LAGOS (Nigeria) – The coronavirus pandemic that shut down sports and basketball activities worldwide has no doubt put a cog in the wheel of many basketball teams.

Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria is not an exception following the postponement of the first season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) because of coronavirus fears.

The new professional league, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), is set to feature 12 African club teams.

And Rivers Hoopers' Benjamin Ikechukwu, despite the lull the pandemic has caused, says he is confident that the Nigerian side will be no pushover given the calibre of teams that made the Final Round.

Perhaps if the BAL had held when it was planned before the lockdown, the fire in the team would have been a lot more different but Ikechukwu differs pointing out that a player who earns his living on the basketball court, nothing has changed.

Like most players, the shooting guard who stands at 1.99m (6ft 6in) noted to FIBA.basketball: "I would say it has affected us negatively as a team because we were having our bodies and minds prepared for the BAL challenge while improving our team chemistry before the pandemic truncated our preparations. As a player, I was demoralized because I couldn’t practice with my team as the gyms were locked.

"My goal was to be in my best form so I could help my team on defense and offense. As a shooting guard, I targeted improving my shots as well but the lockdown has made it difficult to do. I will have to spend more time in the gym working on my fitness, shots and game generally when the lockdown is lifted. Hopefully, I will achieve my target."

Ikechukwu insisted that he still believes that Rivers Hoopers stand a good chance. "We might not be favourites on the paper but we believe in ourselves and we love to compete. So, we will see how it goes. We’re not scared of any team but respect them.

"We know their pedigrees as basketball powerhouses on the continent but we are also representing a country that is arguably one of the best basketball nations in Africa. So, we will be riding on that glory as we compete against other teams."

Speaking further on his regrets over the coronavirus, Ikechukwu feels that the lockdown has put a halt to his team’s practice sessions noting that they have been unable to interact face to face and have team bonding which is essential for a team sport like basketball. "It has been a difficult period for everyone," he recalled.

On the innovation that BAL has brought and how it will help the development of the game in Africa, he stated: "I think basketball can move forward in Africa if we have competent administrators that truly care about the game and comprehend the importance of grassroots development, training and retraining of officials.

"I also think the private sector has a major role to play in terms of sponsorship, marketing and branding of the game in Africa. We also need viable domestic basketball leagues (male and female) across Africa to improve the development of the game and for that I am excited about the birth of the BAL."

He hopes to benefit from the BAL Final Round because it would afford him the opportunity to showcase his talent at the zenith of club basketball in Africa.

"It will present an opportunity to interact and learn about other countries in Africa. To be part of the BAL is just a blessing. You could feel the excitement not just from the teams and officials but also from the fans. BAL will also improve how the game and players are perceived in Africa. We don’t have to travel out of the continent to play in good arenas or be properly kitted. It is already an exciting atmosphere."

FIBA