Thunder using BAL pain as motivation for title defense, says Adera
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 20.06.25. | 15:54
The side is still unbeaten in the domestic league thus far
Nairobi City Thunder guard Eugene Adera says his team’s focus this season is winning the league, so as to ensure a return back to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Thunder in December 2024 did what no other Kenyan basketball team had ever done by sealing a BAL ticket after a seamless run in the East Division Elite 16.
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Once there, the side, coached by Bradley Ibs, claimed more trailblazing records as they also became the first Kenyan side to win a BAL game, outclassing South African opponents Made by Ball Basketball (MBB) 85-76 on Saturday, 24 May.
However, their run as debutants was not as smooth, as they were bounced out of the Nile Conference in Kigali with just the one aforementioned victory, and five losses.
Thunder were also on the back-end of unwanted BAL records, with their 115 points concession from fellow debutants Al Ahli Tripoli marking a new BAL high.
That experience however, is one Adera says is pushing his team, as they look to get back to the continental tournament next year.
Speaking to Telecomasia on how BAL experience is shifting the mindset of the team, Adera said: “BAL is the motivation. Being there, competing with some of the best players in the competition and just the allure of what it brings to your career is a massive motivation.
To get there again we have to win the league and that is our biggest focus at the moment.
We learnt so much and we definitely want to get back and do better than we did in our debut season. Everyone is focused and psyched up for that.”
Thunder are still unbeaten in the domestic league thus far, and they welcome Umoja in a Friday night match at 2000 EAT.
