NBBF hails Royal Hoopers initiative

As the Royal Hoopers Classsics involving no less than 10 teams from across the federation rounds up Tuesday in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has applauded the initiative of the organisers in putting both the elite camp and the classics together.

Speaking in Port-Harcourt at the weekend, NBBF board members, Babs Ogunade, Ricky Agu as well as the Secretary General of the Federation, Francis Gbiri expressed joy at the brains behind the both events.

Babs Ogunade who is also chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association, LSBBA noted that the organisers have through the game of basketball brought hope to the youths of the Niger Delta as well as other players from around the federation.

"I must say that this initiative is one worthy of commendation and should be given all the support it deserves.

We've come to Port-Harcourt and have seen for ourselves what is on ground. This is one championship that every player wants to be part of at anytime. The camp for elite players is one I must say is also good. It's great to see kids from all around the federation being part of it as it is a way of adding to their knowledge," he said.

Agu, another board member of the NBBF said it was simply a great pleasure for the board to witness the fiesta in Port-Harcourt stressing that the experience is simply rewarding.

"To imagine that the camp was initially planned for just 50 kids and ended up taking care of 72 is a sign that we can achieve if we want to.

The organisers, Royal Hoopers Basketball Club have shown that they are willing to help our youths and keep them flowing with the game of basketball."

Secretary General of the NBBF, Gbiri on his part noted that the federation is glad to have individuals help the game.

"We need more individuals like the owner of the Royal Hoopers Basketball Club to help our game. It's gratifying that the players that have come for both the camp and the classics are having a good time.

"To make it possible for our players to be fully involved both activities, we intend to add both events to our calender for next year. The idea is to enable us have the clubs attend without any hitches and release them formally for the event. What they are doing here is a good thing for the game of basketball," he said.

The Camp which had top America coaches in attendance was one many gave kudos to. Certificates and kits were given to the 72 kids in attendance by coaches Alex Nwaora, Head coach of Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York and head of the Global Sports advantage, Jackie Knowles, Tyrone Duren and Myke Scholl of South Africa.