The opener of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) which was a match-up between Stade Malien and Rivers Hoopers, saw Rivers Hoopers debutant Madut Akec deliver a standout performance, to help the Ogoh Odaudu-led side clinch a hard-fought 60-81 victory against Stade Malien on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco.

Rivers Hoopers who found themselves trailing by seven points at the end of the first quarter, made sure to improve as the game progressed, ultimately winning by 21 points.

The 26-year-old’s contributions on the court were pivotal to the win. He scored sixteen points, got eleven rebounds, registered four assists, blocked three shots, and got two steals. He also made four three-pointers and had six field goals made out of thirteen attempts. Akec became the first player in Rivers Hoopers’ Basketball Africa League history to record these numbers and joins Devine Eke as one of the only players to achieve a double-double in their debut game for the team.

Following the win, Akec shared his thoughts on the game, his transition to the Hoopers, and what lies ahead for the team.

Speaking on how he felt following the win, Akec said he felt good but admitted the Hoopers did not hit the ground running.

“I’m feeling really good, you know. We came out really slow at the start of the first quarter. They got out to us,” he said. However, the team quickly found its rhythm. “We kind of got together, started running our plays, running it through, and everybody contributed, so it was really good. Good team win.”

The game marked Akec’s first with the Rivers Hoopers, a shift from last year when he faced off against them as a player for AS Douanes. The South Sudanese spoke on the change and the camaraderie within the squad.

“It’s good so far, you know. Last year I played against the Rivers Hoopers. This year I’m on the team, so it’s good, you know. Good energy from the guys. Everyone just wants to win. I’m on the same time. I want to win. I want to make sure I help my teammates become the best they can be and continue to work every day.”

Akec also pinpointed areas of strength and improvement from the victory over Stade Malien.

“I feel like we shared the ball really well,” he noted, praising the team’s unselfish play. However, he was candid about needing to tighten up their game, particularly on turnovers. “We need to cut down on the turnovers a little bit, especially myself. I feel like I had a lot of turnovers,” he admitted. Defensively, Akec sees room to grow as well. “Just continue to lock in our defence and rebound as a team. I think that will help us get a long way and stop chances to our baskets,” he said.

The victory means the KingsMen begin their campaign on a high. Despite the shaky start, the comeback showed the Hoopers’ ability to adapt and unite under pressure. They will now turn their attention to game two against hosts FUS Rabat on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 20.00hrs.