With the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season fast approaching, Rivers Hoopers are gearing up for another shot at continental glory. After securing an impressive third-place finish last year, the KingsMen are determined to build on their success and push even further. But what does it take to stay competitive in a league where the stakes get higher every season?
We sat down with the team’s Media and Communications Officer to get an exclusive look into Rivers Hoopers’ game plan for the upcoming campaign. From strategic recruitment and early preparations to the impact of Coach Ogoh Odaudu’s leadership, we uncover the key elements driving Nigeria’s top basketball club as they set their sights on the BAL playoffs—and beyond.
Reflecting on the 2024 Basketball Africa League season, where Rivers Hoopers finished third, what key lessons are you leveraging for the 2025 campaign?
Key takeaways include early and quality preparation. Last year, foreign pros joined us at different times, some just weeks before the tournament. That impacted team chemistry. In 2021, COVID restrictions limited our preparation, but we learned from that and started early last year. Recruitment is also crucial. We need players who prioritize winning over individual stats. Last year’s squad had a strong collective mindset, which was key to our success. Our focus now is to build on that with better preparation and strategic recruitment.
How is Rivers Hoopers ensuring early preparation this time around?
This year, we play in the first conference, so preparation is even more urgent. We plan to have our full squad back in training next week to build synergy ahead of next month’s games. Government support is also essential—funding for player accommodations, transport, and salaries makes early preparation possible. We had strong backing last year and hope for the same this time. Staying competitive means consolidating on our success. Our first target is the playoffs; anything less would be a failure.
Will key players like Will Perry and Kevin Amayo return?
Unfortunately, Will Perry won’t be returning. He got a better offer elsewhere, which we respect. The BAL has become highly competitive, with clubs bidding aggressively for top players. While we tried to keep him, it’s ultimately about who offers more. However, we are hopeful about retaining Kevin Amayo. Recruitment is ongoing, and final announcements will be made soon.
How is Rivers Hoopers strategizing for the Kalahari Conference, given the tough opponents?
It’s a challenging group with strong teams. Stade Malien and Rivers Hoopers have podium finishes, while FUS Rabat made the quarterfinals last year. Al-Ittihad is making its BAL debut, but we won’t underestimate them—Al Ahly won as debutants in 2023. Playing in Morocco will be tough due to the passionate home crowd. However, basketball isn’t won on paper. Our focus is on solid recruitment and preparation. We are also pleased to retain Coach Ogoh, the reigning BAL Coach of the Year. We embrace the challenge and are confident in our team’s ability to compete.
Behind the success of Rivers Hoopers stands Coach Ogoh Odaudu. He’s been instrumental in the team’s dominance, both in the Nigerian Basketball League and at the Basketball Africa League. What makes him different? What are his key training methodologies and tactical approaches?
Coach Ogoh has been the backbone of Rivers Hoopers for over 15 years. His ability to maximize the potential of his players, regardless of their individual skill levels, sets him apart. A great coach can take an average team and turn them into champions, and that’s what he has done. He emphasizes consistency and long-term development, which is why Rivers Hoopers has stuck with him.
Beyond that, he constantly improves himself—attending coaching courses, learning from NBA coaches like Mike Brown, and participating in summer leagues. Last year, he trained in Cleveland, ensuring he stays updated with global basketball trends. His presence has been crucial to Rivers Hoopers’ success, and while he’s currently coaching Greg Energy Group, he’ll return to lead the team for the upcoming BAL.
The Nigerian Premier Basketball League has struggled with consistency, yet Rivers Hoopers continues to excel. How is the team staying motivated and avoiding complacency ahead of the BAL?
We’ve moved past relying on the league’s structure and taken matters into our own hands. A functioning domestic league is crucial for home-based players, but since that hasn’t been consistent, we’ve had to find alternative ways to stay competitive.
Last year, we saw how lack of game time affected teams like Kwara Falcons, who struggled at BAL. To avoid that, we organized tournaments and friendly games to keep players in shape. Initially, our foreign players played major minutes to balance out the lack of match fitness among home-based players. But as the tournament progressed, we gradually integrated the local players.
This year, we’ve maintained that strategy. Our home-based players just competed in the National Sports Festival qualifiers, and preparations will intensify once our foreign players arrive. League or no league, Rivers Hoopers is committed to making a strong run at BAL.
With the BAL growing in competition and structure, how is Rivers Hoopers adapting its long-term vision to remain a dominant force?
Our long-term goal is clear—win the league. Without that, there’s no qualification for BAL. Last season, we saw how competitive it was, with City Chiefs expected to reach the final but getting knocked out in the semis.
We’re focused on maintaining our dominance in Nigeria while ensuring we stay competitive internationally. That means continuous player development, smart recruitment, and improving team chemistry. Coach Ogoh has a short window to prepare, but we trust he’ll develop a solid plan. Our primary goal is to reach the BAL playoffs, and from there, push for the title. Regardless of the league situation, Rivers Hoopers will compete at the highest level.
0 Comments
Add your own hot takes