NPBL: We Are Ready To Retain Our Title - Rivers Hoopers Captain

NPBL: We Are Ready To Retain Our Title - Rivers Hoopers Captain

Sampson Adedeji

Rivers Hoopers captain, Victor Anthony Koko, has expressed his team’s readiness to defend their Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title as they approach the 2025 season's Final Four phase, set to take place from November 21 to 23 in Port Harcourt, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Hoopers, who have been dominant in recent years, are looking to make it a historic three-peat after securing back-to-back NPBL titles in 2023 and 2024 with an unbeaten record.

The team, fondly known as the KingsMen, is now targeting its seventh title and hopes to maintain its dominance in the Nigerian basketball scene.

Koko and his teammates will face tough competition in the Final Four, with Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs all vying for the coveted crown.

However, the Hoopers are focused on retaining the title they won last year while also securing a spot in the next edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

 "This time around, everyone is ready; everyone is mentally prepared," Koko said.

"We understand what’s at stake, so we need to go all out. And right now, with the level of energy I’ve seen from my team during practice, I don’t think we’re going to be a team that just wants to have fun [on the court]. We’re a championship-winning team, and we want to retain that championship."

Having won the league a record seven times in his career, Koko is determined to help Rivers Hoopers extend their success.

“I want us to win the 2025 NPBL title. It’s on my mind, day and night: Hoopers Champions. And I’m assuring our fans that we’re not going to let them down. It’s happening here in Port Harcourt, and we’re going to make them proud,” Koko promised.

As the team gears up for the high-stakes games, the people of Port Harcourt are eagerly awaiting to see if their beloved Hoopers can continue their reign as the best basketball team in Nigeria.