. 2 wins away from being .500. JMB has surpassed any and all expectations of them this season, and they don't look like theyll be stopping anytime soon. They are playing with heart and determination.

8. ICLI FLVKO (↔)

I thought Nibras was hitting the miswak too much but after seeing their record, i'm surprised he hasn't been hitting it even more.

Power Rankings Week 6

A lot has gone down since we last updated out power rankings. Big moves.

1. ICM Mambas (↔)

The only team undefeated through their first 5 games. They've beaten the Bears, Hawks and Blazers. The only threat to their undefeated season would be the Warriors this upcoming week, but besides that matchup, I don't see this team losing. ZQ and Mohammad Elzanaty are killing it, this tandom is looking like the favorites for Batman-Robin duo. The role players are stepping up big and everyone's playing their role beautifully. Combine all this with the best coach in the league and this team becomes the complete nightmare they have been all season.  

2. Hamza Warriors (↑ 3)

They had one small bump on their road to dominance. The Hawks came up big that week, but the Warriors are still a huge threat to repeat. They are finally looking comfortable with their new additions. Shamikh is scoring in bunches, Bilal is leading this team well, Omer is playing his role to perfection, Adnan is playing efficient and Zak is Zak. I expect them to dethrone the #1 seed in the upcoming week.

3. Bilal Turtles (↑ 1)

Wali Hamrah is killing the league averaging 25 points a game, and having dropped 100 points already, and that’s without having played in a game this season. It's scary what he is capable of doing. If Zain, Yaqub and Arif step up and play their roles around Wali, this team will get back to being the postseason threat they always have been.

4. Al-Baqi Blazers (↓ 2)

This team has now lost 2 of its last 3 games. They haven't shown their full lineup on the court at one time yet, but we've seen moments of excellence from this team. They have 3 guys in the top 7 scoring and have had issues getting their best players together. They've been scoring well, but at times they have been giving up too many points. Their regular season is looking similar to that of the Cavs, with all the roster movement, attendance issues, and lazy defense. But will Shahid lift his team to a different level in the upcoming games?

5. Hamza Hawks (↓ 2)

The Hawks have slowed down since their big upset against the Warriors. They are looking penetrable while playing close games against lower ranked teams. They find a way to win, but not in the form which you expect from a team which could win it all. Hussain and Basil are doing their parts, but the role players aren't stepping up enough.

6. BIC Blue Storm (↔)

This team has some ballers, but they are missing that one play making point guard who can set his teammates up. Their offense gets stagnant and they get tired on defense quickly. They haven't been able to beat any team above them which is important for going deeper in the playoffs.

7. JMB BucketTeam (↑1)

This team got a great team win against the Blazers, but haven't shown that same                                           effectiveness ever since. They seemed to have something going against the Warriors this past week but it fell apart quickly. They have outlived the expectation of going winless, but can they do enough to elevate themselves more?

8. ICLI FLVKO (↓ 1)

This team is a mess. Suspensions, fighting with each other, and losing. They have talent but don't know how to utilize it. They desperately need a good coach.

Power Rankings Week 3

OKAAAYYYYY! I like the shake up in Week 2. Its looking like a very small chance any team goes undefeated this season, with only 2 still alive with no defeats through 2 weeks. We definitely are shaking some things up this week!

1. ICM Mambas (↑ 2)

Through two games this team has been very dominant. We knew they had a good first week outing against FLVKO, but werent sure if it was a legit showing of their potential or just a good game against a bad team. ZQ has made an early bid for DPOY, with Mohammad Elzanaty helping ZQ in their race for Batman-Robin duo. This team has a lethal zone defense lead by one of the best coaches in the league.  

2. Al-Baqi Blazers (↑ 2)

This team showed out in their first game of the season. They almost mercy ruled ICLI, but ended up only winning by 6. They put up 60 points without their starting center, who is rumored to be an issue for opposing defenses. Shahid and Shak create a dynamic backcourt and Hamid Ahmad held his own on defense. This team is full of shooters, any of which can take over on a specific night.  

