Kenyan basketball team gears up for BAL 16 with fresh talent and strong focus

The Kenyan basketball scene is buzzing with excitement as new talent joins the national team, infusing it with energy and optimism ahead of the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL) 16.

Head coach Brad Ibs has expressed confidence in the team's chemistry, which is stronger than ever, as players push each other to sharpen their skills and compete fiercely, both individually and collectively.

“It’s been exciting having new faces in the team,” said Coach Ibs. “The chemistry is great, and the players are working hard to compete, even against each other. This level of competition within the team drives everyone to perform at their best.”

The team’s ultimate goal is clear: to represent Kenya at the BAL 16, a coveted honour for any basketball player in the country.

“Our focus is solely on the BAL,” Coach Ibs added. “It’s an honour to be part of this prestigious event, and we’re committed to making a strong impact. We also want to thank the federation for their continued support in growing Kenyan basketball.”

However, Coach Ibs emphasized that the team will not be using its fostered players in the local league to avoid the risk of injury.

“Honestly, we will not use our fostered players in the league. Our primary focus is on the BAL, and we need to ensure that our players stay fit and injury-free for the big event,” he explained.

While the excitement builds, there is some frustration surrounding the uncertainty of the Elite 16 matches, with no clear start date yet.

“The uncertainty is a small distraction for the players, especially when you’re training without knowing when the high-level matches will begin,” Coach Ibs admitted.

“But we’ve had discussions with the team, and I’ve told them that we must stay sharp and be ready for whenever the matches start.”

Despite these challenges, the presence of foreign players on the team has been a positive force. These international talents, some of whom are starters, have raised the level of play and helped elevate local players.

“We have foreign players who bring a higher level of skill to the game, and their experience gives the local players a significant boost,” said Coach Ibs. “Some of them are starters and players of a higher calibre, which helps improve the overall quality of our team.”

With the BAL 16 on the horizon, the players remain focused on achieving success, despite the challenges of uncertainty and the demands of intense training. The journey to the BAL 16 represents not just a chance to compete at the highest level but also a testament to the growth of basketball in Kenya and the dedication of its players and supporters.

“We’re ready for the challenge,” Coach Ibs said, confident in the team’s preparation. “No matter when the games begin, we will be prepared to give our best for the honour of playing in the BAL 16.”