Road to BAL: Thunder's Ogechi opens up on maiden African club competition experience

Derrick Ogechi played a crucial role for Nairobi City Thunder in their Road to BAL (Basketball Africa League) Elite 16 qualification, in what was his first club competition in Africa. 

A regular with the Kenya Morans, the Masters of Sports Administration graduate says his experience with the national team since making his debut convinced him to play for a home club.

"I have enjoyed being in Kenya and playing alongside my friends from the national team. If anyone had asked me last year whether I would be here, I don't think I would have said yes.

I was playing in Spain at the time and that was what I wanted. God had other plans, and I am here," he told Mozzart Sport. 

Road to BAL: Nairobi City Thunder through to Elite 16

Ogechi, born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Kenyan parents, played college basketball in the USA, until 2023, when he signed his first professional contract with Coto Cordoba in Spain.

He signed for Thunder in the lead-up to the Road to BAL East Division Group D qualifiers held in Kibaha, Tanzania. 

"I want to make history on my debut in an African Club competition. Thunder are out to become the first Kenyan side to qualify for BAL, and that would mean a lot for us.

I have represented the country before, but playing for a club back home is a different kind of pressure. I am loving the experience," he continued. 

The 25-year-old opened his account for Thunder with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in an 89-58 win over Seychelles champions Beau Vallon Heat.

He followed it up with seven points against Burundi's Urunani in an 89-88 loss. 

Against Madagascar's GNBC, he top-scored with 19, tied with Uchenna Iroegbu in a 96-60 victory before locking it down with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds in an 86-63 victory against hosts JKT to qualify for the Elite 16 alongside Urunani. 

"I have been following BAL since the first edition, and the level of competition keeps on getting better. For us to qualify, we have to be sharp, execute well, and confidently represent the country. 

So far it has been fun, and we are one step away from making history, and we need to prepare well for that. It would be a blessing to qualify, as that is the sole reason I came back home. I am here for the entire season, but BAL remains a main target," he added. 

Asked how he is adjusting to playing in Africa, known for its intense and physical game, he says, "The adjustment was quick as my physique gave me an advantage. It only took a few minutes on the court in my first game for the national team to realise that players can get away with being a bit more physical, and I am used to it now."