Rivers Hoopers cemented their dominance in Nigerian basketball, clinching their sixth Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Men’s Premier League title with a commanding 71-54 win over Hoops N’ Read in Port Harcourt. The reigning champions, undefeated throughout the tournament, displayed impeccable form before a packed crowd.
Led by Coach Ogoh Daudu, the Hoopers controlled every aspect of the final, winning each quarter with standout performances from MVP Kelvin Amayo and Best Rebounder Buchi Vincent. Despite a spirited effort by Hoops N’ Read, coached by Victor Mensa, they couldn’t close the gap, particularly in the third quarter after a rallying halftime speech by Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green.
Hoops N’ Read, the silver medalists, celebrated a significant improvement over last year, with Small Forward Clinton Best awarded “Best Small” of the year. In the third-place match, Gboko City Chiefs narrowly edged Spartans Basketball Club in a thrilling 3-point victory.
Rivers Hoopers also dominated the individual honors, claiming six awards, including Best Assist (Okiki Michael) and Best Rebounder (Buchi Vincent). The Hoopers’ flawless championship run solidifies their legacy as South South basketball kings and national powerhouse.
Top Individual Awards:
- MVP: Kelvin Amayo (Rivers Hoopers)
- Best Rebounder: Buchi Vincent (Rivers Hoopers)
- Best Assist: Okiki Michael (Rivers Hoopers)
- Best Shooter: Timothy Kwaoor (Gboko City Chiefs)
Top Five Players:
- Point Guard: Okiki Michael (Rivers Hoopers)
- Shooting Guard: Kelvin Amayo (Rivers Hoopers)
- Small Forward: Clinton Best (Hoops N’ Read)
- Forward: Chingka Garba (Gboko City Chiefs)
- Center: Buchi Vincent (Rivers Hoopers)
