‘How I Spent My Holidays’: Rivers Hoopers vice-captain Buchi Vincent reflects on holidays of family, service, and renewal

For Rivers Hoopers’ vice-captain Nwaiwu Onyebuchi ‘Buchi’ Vincent, the Christmas and New Year holidays were not about luxury trips or glamorous escapes.

Instead, they became a time of reconnection, reflection, and giving back, experiences that reminded him of the deeper values beyond basketball.

Homecoming
After a year defined by training sessions, long travels, and high-stakes games, Buchi pressed pause and returned home. The holidays gave him something his demanding calendar rarely allows time with family.

With siblings visiting after long absences and friends reappearing from years apart, he relished simple moments, sharing rice and chicken, laughing at old stories, and soaking in the warmth of family bonds.

‘It was stressful,’ Buchi admits, ‘but it was eventful.’

Back to His Roots
Part of his holiday took him to Ahiazu-Mbaise in Imo State for a funeral. Though somber, the trip reminded him of the strength of community and the truth that basketball, while important, is only one part of life’s larger story.

Defining Moment
On December 23, 2025, Buchi and his siblings united for a selfless act: giving back to widows in their hometown. For the Hoopers’ vice-captain, this became the highlight of his holiday.

‘To see the smiles on their faces was absolutely fulfilling,’ he recalls. ‘That was the best part of it. I loved every bit of the experience.’

In those moments, trophies and personal accolades faded into the background, replaced by the joy of service and the privilege of giving back.

Why It Matters
For Buchi, holidays are more than a break from competition, they are essential.

‘The importance of the holidays to me cannot be overemphasized,’ he explains. ‘It’s a time to bond with family, to be with siblings and friends I haven’t had time to see all year.’

As a professional athlete, he understands the cost of constant physical exertion and the need for balance. ‘You can’t work your body all year round without rest,’ he adds. ‘You also need time to bond with family. That balance is crucial in the life of an athlete.’

Looking Ahead
As he prepares for another demanding campaign, Buchi returns not only refreshed in body but renewed in spirit. The holidays gave him perspective, purpose, and motivation for the season ahead.

For the veteran KingsMan, time away from the hardwood reaffirmed a fundamental truth: success is not only measured in points, wins, or trophies, but also in connection, compassion, and service to community.