‘Everybody Needs to Be on Ground’: Rivers Hoopers Step Up Playoff Preparations
Six-time Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers have intensified preparations for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Phase Three playoffs, with interim head coach Ronald Alalibo calling for squad unity, mental strength and total commitment as the KingsMen chase another league title.
Rivers Hoopers enjoyed an impressive run through the opening two phases, recording a 4-1 mark in Phase One and 6-1 in Phase Two.
Alalibo said every member of the squad must be fully committed to the team’s objective as preparations enter their decisive stage.
‘It’s very important because at this time, every person is key to our goal in this year’s Basketball Premier League. Everybody is important to us, and everybody needs to be on ground,’ he said.
‘Not just being on ground, you have to come 100% with our set goal in your heart; that we are here to win the league. Everybody needs to work together mentally, physically and otherwise.’
The KingsMen will rely on the leadership of captain Victor Koko and vice-captain Buchi Vincent, with John Idoga, Abel Offia, Chinedu Nwaogu, Anaiye Johnson and Victor Sunday among the players expected to make significant contributions.
Samuel Sani, Eric Okechukwu and Aroko Tom have also provided valuable depth as Rivers Hoopers look to maintain their defensive discipline and reduce unforced errors.
In the playoff round-robin, Rivers Hoopers will face Atlantic Conference qualifiers Maktown Flyers, Hoops and Read and Lagos Raptors, as well as Savannah Conference representatives Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs and Kano Pillars. The dates and venue for Phase Three will be announced by the league organisers.
