I Really Hoop Podcast

Nairobi City Thunder BAL 6 Review, Kenyan Hoops, Madina Okot WNBA, NBA Playoffs | Ep. 24 ft. Nderitu

Welcome back! It's Episode 24 of the I Really Hoop Podcast, and we have returning guest and renowned Kenyan basketball analyst, Nderitu, joining Javan! Our Kobe episode is blessed by the Mamba mentality. In this episode, we deeply break down Nairobi City Thunder’s heavily anticipated run in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 6. Nderitu doesn't hold back, analyzing their 2-3 record, the coaching rotations, the lack of defensive preparation from playing in the KBF, and why the current roster construction fell short on the continental stage. We address a somber and critical issue in Kenyan basketball following the tragic passing of Neville Otieno on the court. On a much brighter note, we celebrate Kenyan WNBA history! We react to Madina Okot being drafted 12th overall by the Atlanta Dream, breaking down her journey, her fit with her new team, and clearing up the misinformation surrounding her draft status. Finally, we transition to the ongoing NBA Playoffs, discussing the Lakers' reliance on LeBron, the intense Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series, Paolo Banchero's rise with the Magic, and our predictions for the rest of the first round. IRHP WhatsApp Fan-Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/FsoF8OR1uLmIRB0mO54tBv [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FsoF8OR1uLmIRB0mO54tBv] Chapters 00:00 Intro Song ("BASELINE" prod. by ⁨@hAVENmusic-1⁩ ) 00:58 Week Recap, NBA Playoffs 01:14 Neville Otieno's Tragic Death (Eldonets Basketball Club) 03:03 Athlete Welfare Insurance 05:53 Episode Topics Preview 08:03 BAL Streaming Drama (NBA App/NBA.com, YouTube) 09:25 Nairobi City Thunder BAL Season 6 Record 10:05 Game By Game Breakdown 13:05 BAL Kenya Watch Party Reactions 16:20 Why NCT Fell Short 17:45 Coaching Rotation Issues 19:44 Point Guard Problem 25:25 I Really Hoop Fan-Group WhatsApp Group Drama 29:55 Clinching BAL Standings Explained 31:17 BAL Tiebreakers Explained 32:13 BAL Point Differential Fallout 33:52 Who Actually Performed in the NCT? 34:48 Defense and Foul Trouble 38:31 Injuries and Coaching Heat 40:42 Excuses vs Expectations 43:49 Roster Moves Under Fire 44:52 Albert Odero's Decision 48:30 Fixing It With Competition 54:58 Sahara Conference Preview 56:56 BAL Deep Cuts and Fans 58:26 Accountability Closing Take 1:00:00 Facts Over Feelings 1:00:48 Too Many Yes Men for the NCT 1:01:26 Criticism vs Consulting 1:02:12 NCT Reality Check 1:04:01 BAL in Kenya Arena Rumors and Costs 1:05:57 BAL Money and Player Welfare 1:07:24 Kenyan Government Promises on Paper 1:09:38 Madina Okot WNBA Draft Breakdown 1:10:51 Misinformation and Eligibility 1:12:37 Go Pro and Ball Out 1:13:59 Why Kenya Needs Pros 1:14:33 Social Media Hype 1:15:08 Next Kenyan to the NBA Dream 1:17:01 Madina Okot Draft Moment 1:17:38 "First Kenyan" Debate 1:19:07 NBA Playoffs 2026 Check In 1:19:42 Series By Series Takes 1:22:11 NBA Title Picks And Lakers 1:24:15 More Content And Collabs 1:24:38 Hooping Challenge Plans on Basketball Twin TV 1:25:47 Wrap Up And Shoutouts Drop your thoughts below. 🎙 Host Javan https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie] Follow, like, comment, share, and subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all available podcast platforms, social media pages, as well as the co-host's social media pages. YouTube: https://youtu.be/uEbZa8MRjuo?si=Sm9Pgpa31sKbqU4G [https://youtu.be/uEbZa8MRjuo?si=Sm9Pgpa31sKbqU4G] Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/episode/7glmL89i4IhGwjszqG21FU?si=1de3f9ee5b454e74 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7glmL89i4IhGwjszqG21FU?si=1de3f9ee5b454e74]⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nairobi-city-thunder-bal-6-review-kenyan-hoops-madina/id1831444430?i=1000766209613 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nairobi-city-thunder-bal-6-review-kenyan-hoops-madina/id1831444430?i=1000766209613] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/] TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod [https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod] 👤Guest Nderitu (NBA Kenya) https://www.youtube.com/@nbakenya [https://www.youtube.com/@nbakenya] Intro song BASELINE" prod. by Haven Music https://www.youtube.com/@hAVENmusic- [https://www.youtube.com/@hAVENmusic-1] #IReallyHoopPodcast #NBAPodcast #KenyanBasketball #BasketballKenya #BasketballKE #NBA #NBADebate #WNBA #BAL6 #MadinaOkot #NairobiCityThunder #KNBL #AfricanBasketball #SportsMedia

