Having only recently taken part in Rivers Hoopers training sessions, 19-year-old Chukwuebuka Wisdom Kanu is already relishing being part of the KingsMen.

Formerly of DA-F Academy, Kanu was a surprise inclusion by head coach Ogoh Odaudu in his 12-man roster at the NBBF President Cup in Ilorin last month.

Kanu who was making his debut for the two-time league champions in Ilorin, ended up playing a total of 55 minutes in five games for the Port Harcourt side.

The 19-year-old was shocked to have made the 12-man roster in place of other older players in the team.

“I was surprised when I was picked in the final 12 to represent Hoopers because I played ahead of other guys that have been playing in the league long before I just joined.”

“My brother and I were initially brought to Ilorin for exposure and to understudy our seniors and I was chosen to be in the final 12 which was a plus to me.”

“I faced a lot of pressure playing with my seniors in our first game against Ondo Raiders. I was brought in the second quarter and I was under pressure from the coaches they wanted me to go for the rebounds and doing under stuff.”

Meanwhile, his brother Chibuzor Kanu who is two years younger also moved up the ranks from DA-F Academy but was not part of the final 12 in Ilorin. Chibuzor believes Rivers Hoopers will help him achieve his dream.

“It is something to be proud of but my dream was not to play for Hoopers. My dream was actually to travel out, go to college and then move on from there. After the struggle and other things, I finally got the opportunity to play for Hoopers so I took it. I think Hoopers will give me the necessary opportunity to travel.”