Rivers Hoopers, the champions of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League, Rivers Hoopers have added another feather to their already burgeoning reputation on Sunday by adding yet another title to their already overflowing trophy cabinet.
This was after they finished as winners of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Day Basketball Championship.
The Kingsmen were a force of nature on Sunday as they produced a devastating performance in the 72-59 blowout win over City Chiefs at the Mo Arena.
The Hoopers were unquestionably heads and shoulders above all sides in the tournament as they won all six games they played in the tournament.
Speaking after he officially debriefed by the General Manager of the club, Ifie Ozaka, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green, an accomplished Basketball player himself, in his heyday said the journey to total dominance is only just beginning for the Hoopers from Rivers State.
“I am not surprised at the recent accomplishments of Rivers Hoopers,” said Barr. Green, a three time Commissioner of Sports in Rivers State.
“Rivers Hoopers is presently, not just the best and most professionally-run basketball club in Nigeria, they are one of the best in Africa today.
“Recall the performances of the club at this year’s Africa Basketball League (BAL) where they were just two matches away from being crowned champions of Africa.
“The victory in Abuja shows that this club isn’t ready to rest on past glories but will, instead continue to move from stride to stride as it continues in its quest to emerge as Nulli secundus in the committee of basketball institutions in Africa,” he said.
Next for Rivers Hoopers is to return to Port Harcourt and prepare for the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Phase one in two weeks time in Benin, Edo State.
Results
Group stage
Hoopers 51-46 City Chiefs
Hoopers 55-50 Bauchi Nets
Hoopers 77- 41 Gilali
Quarter final
Hoopers 59-42 Kano Pillars
Semi final
Hoopers 63-60 Suleja Hornets
Final
Hoopers 72-59 City Chiefs
Sammy Wejinya
SA, Media
Rivers State Sports Commissioner