Hoopers intensify prep to reclaim NPBL title

The Rivers Hoopers, a six-time champion basketball team in Nigeria, have ramped up their preparations for the upcoming 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Three. Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo has stressed the importance of team unity and mental focus as the squad looks to retake the top spot in Nigerian basketball. The KingsMen, participating in the Atlantic Conference, have already shown strong performances in Phases One and Two, winning four and six games respectively.

Alalibo emphasized that every player on the roster will have a crucial role to play in the upcoming campaign. He stressed that everyone needs to be fully committed to the team's goal of winning the league, both mentally and physically. The coaching staff is working to improve team chemistry and tactical readiness.

The KingsMen boast a strong roster, led by captain Victor Koko and vice captain Buchi Vincent. Other key contributors include John Idoga, Abel Offia, Chinedu Nwaogu, Anaiye Johnson, Victor Sunday, Samuel Sani, Eric Okechukwu, and Aroko Tom. The team is focused on maintaining tactical discipline and minimizing unforced errors as they enter the Phase Three playoffs.

The 2026 NPBL Phase Three playoffs will feature the KingsMen, along with the Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors from the Atlantic Conference. They will compete against the Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars from the Savannah Conference. The games will be played in a round-robin format. The Hoopers are optimistic about reclaiming the NPBL title this year, following their defeat last year by Maktown Flyers, who were known as Lagos Legends in the previous season.