‘Championship Teams in BAL Have One Thing in Common’ - NBA Legend Reveals What Kenyan Basketball Needs

Nairobi City Thunder payers and staff celebrate their crowning moment at the BAL Elite 16. ©FIBA

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Nairobi City Thunder payers and staff celebrate their crowning moment at the BAL Elite 16. ©FIBA

‘Championship Teams in BAL Have One Thing in Common’ - NBA Legend Reveals What Kenyan Basketball Needs

Stephen Awino 09:30 - 22.07.2025

NBA legend Michael Finley has shed light on what Kenya’s basketball must do to thrive in the BAL, following Nairobi City Thunder’s spirited but short-lived 2025 campaign.

NBA legend and Dallas Mavericks executive Michael Finley has opened up on the challenges that continue to hold Kenyan basketball back from fully establishing itself on the continental stage, despite flashes of promise from teams like the Nairobi City Thunder.

According to Finley, the key to success in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) lies not just in talent or ambition, but in professionalism, something he says separates champions from struggling teams.

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In a candid conversation with Pulse Sports, Finley shed light on how Kenya can emulate her regional counterparts to launch a leagcy of dominance.

“Most of the players in Kenya, they might be like me and you. I’m at work today, but I’m in the league tonight or on the weekend,” Finley remarked.

“Whereas if you go to championship teams in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, or Angola, these are countries where guys are playing for a living. That’s their job.”

Why Egypt, Angola and Tunisia Keep Winning

Basketball Africa League
2024 BAL quarterfinals Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers were eliminated.

Finley pointed to last year's BAL finalists Egypt’s Al Ahly Ly and Angola’s Petro de Luanda as prime examples of what a fully professional basketball structure looks like.

“If you’re playing in Egypt, that’s what you do for a living. I’m on a team where I might be making $250,000–$300,000 a season. Now I come to the BAL, and it’s not like I’m just putting a team together and trying to get there,” he said.

“It’s the same thing with Angola and they are flourishing. They’re professionals," he added.

This structure where players train full-time, receive competitive salaries, and are supported by a robust system of coaching, management, and facilities has enabled these nations to consistently produce elite-level basketball.

In contrast, Kenya’s league is still dominated by semi-professional athletes who balance day jobs with evening or weekend games.

This gap in preparation and investment, Finley warned, becomes glaringly obvious on the continental stage.

Thunder’s BAL Debut Prvides Hope, Heartbreak, and Hard Lessons

Nairobi City Thunder
Nairobi City Thunder head coach Brad Ibs instructing his players. Photo: Telecom Asia Sports

In 2024, Nairobi City Thunder made history by becoming East Division champions, punching their ticket to the prestigious 2025 BAL season.

It was a monumental step for Kenyan basketball, and one that inspired a surge of national pride and optimism.

But the campaign quickly proved to be a harsh learning curve. Thunder registered just one win from six matches, and bowed out of the competition with a narrow 74–77 defeat to APR of Rwanda.

Though their performances were spirited, Thunder’s shortcomings exposed the structural weaknesses Finley highlighted.

“How do we help Kenya get to that level?” Finley posed.

“You need enough corporate involvement, enough media involvemen, where you have enough teams in the league like the Thunder who are paid as professionals. When you have that, you’ll get more professional play.”

Finley’s words serve as both critique and roadmap. For Kenya to truly compete with Africa’s best, the entire ecosystem surrounding the sport must evolve, from grassroots support and youth development, to broadcast exposure and consistent financial backing.