Six-time Nigerian champions, Rivers Hoopers are set to get their campaign underway at the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which tips off with the Conference Playoffs on Saturday, April 5.
The KingsMen, who won bronze in last year’s BAL, departed for Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.
Hoopers Eye Stronger BAL Campaign
Rivers Hoopers are drawn in the Kalahari Conference alongside hosts FUS Rabat (Morocco), Al Ittihad (Egypt), and Stade Malien (Mali).
Their campaign begins on April 5 against Stade Malien at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
New Signings to Boost Squad
To strengthen their squad for the competition, Rivers Hoopers have secured the services of five new players:
Kelvin Amayo (Canada/Nigeria) – Combo guard, returning after playing a key role in last season’s bronze-medal finish.
Peter Olisemeka (Nigeria) – Another returnee, instrumental in last year’s campaign.
Maxi Shamb (DR Congo) – Point guard bringing experience and depth.
Madut Akec (South Sudan) – Small forward with strong defensive and offensive versatility.
Raphiael Putney (USA) – A dynamic addition with a wealth of experience.
Odaudu: “We Must Build on Last Year’s Achievement”
This will be Rivers Hoopers’ third appearance in the BAL, having participated in the inaugural 2021 season and last year’s edition, where they became the first Nigerian team to claim a podium finish.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu is determined to go one step further this time, with the ultimate goal of winning the trophy.
“Amadou Gallo Fall [BAL President] personally approached me and said, ‘Hey, you guys have to go and build on all of this that you just did, otherwise, it will all be a waste,’” Odaudu told ESPN.
“This is why it is such a great feeling for us to know that we are going back. It means a lot to me because we didn’t want to miss out on qualifying.”
“After all, then it would mean that whatever we achieved in the previous BAL was just a fluke. So we really wanted to go back and build on it.”
With their strengthened squad and a clear ambition to improve on last year’s success, Rivers Hoopers will be aiming to make a deep run in this year’s BAL and possibly challenge for the title.
