Rivers Hoopers’ Coach Ogoh Odaudu is optimistic about securing a playoff berth after the group phase of the 2025 NBPL season, with a focus on preparing for the Inter-Group Phase and potential roster additions.
Days to the commencement of the second phase of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) season, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu has set his sights on reaching the playoffs.
Phase one (Group Phase) of the 2025 NBPL season (which is structured to run in four phases: Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four) drew to a close on 3 September, with Phase two (Inter-Group Phase) set to begin on 24 September.
During the group phase of the 2025 NBPL season, Rivers Hoopers were limited to a less than ideal two games as Delta Force and Oluyole Warriors elected against participating in the league, leaving the KingsMen and Kwara Falcons as the only teams in the Atlantic Conference Group B.
However, after a three-week break, during which period the KingsMen have engaged in intense training and friendlies, Odaudu believes his team is adequately prepared for Phase Two.
“The first phase has come and gone. Unfortunately we didn’t get to play the number of matches that we wanted to play. But during the break we’ve been really busy. We’ve played a couple of friendly matches, and we’re still going to play another [friendly] on Wednesday. So, I think with all put in place, we should be ready for the second phase.”
The second phase will see Rivers Hoopers play against more opponents, such as Comets, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Reeds, who all took part in Group A of the Atlantic Conference, link up with the KingsMen and Kwara Falcons (Group B) at the Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, for the Inter-Group games.
More teams means more games, and ultimately more players to execute, with Odaudu suggesting the KingsMen will look to make a few additions for a more balanced roster before Phase Two begins.
He said, “We had only eleven people who played the first two games. We’re expecting four more people to join us by the second phase, and of course, they should be on ground before jumpball.”
After winning back-to-back league titles and also finishing third at the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL), the KingsMen have been touted as strong favourites for the 2025 NBPL title. But Odaudu remains modest in his expectations, as he revealed his team’s immediate target remains a place in the playoffs (last eight).
“This is all qualification for us. We just want to make it to the Final Eight for now and then see how we continue from there. The expectation for phase two is to make sure we’re one of the top four teams who will make it to the next round, that is, the final eight, some time next month,” he pointed out.
The Inter-Group Phase is scheduled for 24 September – 5 October and will once again see Port Harcourt play host, as all teams in the Atlantic Conference converge at the Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.
Meanwhile, teams from the Savannah Conference are expected to meet at the National Indoor Sports Hall, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, with venues for the Playoffs and Final Four yet to be named.
