LAGOS,Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – French-American center John Walter Wilkins expressed his confidence in the Rivers Hoopers’ ability to secure a spot in the playoff round of the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Wilkins linked up with his Hoopers teammates at the team’s training camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 BAL Savannah Conference games set to commence on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal.
Wilkins has gained valuable experience in African basketball, having previously played for Moroccan teams AS Salé (2015-2016) and Ittihad Tanger (2017-2019).
His notable achievements include leading Stade Malien to a commendable third-place finish in the previous edition of the BAL in 2023.
Looking ahead to the 2024 BAL, Wilkins acknowledges the overall improvement in the quality of basketball across Africa.
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He recognizes that the BAL demands a high level of competitiveness from all participating teams.
However, he backed the Rivers Hoopers to pull off a major upset in the tournament.
“It’s a really high level, a great competition; [it’s] one of the best I’ve played in since I’ve been in Africa. But we don’t need to be scared. We need to just attack the moment, be there, be present, and I think if we are confident in our abilities, we can surprise people,” Wilkins confidently stated.
Despite Nigerian teams’ previous struggles in the BAL, with Rivers Hoopers and Kwara Falcons failing to advance to the playoffs in 2021 and 2023, respectively, Wilkins remains bullish about his team’s prospects.
Wilkins cites the team’s talented roster and the successful recruitment efforts undertaken in preparation for the tournament as factors that will enhance their competitiveness in this year’s BAL.