Ogoh Odaudu relishes return to the BAL
Hoopers made it to the inaugural season of the BAL in 2021, but narrowly missed out in the second edition due to the power tussle in the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
The KingsMen however, found their hopes dashed again after their semi-final loss to Nigeria Customs in the final 8 of the 2022 Nigeria Premier Basketball League.
Ahead of the Final Four which dunks off on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Odaudu says it would be an awesome feeling to get the team back to the elite basketball club competition in Africa.
''It will be great if we win the league title again and make it back to the BAL, 'said Odaudu.
''The BAL is the biggest stage of club basketball in Africa, so it is something everyone wants to go to. I can see and feel the excitement watching the ongoing road to BAL and how the players there are excited.
''Going to the BAL is going to be an enormous opportunity for us and I will be the happiest man on earth if it eventually happens.''
Odaudu also ruled out any added advantage to his team, who are hosts of the Premier Basketball league Final Four.
''We hosted the final 8 before in 2010 and Kano Pillars defeated us in the final by 1 point. I don't think there is any advantage. If you don't play well you will get beaten . It's a good thing the final four is being played in Port Harcourt. We are going to make sure what happened the last time does not repeat itself.
'Odaudu added, 'It's nice having league basketball back in Port Harcourt. Our fans have really missed a lot. They have been anxious to have it back and, thank God, it's back, so it's a great feeling they don't have to watch us via Facebook live stream but watch us play live and, you know, Port Harcourt fans are fantastic.
''I am very excited heading towards the final 4.''`
Meanwhile, Rivers Hoopers paid a visit to an orphanage home to donate food items, toiletries, and cash gifts to the children on Wednesday.
Fixtures for Game Day 1
Hoops and Read v Nigeria Customs 3pm
Rivers Hoopers v Gboko City Chiefs 5pm
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