Nairobi City Thunder BAL 6 Review, Kenya Hoops Problems, NBA App Debate, Bam Adebayo 83 | Ep. 23

Welcome back It's been a while since its been just Javan and Edu! In Episode 23 of the I Really Hoop Podcast, we have in-depth discussion on both Kenyan and global basketball topics. Our Jordan episode! In this episode, we break down Nairobi City Thunder’s performance and preparation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 6, analyzing their roster, level of competition, and whether they are truly ready to compete at the continental stage. The conversation also dives into the current challenges facing Kenyan basketball, including structural issues, competitiveness in the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL), and what needs to change for the game to grow locally. On the global side, we debate the NBA viewing experience, comparing the NBA App and YouTube, and what platforms fans actually prefer in today’s digital era, because the BAL enforced the NBA App (NBA.com to be the only way to watch the BAL Season 6. We also react to the viral moment involving Bam Adebayo and the 83-point conversation, breaking down what it means in the wider NBA context. This episode blends Kenyan basketball analysis with global NBA conversations, delivering insight, debate, and honest opinions throughout. Chapters 00:00 Intro Song ("BASELINE" prod. by Haven Music) 01:56 Episode Topics Preview 03:22 Thunder’s Hype and Merch 04:36 Press Card and Coverage Plans 05:19 BAL Watch Party Recap 10:35 Thunder’s Games and Record 13:59 Injuries and Team Critique 16:30 Giveaway Win and Fan Moments 19:25 NBA App Streaming Debate 22:32 BAL Controversy and Expectations 25:28 Dylan Ivy Waived Discussion 27:22 Opinions and Fallout 27:56 Kenya Basketball Growth 28:49 NBA Expansion Buzz 29:33 Kenya Select Game Recap 30:15 Supporting Local Hoops 31:36 Behind the Scenes Break 33:00 Bam Adebayo 83 36:02 Disrespect Debate 38:07 Cooper Flagg 51 39:09 Awards and Injuries 45:29 Medina and Final Four 50:35 Wrap Up and Netflix Talk Drop your thoughts below. 🎙 Hosts Javan instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie] twitter_x: ⁠https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie⁠ [https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie] linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie⁠ [https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie] Edu: instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/] Follow, like, comment, share, and subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all available podcast platforms, social media pages, as well as the co-host's social media pages. YouTube: https://youtu.be/NuMHgDd0JcI?si=__QyTORNavs91PyN [https://youtu.be/NuMHgDd0JcI?si=__QyTORNavs91PyN] Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MUc1Fx2cV8etw03CgQDLD?si=3340b65146404aa0 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MUc1Fx2cV8etw03CgQDLD?si=3340b65146404aa0] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nairobi-city-thunder-bal-6-review-kenya-hoops-problems/id1831444430?i=1000763291931 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nairobi-city-thunder-bal-6-review-kenya-hoops-problems/id1831444430?i=1000763291931] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/ [https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod [https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod] #IReallyHoopPodcast #NBAPodcast #KenyanBasketball #BasketballKenya #BasketballKE #NBA #NBADebate #BamAdebayo #BAL6 #NairobiCityThunder #KNBL #AfricanBasketball #SportsMedia

Nderitu (NBA Kenya): Rain @ Nyayo Indoor Gym!, Nairobi City Thunder, BAL 6, KBF’s Problems | Ep. 22

