Rivers Hoopers step up preparations for NPBL Phase Three

Rivers Hoopers step up preparations for NPBL Phase Three

Six-time Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers have intensified preparations for the upcoming 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Three, with interim head coach Ronald Alalibo emphasizing squad unity and total mental focus ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Playing in the Atlantic Conference, the KingsMen are targeting a return to the top of Nigerian basketball following a strong showing across Phases One (4-1) and Two (6-1) of the 2026 NPBL. 

Speaking ahead of Phase Three (Playoffs), Alalibo highlighted that every member of the roster will have a critical role to play as the coaching staff fine-tunes team chemistry and tactical readiness.

"It's very important because at this time, every person is key to our goal in this year's Basketball Premier League. Everybody is important to us, and everybody needs to be on ground," Alalibo said.

"Not just being on ground, you have to come 100% with our set goal in your heart; that we are here to win the league. Everybody needs to work together mentally, physically and otherwise." 

Alalibo has previously praised his squad's depth and defensive output during their successful Phase One and Phase Two outings in Ibadan and Enugu respectively, where key contributions from both the starting lineup and bench depth proved decisive.

Led on the floor by team captain Victor Koko and vice captain Buchi Vincent alongside impact scorers John Idoga, Abel Offia, Chinedu Nwaogu, Anaiye Johnson, and Victor Sunday, as well as valuable contributions from Samuel Sani, Eric Okechukwu, and Aroko Tom, the KingsMen enter Phase Three focused on maintaining tactical discipline and minimizing unforced errors as the competition intensifies.

The 2026 NPBL Phase Three (Playoffs), will see the KingsMen compete against fellow Atlantic Conference qualifiers Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors, alongside Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars from the Savannah Conference, with game to be played in a round robin format. 

Dates and venue for the Playoffs will be communicated in due course.