Hoopers return to training after lockdown is lifted in Nigeria

PORT-HARCOURT (Nigeria) - It was sheer excitement for players and coaching staff of the Rivers Hoopers last weekend as they resumed basketball activities.

It was the first time in more than seven months they returned to the basketball court for their first practice session ahead of the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign. 

The return of the team followed the lifting of the ban of contact sports since the outbreak of the coronavirus worldwide.

"GETTING TOGETHER AGAIN AS A TEAM IS SO REFRESHING AND THAT FEELING OF PLAYING TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN WILL HELP US AS WE INTENSIFY OUR PREPARATIONS FOR THE BAL FINAL ROUND."- Owas Alalibo

Roland Owas Alalibo, a key member of the Nigerian champions, depicted the excitement that followed the team’s return to basketball.

Talking to FIBA.basketball, the 1.85m (5ft 9in) point guard expressed a sense of relief, having been restricted by the COVID-19 protocols and the subsequent ban on sporting activities in Nigeria.

"The feeling of being able to step on the basketball court is such a big relief for me and my teammates. Getting together again as a team is so refreshing and that feeling of playing together once again will help us as we intensify our preparation for the BAL Final Round," he said.

He notes that so much is expected and many are eagerly awaiting what will be of the show piece in Kigali.

"I am expecting the maiden BAL to be fun and exciting because none like this has ever happened on the continent, already it has brought African club basketball to international recognition. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic it would have been the teams coming to Rwanda for the BAL just like we are but the stage is going to be a lot different now with all 12 teams in place," Alalibo said.

Speaking on the postponement of the BAL, the playmaker explained: "It has affected greatly in terms of morale and team chemistry because players were very happy knowing they will showcase their abilities in the game but the excitement was brought to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic and due to the measure that was put in place to prevent the fast spread of the virus, we stopped training as a team but I have been trying to stay in shape just like my colleagues have so as to be ready."

However, he maintains that Rivers Hoopers are mentally, physically and otherwise, because it’s basketball on a different level and sphere, no disrespect but every team is gearing to win in Rwanda.

As much as he his expectations are lofty, he believes the exposure in the game of basketball, the experience of playing the first ever basketball league of this magnitude, getting to meet players and fans outside Nigeria and more so, to put Rivers State out there will go a long way.

FIBA