Welcome back! In Episode 22 of the I Really Hoop Podcast, Javan is joined once again by Top Kenyan basketball analyst and reporter, Nderitu (NBA Kenya) for a deep and honest conversation about the current state of basketball in Kenya. Chapters 00:00 Intro Song ("BASELINE" prod. by Haven Music) 00:14 Welcome back! 00:21 No. 1 Kenyan Basketball Podcast (Ask Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) 00:37 Welcoming Nderitu (Returning Guest) 00:46: Episode 21 with him is the most viewed episode 01:01: Heavy Nairobi Rains (6 March 2026), Floods 02:32 Nyayo Indoor Basketball Gymnasium's embarrassing flooding situation 03:45 A cat or rat was spotted 07:32 Some fans weren't refunded 09:18 Nyayo has had no major upgrade since the 1980's 12:38 SHocking Crowd Management at Nyayo Indoor Gym 14:00 Risks of wet floor to players and fans 16:07 Nyayo should stop hosting basketball games till renovation 16:20 Bad sanitation at Nyayo (Washorooms, no water, stench) 18:00 Why the BAL put Black & White posts for the Road to BAL in Kasarani Indoor Arena 18:54 Kenya got lucky to host the Road to BAL 2025 and the WBLA Qualifiers 1015 21:23 Positioning of washrooms at Nyayo (Too Open) 21:48 Stench from washrooms going to the gymnasium 22:31 Clean up the venues, ya'll! 24:00 Move games to Kasarani, provide transport at a fee 24:45 Fauly, old scoreboards 25:40 Javan says he isn't a strong Nairobi City Thunder Fan 25:49 NCT need competition 26:18 More Overcrowding issues at Nyayo Indoor Gym 29:08 What's the deal between Stadia Management and the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF)? 29:46 The 2026 Basketball AFrica League (BAL) Season 6 & NCT's Preparation 30:09 Nairobi City Thunder's New Signings 30:21 Ater Majok moved from NCT to Dar City and now Dakar 30:38 Albert Odero moved from NCT to Tigers Rwanda now back to NCT 30:52 NCT's frontcourt 31:20 WIll NCT be better or worse this upcoming BAL 6? 32:47 New BAL Conferences Format 32:20 NCT's limited Preparation Time 35:07 Does NCT have yesmen? 36:25 NCT fear losing a single game at the Kenya National Basketball League 38:28 Other teams' BAL rosters 40:16 Kalahari COnference is in SOuth Africa while the Sahara COnference is in Morocco 20:53 Derrick Ogechi can help NCT since he's now in the roster 40:49 Ogechi's Highlight Reel 41:51 Ogechi not playing at BAL 5 42:10 NCT's tough BAL 6 Fixtures 46:17 What will NCT do about the KNBL game fixtures during BAL 6? 50:29 KBF officials overstaying office 52:00 KBFs failed deal with Fireflies COmpany 52:21 KBF's Greed by selling tickets to a full Nyayo Indoor Gym 54:57 We just want change coz we love basketball 55:16 Nderitu responds to fan who he had an argument with on last episode's comments on Instagram 59:26 Nderitu has tough skin 01:00:41 Come at Nderitu with a missile, you'll get a nuclear warhead back 01:01:20 Nderitu will keep exposing the mismanagement in Kenyan Basketball 01:02:05 Co-host Edu was unavailable for this episode 01:02:14 Outro (Like, Share, Subscribe) Drop your thoughts below. 🎙 Host Javan (Basketball Twin) https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie] 👤 Guest Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya) https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@nbakenya⁩ [https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@nbakenya⁩ ] Follow, like, comment, share, and subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all available podcast platforms, social media pages, as well as the co-host's social media pages. YouTube: https://youtu.be/VpneZ8Am2dc?si=3Tu6A3-rI-eonbVf [https://youtu.be/VpneZ8Am2dc?si=3Tu6A3-rI-eonbVf] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TQSX4K44HQTyWtDRXVOlW?si=jA1fyFdHRiqdGS9ACc0qYA [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TQSX4K44HQTyWtDRXVOlW?si=jA1fyFdHRiqdGS9ACc0qYA] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nderitu-nba-kenya-rain-nyayo-indoor-gym-nairobi-city/id1831444430?i=1000755402987 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nderitu-nba-kenya-rain-nyayo-indoor-gym-nairobi-city/id1831444430?i=1000755402987] All our Links (LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod [https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/ [https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/] #IReallyHoopPodcast #NBAPodcast #KenyanBasketball #BasketballKenya #BasketballKE #KenyaMorans #KBF #NBAKenya #AfricanBasketball #BasketballAfricaLeague #BAL #BAL6 #NairobiCityThunder #KNBL #SportsMedia #DennisNderitu

Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya): Accountability, KBF Controversy, The State of Kenyan Basketball | Ep. 21

In Episode 21, we sit down with Dennis Nderitu, founder of NBA Kenya, basketball analyst, reporter, and one of the most outspoken voices in Kenyan basketball media. This is one of the most honest and unfiltered conversations we have had on the platform. The episode explores standards, transparency, governance, and the future of basketball journalism in Kenya. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Episode 20 Kickoff 00:26 Meet Dennis Nderitu 01:27 Subscribe And Support 01:50 Why He Loves Basketball 05:54 Why Basketball Over Football 07:32 NBA Live & 2K Era + Favorite Players 08:26 Lakers Fandom & Luka Trade 11:12 Starting the NBA Kenya Brand 17:49 NBA Kenya Name Explained 20:01 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Friction & Accountability 24:00 KBF Elections & Governance Issues 26:24 Banned From KNBL Playoff Game at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium 29:21 Player Confrontations During Games 31:25 Clearing the Air 31:57 Criticism Is Part of Sport 34:28 Receipts, Stats & Film 36:11 Calling Out the Ban 37:46 Negativity vs Positive Coverage 39:52 Why I Left Woopy (Okapi) Sport 42:01 Kenyan Basketball Media Growth 43:38 Foul and One Podcast Beef Explained 45:57 Madina Okot Visa Story Breakdown 49:23 KBF Broadcast Fees 53:44 KNBL League Start Date Confusion 57:20 Showing Up to Games Anyway 58:24 Hosting BAL (Road to BAL) & FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 58:55 Final Thoughts on Progress 01:00:00 Ticket Price Controversy 01:00:51 Bad Venue Experience 01:01:18 Kenya Hosts Qualifiers 01:02:09 Thunder Praise and Critique 01:03:13 BAL Struggles and Heartbreak 01:04:27 Morans Sacrificed Claim 01:06:14 Stadium Canopy and Arenas 01:07:25 BAL Franchise Buy In 01:08:45 Building Basketball Culture 01:09:21 Franchise Format Roadblocks 01:10:00 League Pressure and Sabotage 01:10:28 When Franchises Could Happen 01:10:38 Thunder and Arena Money 01:11:21 NBA Africa Vision 01:12:17 Why the Creator Went Quiet 01:13:44 IShowSpeed Basketball Fumble 01:15:43 Gen Z Goliath Height Debate 01:16:51 Wrap Up and Shoutouts Video on Nderitu being denied access to the Nyayo Stadium Basketball Gymnasium https://youtu.be/9XFpSxn7mj0?si=99W0oJ2OTDuU_fVk [https://youtu.be/9XFpSxn7mj0?si=99W0oJ2OTDuU_fVk] Discussion Questions: - Is criticism necessary for growth in Kenyan basketball? - Should federations be held more accountable? - What is the future of independent sports media in Kenya? listen_and_follow: YouTube: https://youtu.be/PTLOk4LnduQ?si=_vISiW6o9anAIGyG [https://youtu.be/PTLOk4LnduQ?si=_vISiW6o9anAIGyG] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BxVdZG3Y8sSgT5WqL4TjN?si=l6DXyV96S0mcfRIH_SOp_w [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BxVdZG3Y8sSgT5WqL4TjN?si=l6DXyV96S0mcfRIH_SOp_w] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/dennis-nderitu-nba-kenya-accountability-kbf-controversy/id1831444430?i=1000752346315 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/dennis-nderitu-nba-kenya-accountability-kbf-controversy/id1831444430?i=1000752346315] All our links( LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod [https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod] social_media: podcast_instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/ [https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/] hosts: javan: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie] twitter_x: https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie [https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie] linktree: https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie [https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie] edu: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/ [https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/] guest: name: "Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya)" youtube_channels: - https://www.youtube.com/@nbakenya [https://www.youtube.com/@nbakenya] - https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketball [https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketball] - https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketballextra [https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketballextra] hosted_by: - Javan (Basketball Twin) - Edu (Mini LeBron)

