Rivers Hoopers head coach, Ogoh Odaudu has promised that his team will not underestimate the threat posed by their opponents this week.
After losing their season’s opener, Hoopers are now on a run of three consecutive victories and the KingsMen will host two newly promoted teams this week, NAF Rockets on Thursday and Hoops & Read on Saturday.
NAF Rockets have won just two of the five games they have played this season while Hoops & Read have recorded two away wins against the Rockets and Oluyole Warriors.
Former Nigeria international, Ogoh is not underrating the two Lagos based teams.
“Basketball is not played on paper but on the basketball court. The day you decide to underrate any opponent, that’s the day they will come and mess you up on your home court. We are not invincible,” said Odaudu while playing down talks of his side’s invincibility in the Kwese Premier Basketball League.
With the win one, lose one syndrome suffered by the Port Harcourt side last season looking over, the former Lagos Islander coach has vowed to keep the fans happy this season.
“We were not in the good books of our fans at all (last season) but we want to remain in their good books (this season). We are going to keep satisfying them with every opportunity we get at home and hopefully win more games away,” promised Odaudu.
In the same vein, Hoopers assistant captain, Belema Alamina stressed that the harmony in the team has strengthened them in achieving more success
“We are all excited that we are coming out this strong because it was disappointing (when) we lost our first game. We had to come back, put our heads together and play like friends and family that is what is giving us this lead right now,” Alamina explained.
“We will try to make our home very efficient for us and make sure that everything we are doing at home will come out successful. We all will put our heads together to make sure we come out victorious in our two games this week,” Alamina pledged.
Rivers Hoopers will play against NAF Rockets on Thursday 4th May before Hoops & Read come calling on Saturday at the Basketball Court on 59, Niger Street, Port Harcourt. Both games are slated for 4pm on the respective dates.
