Rivers Hoopers have officially announced their final 13-man roster in preparation for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs and finals taking place in Pretoria, South Africa.

Under the guidance of Coach Ogoh Odaudu, the team comprises five guards: Kevin Amayo, Maxi Shamba, Michael Okiki, Abel Ofia, and Ahmed Doumbia.

The roster also includes forwards Ifeanyi Koko Jr., Madut Akec, Raphiael Putney, and Buchi Nwaiwu, while the centers are Chingka Garba, Peter Olisemeka, Samuel Sani, and David Ike.

Having finished second in the Kalahari Conference, Rivers Hoopers will compete against Union Sportive Monastir, the leading team from the Sahara Conference, in the quarterfinals. A victory would propel them into the semifinals.

This matchup is a rematch of their 2024 quarterfinal encounter, where the Hoopers narrowly defeated the Tunisians with a score of 92-88. US Monastir will be looking to avenge that defeat, but the Hoopers are ready for the challenge.

“They’re definitely not the same team from last year,” stated guard Kevin Amayo. “I watched US Monastir in the Sahara Conference — they played very well. We’re going to bring high-level intensity and strong defense.”

The Kingsmen are determined to exceed last year’s performance, where they secured third place, and will be fully committed to pursuing the title this time around.