KNBL: Veteran Morans scorer Ongwae joins Nairobi City Thunder

In an audacious bid to enhance their dominance, Kenya National Basketball men’s Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder have announced the signing of Kenyan basketball star Tylor Ongwae in a move that is aimed at improving their scoring.

Standing tall at 6’7” and adept at playing both small forward and power forward, Ongwae brings a wealth of experience to the Thunder, making him a key addition to the squad for the upcoming season.

Thunder are looking to build on their success and aim for higher accolades, including a historic qualification for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The addition of Ongwae to their roster is seen as a critical step towards achieving these ambitions.

Kooshin Diriye, the General Manager of Nairobi City Thunder, expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Tylor Ongwae to the Nairobi City Thunder family.

“His outstanding skills, leadership qualities, and commitment to excellence are in perfect alignment with our team’s values. We are confident that he will significantly contribute to our pursuit of becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the BAL qualifiers as we continue our success in the Kenya Basketball Federation.”

In his statement, Ongwae shared his excitement about returning home to play for one of Kenya’s top teams.

 "I am honored to have the opportunity to join the reigning champions in my home country.

“I am eager to contribute to the ethos of winning within the team and to consistently deliver exceptional performances on the court.

“I share the team's ambition to make history and compete at the highest level in Africa."

With the seasoned veteran now part of their ranks, Thunder are poised for an exciting season ahead.

Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how Ongwae's international experience and defensive prowess will bolster the team’s efforts in both the domestic league and on the continental stage.

As the Thunder gear up to defend their KBF title and make a strong push for BAL qualification, Ongwae’s presence is expected to be a game-changer.

His basketball journey began at the University of Lewis in Illinois, where he quickly made a name for himself with his strong college performances, leading to a professional career that took him across various prestigious leagues worldwide.

Ongwae's career reached new heights in Europe, particularly in Denmark, where he was twice named Defensive Player of the Year in the Danish Basketligaen.

His defensive prowess, combined with offensive contributions, made him a standout in every team he joined and he most recently played a crucial role in winning a championship for his previous team, further solidifying his status as a top player.

Nairobi City Thunder’s management, players, and supporters are looking forward to a season of thrilling basketball, with Tylor Ongwae playing a pivotal role in what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Kenyan basketball history.