Basketball

Rivers Hoopers land dominant big man ahead of 2025 BAL showdown

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Rivers Hoopers, have secured the return of star center Peter Olisemeka for season five of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League champions, Rivers Hoopers, have secured the return of star center Peter Olisemeka for season five of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Olisemeka becomes the second player announced by the club ahead of their campaign in the Kalahari Conference, which will be played from April 5 to 13 in Morocco.

The KingsMen had earlier confirmed the signing of Canadian-born Nigerian guard Kelvin Amayo last week and hinted at more squad additions in the coming days.

Rivers Hoopers have been drawn against hosts FUS Rabat, debutants Al Ittihad, and 2023 third-place finishers Stade Malien in the first stage of the tournament.

Olisemeka, who was crucial in the team’s third-place finish in last season’s BAL and their Nigerian league title triumph, rejoins the Port Harcourt-based side to strengthen their roster ahead of the new season.

Rivers Hoopers, have secured the return of star center Peter Olisemeka for season five of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Olisemeka joins Amayo in Hoopers as the hope for a title shoot in Morocco

READ MORE:NFF sends advance team to Kigali ahead of Super Eagles crucial World Cup Qualifier

The 6-foot-9 center put up strong performances in the 2024 BAL, averaging 10 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game across nine appearances for the KingsMen. He also recorded three double-doubles against US Monastir, AS Douanes, and APR in the Sahara Conference.

Both Olisemeka and Amayo were instrumental in Rivers Hoopers’ historic podium finish at the last edition, and their return adds depth to coach Ogoh Odaudu’s squad.

Rivers Hoopers Re-Sign Peter Olisemeka for 2025 Basketball Africa League

Hoopers finished 3rd in BAL 2024.

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The KingsMen will tip off their 2025 BAL campaign with a season opener against Stade Malien on April 5 in Rabat, Morocco. This marks their third appearance in the competition as they aim for another deep run in the tournament.

Rivers Hoopers secured their place in this year’s BAL by defending their Nigeria Premier Basketball League title, sealing their spot with a dominant 71-54 victory over Hoops and Read Basketball Club in the playoffs final last November in Port Harcourt.

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