3. Hamza Hawks (↑ 3)

This team forfeited their first game against the Blazers, but showed out in their first game of the season. Playing the defending champs, the Hawks were looking for their first franchise win against their “older brother” Warriors team. Their defense was clamps from up top with Hussain Arif and Abdullah Dar to down low with Safwan Manjoo and Saad Rana. Their offense came naturally and they didn't force anything. I like this team a lot. From a dark horse to a top contender.

4. Bilal Turtles (↓ 2)

This team was down big to the Mambas at half, but then Wali stepped up and lead his team on a crazy come back, only to lose by 3. This team lost, but they sometimes lose their identity. They have a stagnant offense at times and their defense lacks energy without Arif. I think they can still do damage, but rumor is Wali is hurt with a wrist injury. Losing the leagues leader in scoring may pose an issue for this squad.

5. Hamza Warriors (↓ 4)

I know they are the defending champs, and I know that they only lost one game. But it was an embarrassing outing for this team. They revere themselves as a top team in this league, but got clamped on offense and fell apart on defense. I expect more from this squad.

6. BIC Blue Storm (↓ 1)

This team played very well, but the reason they aren't getting any traction on the power rankings is because it was against a weak team in JMB. I like the duo of Raphin Shapon and Mohammad Wasi. Hamza Akram plays his role well, and the rest of the guys did their job this past week. Lets just hope they can keep this up, I want this team to do well.

7. ICLI FLVKO (↔)

It went from fighting on the sidelines to members quitting halfway through the game. Besides their two big men, this team isnt producing on offense. On defense they quit too early on plays, and on the sidelines they need someone to unite them. I think the thing missing from this squad is a solid coach. Without one they aren't going anywhere.

8. Amaan Rana (↑ 10k)

Can probably give JMB a run for their money.

9. JMB BucketTeam (↔)

Besides Hamza Haque….Yikes.

Power Rankings Week 2

1. Hamza Warriors (↔)

This team took 8 minutes to figure out how to include their new teammates and never looked back. The second half showed the whole league why they were champs last season and why they are ranked in the top spot

2. Bilal Turtles (↔)

This team won by a big margin without their all star point guard to lead their offense. No reason to move this team down. No team below them has showed them something to prove they can contend with them.

3. ICM Mambas (↑ 2)

This team played really well and showed they have very few weaknesses. With their starting center coming back, they look even more intimidating. Watch out for this squad. They fixed their woes on offense and somehow got better on defense. Its early, but this is one of my sleepers this season.

4. Al-Baqi Blazers (↓ 1)

No reason to move this team down except that the Mambas played one hell of a game. Excited to see this squad play together for the first time this week.

5. BIC Blue Storm (↑ 2)

We didn't know what to expect from these guys, but two things are for sure: 1. They are here to play. They can contend with some more practice. And 2. They are a class act. Very nice group of guys with a lot of respect for everyone in the league. I like this team a lot, just need someone to create and be a playmaker for them.

6. Hamza Hawks (↔)

No reason to move this team. Didn't show up to week 1 because Dar was busy shmoozin at MIST.

7. ICLI FLVKO (↓ 3)

This team seems to be more concerned with their “clout” and looks on the court than the actual scoreboard. Fighting with each other on the court and yelling at each other on the sidelines will get them nowhere.

8. JMB BucketTeam (↔)

Uzair missed his train and JMB missed the memo that they  need to change their play style. The constant iso plays aren't working. Until they fix that they will stay right here.

Week 1 Power Rankings

Here we go. Again. After months of Bilal Lateef crying and Rashiq Rafeeq complaining we are back with our fourth season of Long Island Muslim Basketball Association action. This season is looking to be the most interesting yet, with almost every team getting significantly better. We ended last season in a great way with the best playoffs yet in LIMBA history. The Bilal Turtles overcame the Baqi Blazers in an OT thriller in the Semi Finals, and went on to face the undefeated Hamza Warriors in a rematch of the championship game from the season before. The Turtles looked to have had the game in the bag and were well on their way to a repeat championship, but then the Hamza Warriors woke up. Coming back on the backs of Zakariya Williams and Shamikh "IRVING" Ahsan, the Warriors completed the comeback and brought masjid Hamza their first LIMBA championship. Fast forward to a crazy offseason where half of the teams playing are new, teams like Noor and Warriors combining, and a whole lot of trash talk, and here we are. A few days before the first tip off and everyone is excited. Let me tell you one thing, if I had to pick a team to win it all today, I would be lost. Almost every team has a chance to go and get it this season and that is something LIMBA really hasnt seen before. Here are the pre-season power rankings for this years LIMBA season: 

