38-36 Nailbiter! Rising Stars Dethrone UI in Showtyme Slam’s Wildest Finish Yet

Boluwaji Ogunmola

The city of Ibadan erupted in celebration as Rising Stars captured their second Showtyme Summer Slam title, edging out defending champions University of Ibadan 38-36 in a heart-stopping final at Adamasingba Stadium.

The fifth edition of the annual basketball showcase featured ten competitive teams including Ollysan Basketball Club, Polytechnic Ibadan, and last year’s runners-up Showtyme Hoopers, alongside an exciting women’s division showdown between Showtyme Angels and Rising Stars Angels.

This year’s tournament delivered unforgettable moments, from Tomiwa Olofintila’s three-point shooting mastery to Abiola Elenu’s MVP performance that propelled Rising Stars to their dramatic championship victory.

The bronze medal match saw Showtyme Hoopers defeat Liberty Spears 43-33, while Olatunde Karimot earned Female MVP honors for her standout play in the women’s competition.

A landmark moment came with the unveiling of the Showtyme Basketball Academy, signaling a new era for player development in Oyo State.

Founder Shola Durojaye emphasized the event’s growing impact, stating: “Our mission extends beyond the court – we’re using basketball to drive community empowerment and support sickle-cell patients.” The Summer Slam has now crowned four different champions across its five editions, with Showtyme Hoopers winning the inaugural tournaments before Rising Stars (2023), University of Ibadan (2024), and now Rising Stars again claimed the ₦1 million prize.

The 2025 edition attracted basketball luminaries including former Oyo State Sports Council director Tunde Popoola and Oyo Veterans Basketball VP Barr. Damola Awosika. Their presence underscored the event’s rising profile as a premier platform for nurturing Nigeria’s basketball talent. Other distinguished guests included veteran player Segun “Jabbar” Joseph and sports administrator Gboyega Makinde.

The Showtyme Summer Slam continues to surpass expectations with each edition. The addition of the basketball academy ensures the initiative will develop future generations of players while maintaining its charitable focus on sickle-cell awareness.

As fans and players departed Adamasingba Stadium, conversations already turned to 2026’s tournament and which team might next etch their name in Showtyme Summer Slam history.

With its unique blend of elite competition and social impact, the event has become much more than a basketball tournament – it’s a movement transforming lives through sport.

Photo Credit: HighBee Visuals