Nairobi City Thunder coach reveals his recruitment policy ahead of BAL debut
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 11.03.25. | 21:37
Thunder are set to make their debut in the Conferences in May
Nairobi City Thunder have made two additions to the squad that qualified for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as they prepare to make their debut in Africa's premier men's club competition.
The side has announced the return of American William Davies II, who was part of the squad that got the Bradley Ibs-coached side through to the Elite 16.
Also joining the squad is Nana Kwabena Appiah, "a dynamic player whose defensive tenacity, versatility, and leadership will be a key asset as we compete in BAL," Thunder said while making the announcement.
According to coach Ibs, his recruitment policy includes having players on board that value teamwork.
"We have collected a really high level of talent, with players willing to honour the contributions of their teammates.
Everyone encourages the other, and that has made for great cohesiveness, which is what we are looking to build on," coach Ibs said as the side appeared on Nation's Spot On.
Davies II joined Thunder in the Group Phase of the Road to BAL, hosted in Kibaha, Tanzania, in November 2024 and remains the side's best player in their journey to the 12-team competition.
He averaged 21.5 points in the two matches he played before picking up an injury. He further contributed 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
His injury in the third quarter of Thunder's clash against Burundi's Urunani was largely blamed for the side's 89-88 loss, the only one in their campaign for a place in the fifth edition of BAL.
"We are looking for high character players who are willing to come in and work hard, compete and encourage each other to get better. Most importantly, we are looking for players with a high skill level who can pass and shoot.
One of the hallmark characteristics that we have had in the local league is that we shoot the ball really well. In today's game, that is important to create everything we want to happen in our game," the tactician continued.
Thunder are looking to continue their record-breaking streak as they are the first Kenyan team to feature in BAL, following unsuccessful attempts by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors.
The debutants will be in the competition’s Nile Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 May.
Joining Thunder in their group will be fellow debutants Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, Rwanda’s Armee Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball (APR) and Made by Basketball (MBB) of South Africa, who are also making their debut.
APR stands out in the group as the experienced lot, having featured in the Conferences in last year’s edition.
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