Basketball: Our goal is to play NBBF Premier League – Shola Durojaiye, CEO Showtyme Hoopers

Photo: Shola Durojaiye, CEO, Showtyme Hoopers Basketball Club

By Maxwell Kumoye

Showtyme Hoopers that is dictating the pace in Olubadan group of the maiden edition of the Ibadan City Basketball League (ICBL), are looking beyond the City League.
The founder and CEO of Showtyme Hoopers, Shola Durojaiye, made this known in an interview with your authoritative news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG at the weekend.

“We are already in the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 1 League and when that league resumes, our objective and goal is to grab a slot in the elite league, the Premier League and maintain it.” Durojaiye a die hard supporter of Oluyole Warriors said.

“In 2018-2019 NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 League season, Showtyme Hoopers was unbeaten till we cemented our place in Division 1 and we hope to continue in that routine till we land in the Premier League.”

He stated that Oyo State has produced big time basketball players who have represented the country at all levels of the game and they are still making waves on the global scene.

“Currently, only Oluyole Warriors are flying the flag of Oyo State in the NBBF Premier League but that will soon change as Showtyme Hoopers will find it way into the big boys league.” He stated.

“Showtyme Hoopers is ten years old, it’s a short time but we will continue to make each year in the game count. We want to develop young talented players who will engrave their names in gold in the game.” Shola Durojaiye, a US based surgical instruments specialist, stated.

On the City League, the US based Shola Durojaiye who is a board member of Oyo State Basketball Association (OSSA), said the Ibadan City Basketball League is one of the ways they are using to raise a new generation of talented players that will not only play in the Premier League but will all wear the various national teams colours in the near future and the League has come to stay.

“As basketball stakeholders, our dream is to see that the game grows despite the challenges with the game in the country. We will give our very best for the game and the results recorded with the Ibadan City Basketball League (ICBL) is a strong indication to that effect.” Shola Durojaiye added.

On Wednesday, Match Day 4 fixtures of ICBL will be played at the Ajani Sports Complex, Alakia with three games on the menu for lovers of the slamming and dunking game to enjoy.

Trust Hoppers TTP has a date to keep with struggling Spartans in the first game of the day. Trust Hoppers TTP are on one win one defeat while Spartans have lost three in a row.

Hoop Dreams are certain to pick their second consecutive win when they confront Loyola Warriors that are yet to get a win since the start of the league.

The Polytechnic and Egbeda LG meet in the last outing of Match Day 4 of the City League which Shola Durojaiye has high praises for.

“Barrister Damola Awosika, the coordinator of the Ibadan City Basketball League (ICBL) along with other OSBA members are doing a great job, I must commend them for making the ICBL a reality.” He concluded.

Nine clubs within the city of Ibadan are participating in the City Basketball League (ICBL) that is organized by the State Basketball Association (OSSA).

The National Sports Festival gold medalist, urged other States of the federation to emulate Oyo State and start either a City or State League to help grow the sport rapidly.