BAL: American players excited joining Riv Hoopers

Rivers Hoopers new recruits Taren Sullivan and Chris Daniels have expressed excitement at playing for the team in the maiden edition of the Basketball Africa League. The league makes the tip off next month.

Sullivan said that the club’s rich history was one of the reasons he joined the Port Harcourt outfit.

The 6’6 forward in a chat with the club media officer, Queen Moseph, said he was excited to be in a different environment.

“I am very excited to be around a whole different culture and as well be around a club with rich history.”

Sullivan believes the history of Rivers Hoopers who are three-time champions of the Nigerian basketball league and 2018 FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions could be the deciding factor for a respectable finish in the tournament.

“I do believe that we are capable of going pretty far in the tournament if not all the way. I like the history that Hoopers have had, they have been pretty successful and this is a bit of opportunity for everyone on the roster and I will try as much as possible to help them do well.”

The 25 year old spent two years in the NBA G-League. He joined Stockton Kings from Sacramento Kings in October 2018, and then Stockton Kings sent Taren Sullivan in a trade to the Erie BayHawks.

The other player Chris Daniels says he cannot wait to play for the first time in Africa.

 “It’s going to be fun and I am glad Hoopers picked me up. I’ve been waiting to play in Africa for a long time.

 “Hopefully we can go all the way. I only know Ben (Ben Uzoh) on the team; we are from the same city of San Antonio. I plan on winning it all we will see.

 “I think I can bring something new to the team inside and outside the arc, passing and defence. I look mean but I’m not. I’m going to work hard, push myself to make the team better. I love seeing my team-mates score the ball.”