Rivers Hoopers have officially announced their 13-man roster for the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs, set to tip off in Pretoria, South Africa, on Friday, June 6.
Headlining the selection is star guard Kelvin Amayo, who leads a dynamic backcourt that includes Maxi Shamba, Michael Okiki, Abel Offia and Ahmed Doumbia.
In the forward positions, the KingsMen will rely on the athleticism and experience of Ifeanyi Koko Jr, Madut Akec, Raphiael Putney and Buchi Nwaiwu.
Putney, a former NBA G League standout, brings valuable playoff experience as Rivers Hoopers chase a historic title run.
READ MORE: Rivers Hoopers set for decisive BAL seeding clash against US Monastir
The frontcourt is bolstered by a strong trio of centres: Peter Olisemeka, Chingka Garba, Samuel Sani and David Ike. Olisemeka, in particular, has been a dominant presence in the paint throughout the season.
Peter Olisemeka #14 of the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club shoots the ball during the game against the Union Sportive Monastirienne. Photo by Getty Images
The Nigerian champions, bronze medallists at BAL Season 4, will begin their playoff campaign with a placement tie against Tunisia’s US Monastir on Saturday, June 7. The match is part of the seeding process that determines quarter-final pairings.
Rivers Hoopers qualified for the playoffs after finishing second in the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 record, securing back-to-back appearances in the BAL knockout stages.
All playoff matches will take place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to 14.