1)Hamza Warriors - How can you not put the remaining champs on top? Not only did they bring back their core 3 of Bilal, Shamikh and Zak, but they brought them back even better individually than they were last season. Throw the addition of Omer Rana, one of the elite big men in the league into the mix and you have what might be the closest thing to the GS Warriors as LIMBA can get. The biggest weakness in the Hamza Warriors play last season was lack of a paint protecting big man. With Omer Rana, they get that, as well as an offensively efficient 5. Adnan Hussein can dish and hit the three, while the other role players know their roles, and perform them well. Dont let this fool you, the Warriors lost some key members of their Championship squad. Abdullah Dar, my preseason favorite to win MVP, Mustafa Mian, and Robail Nasir all left. All three great defenders, so I wouldnt be surprised if we see a drop in defensive efficiency this season compared to last. 

2) Bilal Turtles - The true definition of "If it aint broke, dont fix it". The most attractive thing this team has is its chemistry. Having two of arguably the three top big men in the league last season along with a top 3 point guard is what led the Turtles to back to back championship appearances. They could have been back to back champions if it wasnt for that insane meltdown at the end of the second half. Arif Tursonzadah is one of the top defenders in the league and maybe the most unappreciated offensive weapon as well. He does it all for this team and I give this team a HIGH chance of getting back into that finals game. 

3) Baqi Blazers - Totally new squad this season. The entire starting 5 is gone besides Shak. They brought in former MVP Shahid Naimi who is sure to go deep into the playoffs with his aggressive mindset. Ammad Jawed and Mujib Zaraei of the Bullets also came along with Shahid. This squad hasnt been seen together yet, but with a former MVP and shooters all around him, this team could be lethal. 

4) ICLI FLVKO - This team is likely the tallest lineup this season with Nibras Islam being the shortest player in the starting five. Rashiq Rafeeq will play the power forward role which is scary since he is one of the bigger guys in the league. Ashique Hasany is a great add to this squad, adding defensive presence and outside shooting. The other two starters are new to LIMBA but rumor has it they can hold their own. Id like to see a clash of this team up against the Turtles. Dont count out a team who can play big and aggressive. 

5) ICM Mambas - This team had a solid start to the season shocking everyone with their undefeated start, but once they let basketball come  second to  drama and trash talking they lost out to end their season. They got significantly stronger with someone to take some of the scoring load off of Mohammad Elzanaty in ZQ Hussaini and Arbaaz Khan. Mojtaba Tokhie is one of the elite hustle players in the league, fighting against guys bigger than him for rebounds but somehow coming up with the most. They had a great zone defense but struggled to get baskets at times, and I think these new additions help them with that, so I give them a good chance of making a deep playoff run. 

6) Hamza Hawks - This is the lowest team that has a LEGIT shot at making the championship. At their best this squad can compete for a chip, but thats only if they perform to their best ability. Saad Rana got a lot better, Hussain has been a solid top 5 player for multiple seasons,  and they added Abdullah Dar who is sure to wreak havoc this season. Do not sleep on these guys. 

7) BIC Bluestorm - Saif Huda is bringing some guys from LIMS and some new cats from SJU together to create this new BIC Bluestorm team. They are ranked so low because we havent seen most of this squad, but they look to be a force. Hamza Akram is a tall, big bodied center who is rumored to be a beast, while Mohammad Wasi plays like vintage Carmelo Anthony. Saif Huda has always been a defensive presence as a big man, but as a guard he might be even more lethal. They could make a splash in their first season in the league. 

8) JMB BucketTeam - JMB was one of the best teams a few seasons ago, but they stayed at the same level of play while essentially every other team got better. This season with all these new additions and rosters, I dont see this team going very far at all into the playoffs as they just cant compete with the upgraded level of play. I do hope that they prove me wrong.