Kenya’s most successful basketball club in recent history- Nairobi City Thunder will mark a return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for their second consecutive season with a clear focus to build on last year’s lessons and compete at a higher level.
Speaking during the team’s media day ahead of BAL Season 6 in Pretoria, South Africa, head coach Bradley Ibs and Captain Tylor Ongwae set the tone with clarity, cohesion, and competitive intent.
Both maintained that for a team that made its BAL debut just a year ago, the return is not only about participation but also progression.
Ibs revealed that the team’s approach this year is rooted in understanding what it takes to succeed in BAL competition.
“Last year, being our first year, we learned a lot about what it means to play in the BAL. We’re excited to represent ourselves and truly show Thunder basketball,” he expressed.
That growth, according to Ibs, has been anchored in simplifying the team’s approach and despite their dominance in the local league, he stressed that Thunder are placing emphasis on execution and preparation.
“In a Tournament like this, being prepared a lot about the basics, being great at the simple things that win basketball games and learning to win in different ways has benefited us and hop
e those lessons translate to the competition here,” the head coach stated.
Additionally, he noted that a key shift from last season is a stronger emphasis on chemistry and continuity, particularly after early challenges in their debut BAL campaign.
“Our team strength is our cohesiveness that is built on our foundation of local core players. We want to highlight their strengths and chemistry together and by watching more BAL games, you realize how much chemistry really matters, especially in the ability of players to play fast and aggressively,” Ibs elaborated.
On his part, Captain Tylor Ongwae reiterated that cohesion is reinforced through constant communication within the group.
“It’s about engaging with each other. If I see something going wrong, I speak up. If they see something, they talk to me. It is open communication and just enjoying playing together,” he explained.
For Ongwae, the objective remains straightforward, “At the end of the day, we want to win.”
By Michael Omondi
