In this file photo, Kuwait Club forward shoots as Qadsia player defends.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: Al-Qadsia has signed American professional Khalil Dukes to boost its first basketball team for the remainder of the season. Dukes joins Brandon Garrett and DeQuan Jones as the third American player on the team’s roster, following the departure of Jomaro Brown.

A skilled point guard, Dukes is known for his precise shooting and ability to run the team’s offense. The American, who began his career in the U.S. college league, has played professionally in Kosovo, Turkey, and Russia. Qadsia aims to use his experience to strengthen its lineup and mount a serious title challenge this season.

In today’s Round 16 action, two matches are scheduled at the Basketball Federation Hall in the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. Kuwait Club faces Al-Sahel at 11:00 pm, while Qadsia takes on Al-Nasr SC at 8:00 pm.

The league is played in three rounds, after which the top four teams qualify for the semifinals in a best-of-three playoff format. Kuwait Club, Qadsia, Kazma, and Al-Qurain are currently well-positioned to secure semifinal spots, comfortably ahead of fifth-placed Al-Sulaibikhat, which has 22 points.

Kuwait Club leads the standings with 28 points from 14 consecutive wins, while Al-Sahel sits last with 15 points. Qadsia, second with 25 points — level with Kazma and Al-Qurain — is expected to have the upper hand against Al-Nasr given the difference in team quality.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff