The Rivers Hoopers, reigning champions of the Nigerian basketball league, have successfully secured their spot in the 2025 Basketball Africa League playoffs, scheduled to take place in Pretoria, South Africa, this June. Concluding their Kalahari Conference campaign with a resounding 79-59 victory over Stade Malien, the Hoopers finished with a commendable 4-2 record, securing wins against both Stade Malien and FUS Rabat (twice each). Their only losses came at the hands of the formidable Egyptian side, Al Ittihad Alexandria. Despite this achievement, Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu remains focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the need for continued improvement to surpass their third-place finish in the previous BAL season.
Odaudu acknowledges the team’s current standing and recognizes the work required to elevate their performance for the upcoming playoffs. He aims to capitalize on the available time before the playoffs to refine their strategies and elevate their overall game. The coach’s ambition reflects the collective aspiration within the team and the support they have received, pushing them to strive for a better outcome this season. With the playoffs looming, the Hoopers are determined to refine their gameplay and emerge as stronger contenders in South Africa.
The Hoopers’ success in the Kalahari Conference can be largely attributed to the outstanding performances of key players, including Kelvin Amayo, Peter Olisemeka, and Madut Akec. Their individual brilliance and contributions across various statistical categories have been instrumental in driving the team’s victories. Amayo, a veteran from the previous BAL campaign, consistently topped the appearance chart, averaging 35.3 minutes per game, while also leading the assist category with an average of 6.6 assists per game across five matches. His experience and leadership have proved invaluable for the team.
Madut Akec, the team’s dynamic small forward, consistently showcased his offensive prowess, emerging as the leading scorer with an impressive average of 17.8 points per game. Akec’s ability to sink both field goals (41) and three-pointers (17) has made him a crucial offensive weapon. Complementing Akec’s scoring ability, Peter Olisemeka dominated the boards, averaging 11 rebounds per game. Olisemeka’s dominance in rebounds provides the team with crucial second-chance opportunities and strengthens their defensive presence. Further bolstering the team’s defense is power forward Raphael Putney, who leads in blocks with an average of 1.7 per game.
The Rivers Hoopers’ journey to the BAL playoffs has been marked by both resounding victories and crucial learnings from defeats. Their 4-2 record in the Kalahari Conference reflects their overall dominance, with the losses against Al Ittihad Alexandria providing valuable insights into areas needing improvement. The team’s balanced performance across various statistical categories, including appearances, assists, points, rebounds, and blocks, showcases the depth of their talent and the contributions of key players. The Hoopers return to Nigeria allows them to regroup, analyze their performance, and fine-tune their strategies. This period will be crucial for addressing any weaknesses identified during the Kalahari Conference and for maximizing the potential of their key players.
The upcoming BAL playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa from June 6th to 14th present a significant challenge and opportunity for the Rivers Hoopers. Coach Odaudu’s emphasis on exceeding their previous third-place finish underscores the team’s ambition and the pressure they face to perform at the highest level. The time between their return from Morocco and the commencement of the playoffs will be dedicated to intense training and strategic planning, focusing on enhancing teamwork, improving individual skills, and solidifying their overall game plan. The Hoopers’ success in the playoffs will depend on their ability to maintain their consistent performance, address their weaknesses, and effectively leverage the strengths of their key players. They carry the hopes of Nigerian basketball fans, eager to see the team progress further in this prestigious continental tournament.
