Nairobi City Thunder sign American, Nigerian, Senegalese ahead of BAL tourney

In their quest to make history as the first Kenyan side to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Nairobi City Thunder continued their revamping with the unveiling of three more players.

Joining Thunder’s ranks are William Sidney Davis II (Will), Michel Diogoye Diouf, and Uchenna Iroegbu, adding to earlier signings of Tylor Ongwae, Eugene Adera, and Derrick Ogechi.

“Nairobi City Thunder is excited to announce the addition of three seasoned international professional basketball players to its already star-studded Kenyan roster.

This strategic move comes ahead of the team representing Kenya internationally in the Road to BAL in regional and continental qualifiers played in two stages between October and December 2024,” the side’s statement read in part.

With ten years of experience, including in the NBA G-League, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus, 31-year-old power forward, Will, joins the Kenyan champions from Spartans Distrito Capital in Venezuela, a side he had rejoined in April from Ignite.

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“This is my tenth year as a pro and I look forward to winning games with Thunder,” the Sacramento, California-born baller who says his motto is ‘Don’t take it personally, it’s just business’ offered after his unveiling. 

On his part, Senegalese talent Diouf, who reunites with former Bakken Bears’ teammate, Ongwae, is expected to lead the side’s defensive onslaught both locally and internationally, having been a four-time Basketligaen Defender of the Year.

The power forward is the current all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks in the FIBA Europe Cup but says his main focus is winning. “I don’t care about stats. Just win. I’m a winner,” he said.

American-Nigerian point guard Iroegbu, who joins Thunder after a successful run with Al-Shamal in Qatar, completes Thunder’s list of newbies. A standout player for Stony Brook University during his college years, the Nigerian international brings speed, playmaking, and leadership to the squad’s backcourt.

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“We are thrilled to welcome the trio to the Thunder family. They are great, experienced, team-oriented players who fit our playing style perfectly. Together with our existing players, we are aiming to make Kenya proud with a deep run in the BAL tournament,” head coach Brad Ibs said.

The coach added that qualifying for BAL not only marks a significant milestone for the first-time champions but also paves the way for basketball growth in Kenya, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.