Rivers Hoopers Set Sights on BAL Glory in South Africa
Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers are poised to make a strong showing at the fifth season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals, currently underway in Pretoria, South Africa. As the sole Nigerian representatives and the only team from West Africa, the KingsMen are determined to improve on their third-place finish in the 2024 edition held in Kigali, Rwanda. Their journey to the finals began with a successful second-place finish in the Kalahari Conference qualifiers held in Rabat, Morocco, securing their spot among the eight elite teams vying for the continental championship. This marks the Hoopers’ third appearance in the prestigious annual tournament, underscoring their consistent presence on the African basketball scene.
Head coach Ogah Odaudu has carefully selected a 13-man roster, blending experienced veterans with promising young talent. The guard positions are fortified by the seasoned 33-year-old Nigerian-Canadian Kelvin Amayo, whose impressive average of 6.6 assists per game during the qualifiers showcased his playmaking prowess. He is joined by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team captain Maxi Shamba, a recent addition to the squad, and Nigerian national team star Michael Okiki. Rounding out the guard rotation are Abel Offia of Nigeria and Ahmed Doumbia of Guinea, adding further depth and versatility to the backcourt.
The Hoopers’ frontcourt boasts a formidable presence, anchored by Peter Olisemeka, the leading rebounder during the qualifiers with an average of 11.0 boards per game. Supporting Olisemeka are Samuel Sani, David Ike, and Chingka Garba, a recent acquisition from Rwandan side Orion Basketball Club. This quartet provides a robust interior defense and rebounding strength, essential for success in the physically demanding BAL competition. Leading the forward line is the electrifying South Sudanese star Madut Akec, who topped the scoring charts during the qualifiers with an average of 17.8 points per game. His scoring ability will be crucial for the Hoopers’ offensive firepower. Adding further depth and experience to the forward positions are Ifeanyi Koko Jr, Buchi Nwaiwu, and the 35-year-old American Raphiael Putney.
Heading into the tournament, the Hoopers are ranked fourth among the eight participating teams, placing them behind Al Ahli SC of Libya, Al Ittihad of Egypt, and US Monastir of Tunisia. Their opening game pits them against US Monastir, a rematch of last year’s electrifying quarterfinal clash, which the Hoopers won 92-88. This encounter promises to be a highly anticipated showdown, with both teams keen to assert their dominance early in the tournament. The Hoopers will rely heavily on the offensive prowess of Akec and the playmaking skills of Amayo to overcome the Tunisian powerhouse, who are themselves seeking their second BAL title in three years. US Monastir, along with reigning champions Petro de Luanda of Angola, are the only two teams to have participated in all five BAL seasons, highlighting their consistent presence at the pinnacle of African basketball.
Both the Hoopers and Monastir concluded their respective qualifying campaigns with identical records of four wins and two losses. The Hoopers secured second place in the Kalahari Conference, while Monastir topped the Sahara Conference. Their head-to-head record stands at two wins apiece, further adding to the intrigue surrounding their upcoming clash. The outcome of the seeding games will determine the playoff bracket matchups and seeding for the single-elimination playoffs, which will culminate in the crowning of the BAL champion. The other seeding fixtures feature Al Ahli Tripoli against Al Ittihad Alexandria, Petro de Luanda versus APR of Rwanda, and Kriol Star of Cape Verde against FUS Rabat.
The Hoopers are determined to make a deep run in the tournament and reach the final, which would represent their best-ever performance in the BAL. Their roster reflects a balanced blend of scoring ability, defensive solidity, and experienced leadership. The team’s success will hinge on their ability to execute their game plan effectively, maintain consistency throughout the tournament, and leverage the individual brilliance of their key players. The Hoopers’ journey in the BAL finals is a testament to their growth and development as a franchise and their ambition to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the African basketball landscape.
The BAL playoffs are scheduled to take place from June 6 to 14, offering a thrilling spectacle of high-level basketball competition. As the tournament progresses, the Hoopers will face increasingly challenging opponents, testing their mettle and resolve. Their ultimate objective remains clear: to hoist the BAL trophy and etch their names in African basketball history. With their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Hoopers are well-equipped to make a strong push towards achieving their ambitious goal. The stage is set for a captivating display of basketball prowess, and the Hoopers are determined to seize the moment and leave their mark on the BAL finals.
