Williams targets glory with Rivers Hoopers on Nigeria league debut

As the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final Eight playoffs heat up in Port Harcourt, Rivers Hoopers’ new recruit Isaiah Williams is determined to make an instant impact with the defending champions, Sport360NG reports.

The 30-year-old American guard, who joined the KingsMen ahead of the season-ending tournament, says he is eager to begin his Nigerian adventure by helping the club secure a record-extending seventh national title.

“I love it here so far. Since day one, everybody’s treated me like family,” Williams told the club’s media team. “They’ve been very welcoming, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Renowned for his sharp court vision, precise passing, and reliable shooting, Williams arrives in Port Harcourt with impressive credentials. He was one of the standout players for Patriots Basketball Club during the 2025 Rwanda League semi-finals against APR, contributing 16 points and six assists in Game One, before adding 22 points, seven assists, and two steals in Game Three to seal the series.

The former Los Mochis guard, who featured in Mexico earlier this year, says his focus with the Hoopers is simple, to keep the winning culture alive.

“Every time I step on the court, I play to win. That’s what matters most,” he said. “This is already a successful club, and I just want to help them go for a third straight league title.”

The KingsMen opened their NPBL Final Eight campaign against Hoops & Read on Monday and remain unbeaten through the 2025 season. Their playoff fixtures include encounters with Kano Pillars, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, Lagos Legends, and Nile University Spartans, before closing out against Kwara Falcons.

Rivers Hoopers lifted their sixth national crown in Port Harcourt last year after a dominant 71–54 victory over Hoops & Read in the final. They finished the 2024 campaign with a perfect 12–0 record from the conference stage to the championship game, a streak they are determined to extend this season.