NBPL: Hoopers coach reveals plans for league’s second phase

Head coach of Nigerian Basketball Premier League outfit, Rivers Hoopers, Ogoh Odaudu, has expressed satisfaction with his team’s outing against Kwara Falcons in their last outing and is looking forward to the next phase of the 2025 NBPL season. 

The defending champions continued their unbeaten start in the group phase of the Atlantic Conference by edging Kwara Falcons 88-86 in their midweek encounter in Port Harcourt. The 2024 BAL bronze medal winners had earlier beaten the same opponents 83-61 in their opening game of the new campaign, as they aim to reach the next round.

As the group phase comes to a close, coach Odaudu is already looking ahead to the inter-group phase, which will also hold in Port Harcourt.

He said, “I’m happy that we were able to withstand the pressure and eventually come away with the win. It’s not about this phase, just like we were saying, but it is good practice for us, and we are really happy that we played the way we played. I am really impressed by what I have seen from the team.”

“A lot of the youngsters are actually stepping up, and I think they are learning a lot from the veteran players. I am sure we will be in top form by the time we come for the other phase in Port Harcourt later in the month,” he added.

Should the Hoopers successfully navigate the inter-group phase, they will secure a spot in the playoff round before the season comes to a close with the final four phase.