A blockbuster offseason filled with high-profile signings had fans and pundits alike touting TUSK as title contenders. With names like Ebo, Bance, and Ferraw joining the fold — and Coach Samori on the touchline — the expectations were sky-high. This was supposed to be the birth of a new super team in the ABL. But GRA had other ideas.

What Happened: GRA Flip the Script

Under the Friday night lights at El-Wak Sports Stadium, everything was set for a TUSK showcase. It was also a personal affair — Ebo, last season’s Fans MVP, lined up against his former side for the first time, eager to make a statement. And while he led his new team with 18 points, the narrative that unfolded was anything but expected.

The Braves of GRA, who came into the game written off by most observers after an offseason exodus, put on a clinic in cohesion, grit, and execution. Their defense was organized, their transition play sharp, and most importantly, their belief unwavering.

Led by an inspired Baniba Dodzi — who dropped a stunning 28 points — GRA looked nothing like a team on the decline. Support came from Selasi (13 points) and Emmanuel Ocquaye (12 points), with Coach Djimate pulling the strings masterfully from the bench.

A Fluke or a Warning?

Was it a fluke? The scoreline says otherwise. GRA did not just edge TUSK — they perfomed btter as a unit in key stretches of the game. With many tipping them for relegation alongside Police and Airforce, this result may well serve as a defiant message: GRA are not here to fold.

For TUSK, the loss stings, not just because it was unexpected, but because of what it represents. For all the talent at their disposal, they lacked the rhythm and chemistry needed to play like a unit. The pieces are there, but the puzzle is far from complete.

Too Soon to Panic

Still, it is far too early to hit the panic button. Coach Samori has proven credentials, and few doubt that he will find the right formula with time. With the likes of Ebo already showing flashes of brilliance and several elite players still settling in, TUSK remain serious contenders to challenge the Knights’ reign. But if Friday’s opener taught us anything, it is that no games will be handed out this season — not even to the so-called 'Avengers'.