Welcome back to I Really Hoop Podcast! In Episode 17, we’re bringing you the latest from the NBA, the FBA, and basketball developments across Kenya and Africa. From jaw-dropping league drama to incredible local achievements, this episode has it all!

In this episode, we discuss:
🏀 Ja Morant’s on-court controversies and clashes
🏀 Zach LaVine fan interactions and league accountability
🏀 Pistons’ surprising streaks and Detroit’s turnaround
🏀 OKC Thunder’s rise and Warriors’ dynasty challenges
🏀 Giannis, Luka, and other NBA superstar performances
🏀 FIBA Road to BAL 2026 – Nairobi City Thunder’s qualification
🏀 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) qualifiers and Kenya’s representation
🏀 Insight into basketball growth, competition, and fan passion

We also share our thoughts on basketball culture, fan energy, and the future of Kenyan basketball in major continental tournaments.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:31 Celebrating Past Successes
00:59 Future Plans and Collaborations
01:16 Encouraging Subscriptions
01:45 Weekly Catch-Up and League Drama
02:10 The Importance of Competition in Basketball
03:35 Fan Reactions and Player Performances
04:35 NBA Highlights and Player Drama
07:43 Team Performances and Standings
09:32 The End of the Warriors Dynasty
10:47 LeBron's Longevity and Legacy
11:38 Luka Doncic: The New Lakers' Main Guy
11:57 Nico Harrisson Firing Drama
14:36 Nairobi City Thunder Qualify for the BAL 2026, Kenya's Basketball Achievements
16:57 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Qualifiers 2025
17:44 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027
18:31 Wrapping Up

Stay tuned as we bring more guests, games, and exclusive coverage from the FBA and BAL!

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.

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Hosts
Javan
⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie


All my links(LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie


Shot and directed by Tim (https://www.instagram.com/user_is_tim/)
Produced and edited by me, Javan Okwayo Ekhalie (@javan.360)

#Basketball #NBA #FBA #BAL2026 #NairobiCityThunder #JaMorant #GiannisAntetokounmpo #LeBronJames #BasketballKenya #IRHPodcast

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In this landmark 16th episode of The I Really Hoop Podcast, Javan and co-host Edu welcome their first-ever guest, the exceptional Derrick Ogechi — Nairobi City Thunder guard, Kenya National Basketball Team (Kenya Morans) player, and one of the most accomplished Kenyan-American athletes representing the nation today.

Derrick walks us through his basketball journey from growing up in Minnesota, beginning with karate, transitioning into competitive basketball in high school, playing across NAIA and NCAA Division II, earning two university degrees, and eventually launching his professional career in Spain before joining Nairobi City Thunder, the reigning back-to-back unbeaten Kenyan National Basketball League champions.

This conversation offers one of the most in-depth insights into the life and mindset of a modern Kenyan basketball professional, making it essential viewing for athletes, fans, and anyone passionate about the growth of African basketball.

If you love basketball, Kenyan sports, or inspiring athlete stories — this episode is for you! Thanks for watching!

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:18 Meet Derek Ogechi
02:39 Derrick's Basketball Journey
04:45 Comparing Basketball in Kenya and the US
06:38 The Future of Basketball in Kenya
09:07 Influence of Kobe Bryant
11:40 Favorite Teams and Players
14:48 Discovering Basketball as a Career
15:36 Balancing Basketball and Social Media
16:00 Professional Basketball in Kenya
18:56 Playing in Europe and Making History
20:52 Joining the Kenyan National Basketball Team (Kenya Morans)
24:12 Comparing Local and National Teams
27:45 Future of Kenyan Players in the NBA
29:42 Challenges in the Basketball Africa League
31:49 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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.

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Hosts
Javan
⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie

X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie

All my links(LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie

Edu
https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/

Derrick Ogechi
https://www.instagram.com/derrick_ogechi


Shot and directed by Tim (https://www.instagram.com/user_is_tim/)
Produced and edited by me, Javan Okwayo 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://www.youtube.com/@ireallyhooppodcast⁠

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Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-really-hoop-podcast/id1831444430

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Welcome back to The I Really Hoop Podcast, Javan (Basketball Twin) alongside Edu (Mini LeBron), bringing you Episode 15 of our rapidly growing basketball show. Thank you to all our viewers for helping us cross 104 subscribers—your support continues to push this platform forward.

In this episode, we break down the opening week of the 2025–26 NBA season, which has already delivered some of the most electrifying basketball we have seen in years. The season tipped off with unprecedented intensity, double-overtime thrillers, historic individual performances, and outstanding rookie debuts.

The NBA season has opened with extraordinary energy, dramatic finishes, rising stars, and unforgettable moments. Join us as we break it all down with analysis, reactions, and authentic basketball conversation from Kenya’s hoop community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Milestones
01:06 NBA Season Excitement
02:41 Opening Games Highlights
03:53 Double Overtime Thriller
05:34 Broadcasting Changes and New Faces
07:21 Wednesday's Game Recap
09:23 Rookie Standouts and Future Predictions
14:09 International Opportunities for NBA Players
16:18 Player Journeys and Struggles
16:36 Recent NBA Games Recap
19:50 Upcoming NBA Games and Broadcast Deals
22:59 NBA Cup and Player Highlights
24:28 Controversies and Positive News
26:01 Looking Forward to the Season
28:26 Local Basketball Updates
29:48 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

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/lHU07o-uJO0?si=p0PU_CiHbAs5bCMR

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uvU0kFobbBupX16sMzkQY?si=ae319db73e53447b

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Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/

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Hosts
Javan
⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie


All my links(LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie


Edu
https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/

Shot and directed by Tim (https://www.instagram.com/user_is_tim/)
Produced and edited by me, Javan Okwayo Ekhalie ( @Javan.360 )

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://www.youtube.com/@ireallyhooppodcast⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/15YouQrlzXkXLiK4GZSlW8

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-really-hoop-podcast/id1831444430

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