Basketball: Hoopers’ forward Buchi Nwaiwu elated to play in Port Harcourt

Rivers Hoopers vice captain Buchi Nwaiwu is delighted to see league basketball back in Port Harcourt.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation picked Port Harcourt as host for the Final Four scheduled to hold from 23-25 November.

Nwaiwu was part of the Hoopers’ roster who last played at home on 22 July 2017 in the 81-65 win over Nigeria Customs.

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Speaking during a media tour at the weekend, the 2018 FIBA Africa Zone 3 MVP says it is time to give back to the fans who have shown their immense support over the years.

”I feel very happy and excited to play in front of our home fans,” Nwaiwu said.

”It is something to always look forward to playing in front of your friends, fans, family and well wishers.

”They give us support when we go out there to do what we love and know how to do best. They watch you on live stream and now you have the opportunity to make this happen right in front of them.

Nwaiwu added: ”We are going to make it worth it.”

Games will be played in a round robin format and the team with the most wins/points will be crowned champion and awarded a ticket to the 2024 Basketball Africa League.

Hoopers will play Gboko City Chiefs on Thursday before playing Hoops and Read and Nigeria Customs on Friday and Saturday respectively.

”We will not be underrating anyone because for a team to get here shows they have done enough to get here, so we are doubling down on our effort, training and preparation.

”This is the last lap and we have to make it count,”Nwaiwu concluded.

Since Hoopers last played a league game in Port Harcourt, they have gone on to win the 2018 FIBA Africa Zone 3 Championship, 2019 and 2021 Nigerian League, 2021 Crown Elite Championship and the 2023 Louis Edem Invitational Championship.