By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye
Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu has identified strong government backing, consistent player welfare and experience as key factors behind the club’s sustained success in Nigerian basketball.
Odaudu, speaking in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, said the Rivers State government’s commitment to sports has provided the foundation for the team to compete at the highest level.
“First and foremost, it’s because we have a supportive government. We have a government that supports everything that concerns sports,” Odaudu said.
The very experienced tactician also singled out the club’s ability to pay players regularly as a major factor in maintaining stability and performance.
“One of the factors is that we are one of the teams in the country that pays players monthly salary. Whether we play or not, we have the players, and that is another factor that makes us perform well,” he said.
“For me, a group of happy players produce the best. That’s exactly the secret.”
Beyond welfare, Odaudu believes the quality and experience of his coaching staff have also contributed significantly to the team’s consistency.
“We have a bunch of coaches who are very, very experienced, and we are all on the same page,” he explained.
“Two heads are better than one. We try everything together to produce the best.”
The coach, who has spent more than a decade with the Port Harcourt-based side, also welcomed the growing investment in Nigerian basketball, saying increased competition among clubs would ultimately raise the standard of the game.
“It’s a great thing that is happening in Nigerian basketball right now. The fact that a lot of people are stepping up is a good thing,” he said.
He further noted that the presence of foreign players in the league was creating opportunities for Nigerian players to learn and improve.
“With the addition of imports, the local players learn from them a lot. Overall, the level of play and the standard of play increases,” Odaudu said.
With the Final Four now in sight, the Hoopers boss said the team would step up preparations as they seek to challenge for honours.
“We are going to do all our best. We are most likely going to start preparing tomorrow or the day after and start our training for the Final Four,” he said.
Odaudu stressed that, the Hoopers project goes beyond winning games. His 15-year relationship with the club, he said, has created a family bond that continues to drive his commitment to the team.
“This is my 15th season with Rivers Hoopers. I got in here in 2010,” he said.
“It’s not about the ability to win games. It’s about the relationship that we have. We are a family, and I will do everything to make sure that Rivers Hoopers continues to perform.”
With that bond firmly established, Odaudu and his players now turn their attention to the Final Four, where the Hoopers will look to convert their stability off the court into glory on it.
