KingsMen Conquer Sauft Cup, Set Sights on NBPL Playoffs
Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club has intensified its preparations for the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs by clinching the title at the Sauft Basketball Cup, a prestigious invitational tournament held annually in Port Harcourt.
The 2025 edition of the Sauft Cup featured eight teams divided into two groups of four, including Rivers Hoopers, Lagos Raptors, Rivers Pioneers, The Crusaders, Discover Spartans, Sauft Basketeers, High Flyers, and Alloy Hoops.
True to form, the KingsMen dominated the competition, sweeping through the group stage with commanding victories over High Flyers (76–60), Crusaders (78–66), and Spartans (97–84) to top Group B.
Led by captain Azubuike Ekuma, Rivers Hoopers fielded a rotated squad throughout the tournament but showed no signs of slowing down. They dispatched Sauft Basketeers 75–60 in the semi-final before sealing the championship with a 72–60 win over Discover Spartans of Warri in the final.
Their triumph earned them a one million naira prize, with standout performances from Victor Sunday and John Idoga securing spots in the tournament’s Best Five. Sunday, who was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP), expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised his teammates for their resilience.
‘Thanks to God for being the MVP and being part of the Best Five. I am deeply grateful to my teammates, coaches, and all those who came out to support us. I think the other guys underrated us because we were short of numbers; they thought we wouldn’t win,’ Sunday said.
He added that the team has been focused on preparing for the next phase of the NBPL season and is confident in their readiness.
‘We’re preparing for the next phase, trying to get better and better. Hopefully we’re ready to go. I think the next phase is not going to be easy, but trust me, we’re ready.’
Rivers Hoopers, unbeaten through both the Group and Inter-Group Phases of the 2025 NBPL season, are aiming for a third consecutive league title. The Final Eight Playoffs are scheduled to tip off from Friday, October 24 to Friday, October 31, with the top four teams advancing to the Final Four to determine the 2025 NBPL champions.
