Road to BAL: Thunder on the cusps of history
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 02.12.24. | 11:54
The star-studded squad won their maiden national title this year to qualify for the BAL qualifiers
It is the proverbial D-day for Kenyan basketball champions Nairobi City Thunder as Uganda's City Oilers stand between them and history.
Facing off in the East Division Elite 16 Semis from 8:30 PM at Kasarani Indoor Arena, the winner of this match qualifies for BAL 2025, a feat that, when achieved, will make Kenya the first-ever side to play in the continental competition.
The first semi-final, set for 6 PM, pits undefeated Urunani of Burundi against Cape Verde's Kriol Star, who made the Elite 16 on a wild card, picking two wins in Group A to advance as the second-best team behind Thunder.
Coach Bradley Ibs, whose side got tested by Bravehearts on Sunday night, winning 91-68, says while it is great to be 3-0 from the group stage, they did not play their best, warning his charges against that in the decider clash.
"We came in a bit sluggish in the last match, which we cannot do in the semis. We will address that, as we look to be a little bit more focused as we start the Semis game. We have a deep squad that has shown their competitiveness, having fielded two different units and they have all brought their A-game, which is really good," coach Ibs said.
The side made their debut in the Road to BAL on a high, going 3-1 in the Group Phase, their only loss coming in an 89-88 loss to Urunani. They won their opening two matches in the Elite 16 102-59 against MBB and 104-71 to Kriols before a 91-68 show against the Malawians.
Meanwhile, Andrew Tendo's Oilers are looking to qualify for the third time.
"We have to be consistent on both ends of the court. We cannot afford to have a drop in energy or focus because in tournaments like this, a team can have good runs early but slip with one bad game and you're out. It is more mental for us on how to approach the semis, and we have to approach it as if we are starting the tournament afresh," Tendo, whose side got a direct entry to this stage, offered.
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