Standout COHENEL point guard, Blessing Makanda, has been recognised as one of the top 5 players in the ABL Western Conference being named to the All-ABL First Team for the 2019/20 season.

The ABL is an invitation only competition that comprises of 40 the top teams from across England, split into four conferences.  Colleges that have shown high levels of performance are invited to compete in the ABL, which runs a weekly competition for elite athletes throughout the academic year.

Makanda established himself as a force to be reckoned with this season, pouring in 16.4 points per game, while pulling down an impressive 6.7 rebounds per game for COHENEL while spearheading the Warriors attack all the way through to the ABL Final Fours.

A 'live-wire' guard with sniper-like ability from beyond the arc, Makanda is a pest on defence who harasses opposing guards into submission with his relentless pursuit of the ball.  He is fiercely competitive and causes consistent problems for defences with his ability to get into the lane and create for teammates.  Makanda was also unequivocally one of the team leaders of the most successful COHENEL team in the Academies history.

"Blessing has been exactly that for our program.  He's tough and relentless and one of the hardest workers we've ever had at COHENEL.  His improvement from season to season has been maybe the most I've seen in any player since I've been here.  He matured into a player I turned to and relied on to carry us through a lot of games this year - and he always responded.  I'm proud of him for winning this achievement, it's definitely well deserved." - AJ Roberts

Interested in joining COHENEL?  Places at the Academy are limited and selective, secured through trials held throughout the year.  To find out when the next trials are taking place and to secure your spot at an upcoming trial fill out the application form which can be found here: COHENEL PLAYER TRIAL APPLICATION