Thunder's defensive frailties exposed in underwhelming BAL debut

Basketball Africa League (BAL) debutants Nairobi City Thunder have endured a false start in their bow at the ongoing Nile Conference following blow-out losses in their opening two match-ups.

First, they went down 92-63 to Rwanda's APR on Saturday evening before succumbing 115-87 to Libya’s Al Alhi Tripoli.

The Kenyan representatives at the BAL have been handed the rookie baptism of fire, with the losses coming at the expense of their opponents' slick plays, defensive acumen, and overall high-level tactical execution.

On day one, Saturday, Brad Ibs' charges took on Kigali's very own APR (Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club) at the BK Arena.

A momentous feat for the basketball community in Kenya, the Thunder cashed in on the history books, becoming the first Kenyan side to make it to the prestigious continental league.

The East African derby highlighted two contrasting atmospheres, with the strides Rwanda has made as a sporting destination, especially with their vibrant basketball culture, while for the Thunder, they were (are) carrying the weight of the basketball culture in Kenya.

The 6:30 pm tip-off laid bare the talents of the Kenya National Basketball Premier League champions, who went mano a mano with their Rwandan counterparts, with inspiration from captain Tyler Ongwae and co., who for most of the game kept the Rwandans within catching distance. 

It would, however, take a whole different turn in the second half as APR ran riot with an outstanding performance from star player Aliou Diarra, who led all scorers with a game-high 25 points and 14 rebounds to claim the game's Most Valuable Player Award.

Despite the off-shooting by the Thunder, the day one test of BAL offered more insights into what they needed to work on and perfect ahead of the Al Ahli bout. 

On day two, the Nairobians, on the back of their loss the previous day, put up a spirited fight against Tripoli's Al Alhi but fell once again, losing 115-87 against the North African club.

Led by Captain Mohammed Sadi, who played an almost perfect game, the Thunder could not heed the call, with their efforts proving futile as the Libyan champions ran away with their 115-point scoreline, setting the record for the most points ever scored in the BAL since its inception.

While it is indeed true to say that the opponents have been almost perfect in their executions, it must be noted with apprehension how the Thunder have contributed significantly to their own downfall. 

Let's face reality: the Thunder’s high turnover issues have got to be solved and fast to see them manufacture points in their remaining matches.

Eugene Adera and Uchenna Iroegbu have both been phenomenal from the point guard position, with the former laying it bare for all to see why he should be considered the go-to guy in the country's point guard position on the national team.

That notwithstanding, the unforced, unwise turnover rates led by the point guards at times have been the bane of the Thunder's existence. Brad Ibs has to coach better. The players have to execute better, and the fan base has to support the Thunder better.

My call to them is to keep it simple, play team basketball, and get down on defense. Al Alhi's routing of the Thunder leaves the team pointless so far, with their upcoming match against MBB expected to be a battle as both teams seek their first wins of the tournament. 

The Thunder have the personnel, they have the system, and I believe in Brad Ibs' coaching ability.

Now execute!! First-time debutants or not, it is better to lose on the basis of an opponent’s perfect game plan rather than losing because of a lack of execution, discipline, and loss of focus.