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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