Kenyan Basketball Legend & Nairobi City Thunder Player Ariel Okall Koranga shares his story | Ep. 20

This is a very special episode of the I Really Hoop Podcast. In Episode 21, we sit down with Kenyan basketball veteran Ariel Okal Koranga, widely known as The Doctor and The Journeyman. A 22-season professional, former Kenya national basketball team (Kenya Morans) icon, and current leader at Nairobi City Thunder, Ariel shares an extraordinary career that has spanned continents, championships, and defining moments in Kenyan basketball history. From Nakuru to Mogadishu. From Algeria to Oman. From domestic leagues to continental silver medals. This is insider history from a player who lived it. * His 2014 call-up to the Kenya Morans * The 2019 Africa silver medal run * Beating continental powerhouses like Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia & Angola * Qualifying for FIBA AfroBasket after 28 years * What that achievement meant for Kenyan basketball * Meeting the President and the national recognition that followed * The professionalism gap between Kenyan leagues and overseas basketball * The evolution of team chemistry — Thunder vs Morans * NBA debates: GOAT talk, all-time starting fives & the future of the league * Kenya’s next NBA/WNBA hopefuls * BAL expansion possibilities and structural growth * The Kenya Basketball Federation’s controversial Fireflies partnership This episode is both reflection and roadmap — history and future in one conversation. 00:00 Welcome + Introducing Ariel “The Doctor” 01:39 22 Seasons In: Growing Up in Nakuru 03:28 Longevity, Injuries & Love for the Game 04:47 Kenya vs Overseas Professionalism 08:07 The Journeyman Years Across Africa 10:48 Family Legacy & NCAA Milestone 12:00 First Kenya Morans Call-Up 14:03 2019 Africa Silver Medal Run 19:50 AfroBasket Qualification Explained 20:58 Viral Sports Debate & Media Moments 25:45 Favorite Morans Teammates 29:51 Thunder vs Morans Chemistry 33:15 Today’s NBA Favorites 37:21 GOAT Debate 40:21 Is Steph Top 10? 43:47 KD, Wemby & Europe’s Rise 45:42 All-Star Weekend Review 53:19 Kenya’s Next NBA/WNBA Prospects 57:13 BAL Franchise Proposal 59:45 Federation & Sponsorship Debate 01:04:00 Closing Thoughts 💬 Drop your GOAT in the comments. Can Kenya return to the AfroBasket podium? 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your thoughts 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth basketball conversations 📲 Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram & all podcast platform Follow, like, comment, share, and subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all available podcast platforms, social media pages, as well as the co-host's social media pages. YouTube: https://youtu.be/M8nuZTwTFr0?si=nV_ZmY-V0GrHpvwW [https://youtu.be/M8nuZTwTFr0?si=nV_ZmY-V0GrHpvwW] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74I60VIkgzfOKUWF54oqUk?si=ekq8zAAQSSeWF9nUGqtLDw [https://open.spotify.com/episode/74I60VIkgzfOKUWF54oqUk?si=ekq8zAAQSSeWF9nUGqtLDw] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/kenyan-basketball-legend-nairobi-city-thunder-player/id1831444430?i=1000750554170 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/anthony-black-crazy-dunk-new-nba-all-star-format-jordans/id1831444430?i=1000748235511] All our Links (LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod [https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/ [https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/] Hosts Javan⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie] X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie [https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie] All my links(LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie [https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie] Edu https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/ [https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/] Guest https://www.instagram.com/ariel_okall/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariel_okall/] Shot by https://www.instagram.com/_.petter_w [https://www.instagram.com/_.petter_w] Directed, produced and edited by,  https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie/https://www.instagram.com/ [https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie⁠] #IReallyHoopPodcast #IReallyHoopPodcast #KenyaMorans #NairobiCityThunder #AfricanBasketball #LeBronJames #BasketballKE #ArielOkall #KenyanBasketball