Road to BAL 2026 hits Nairobi: The star players and teams to watch

Basketball fever hits Nairobi from Tuesday as the Road to BAL 2026 Elite 16 East Division tips off at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. For the next week, the city will become the heartbeat of African basketball, hosting some of the continent’s most talented clubs in a high-stakes battle for a coveted place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the premier basketball competition on the continent.

Fans can expect high-octane action, star-studded rosters, and intense matchups as domestic champions and rising contenders from East and Southern Africa collide. From thunderous dunks by towering centers to lightning-fast fast breaks and clutch three-pointers, every game promises drama, skill, and moments that could define careers.

This tournament is about more than victory -it is a platform for showcasing talent, building reputations, and inspiring the next generation of African basketball stars. From seasoned veterans to ambitious underdogs, the Elite 16 will test teamwork, strategy, and individual brilliance, ensuring Nairobi becomes the epicenter of African basketball excitement this week.

Nairobi City Thunder: Home heroes eye BAL return

Kenya’s pride, Nairobi City Thunder, enter the Elite 16 as one of the favourites. In the paint, they will rely on Ater Majok for size, rebounding, and rim protection. New signing Chase Adams is expected to anchor the offense, controlling tempo and igniting the fast breaks that have become Thunder’s signature.

Captain Tylor Ongwae brings leadership and clutch scoring, while Lance Adams adds toughness, defensive versatility, smart movement, and relentless energy. Rising star Bramuel Muchina -also a Kenyan national team forward - injects athleticism and defensive intensity, shifting momentum through hustle plays.

Thunder’s speed in transition and bench depth will be crucial as they face bigger, more tactically refined opponents. With home-court advantage, they look well-positioned to push for a BAL spot, though consistency will determine their fate.

Tylor Ongwae – Captain, clutch scorer, leader

Chase Adams – Point guard, playmaker, tempo-setter

Lance Adams – Guard/wing, versatile scorer, perimeter threat

Ater Majok – Center, rim protector, rebounder

Bramuel Muchina – Forward, high-energy national team player

Dar City: Tanzania’s scoring machines

Dar City Basketball has built a reputation for high-scoring, fast-paced play. Star forward Raphiael Putney is capable of taking over games single-handedly - averaging 31.5 points in the qualifiers, including a historic 55-point performance against Djabal of Comoros, making him the first player to score over 50 points in a Road to BAL game.

Mohammed Mkombe provides interior scoring and rebounding, while Sammy Hassan fuels fast breaks and perimeter shooting. Veteran Joseph Mfaume contributes leadership and composure in pressure situations.

Dar City boasts a formidable blend of speed and size, but their success hinges heavily on Putney’s offensive production.

Raphiael Putney – Star scorer, offensive engine

Mohammed Mkombe – Forward/center, inside presence

Sammy Hassan – Guard, facilitator, shooter

Joseph Mfaume – Veteran leader, strategist

Namuwongo Blazers: Uganda’s high-octane underdogs

Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers play with a rapid, aggressive, and unpredictable style. Their offense revolves around prolific scorer Peter Obleng, who can dominate games on his own. James Kateregga adds slashing and facilitation, while Michael Okech strengthens their wing defense. Young forward Isaac Musoke brings energy, hustle, and momentum-shifting transitions.

The Blazers may not be favourites on paper, but their adaptability and fearless approach make them dangerous in any matchup.

Peter Obleng – Star scorer, game-changer

James Kateregga – Slasher, facilitator

Michael Okech – Defensive specialist

Isaac Musoke – Hustle, athleticism

Johannesburg Giants: South Africa’s tactical titans

Unbeaten in the qualifiers, the Johannesburg giants lean on disciplined half-court basketball and meticulous execution. Nkosinathi Sibanyoni anchors the paint with rebounding and interior scoring, while Pieter Prinsloo operates as a playmaking forward who controls tempo. Thabo Mokoena provides perimeter shooting and defense, and Sipho Dlamini offers scoring depth off the bench.

The giants excel in tactical contests but will face stiff tests against transition-heavy teams like Thunder and Dar City.

Nkosinathi Sibanyoni – Center, dominant rebounder

Pieter Prinsloo – Forward, playmaker

Thabo Mokoena – Wing, shooter and defender

Sipho Dlamini – Versatile bench scorer

Ferroviário da Beira: Experience and Discipline

Ferroviário da Beira relies on experience, balance, and structure. Helton Ubisse anchors their interior, while Ismael Nurmamade offers calm, intelligent playmaking. Adilson Jone adds crucial 3-and-D capabilities on the perimeter, and Luis Chissano supplies tactical flexibility off the bench.

They may not play with flash, but their discipline and leadership make them serious challengers.

Helton Ubisse – Rebounder, inside scorer

Ismael Nurmamade – Facilitator, strategist

Adilson Jone – Shooter, wing defender

Luis Chissano – Versatile role player

Dark Horses: Matero Magic & Bravehearts

Zambia’s Matero Magic and Malawi’s Bravehearts arrive as true wildcards. Their youthful fearlessness and relentless pace make them the tournament’s primary disruptors. If they can force turnovers and push the tempo, they have the potential to produce bracket-shaking upsets.

Pace vs Physicality: Fast-paced teams like Thunder and Dar City will clash with methodical units like Beira and the giants.

Key Matchups: Rebounding, paint dominance, and star performances could determine outcomes.

Home Advantage: Thunder will benefit from a loud and passionate Nairobi crowd.

Favourites: Dar City, Nairobi City Thunder, Johannesburg Giants, and Ferroviário da Beira—though underdogs are capable of surprises.

For basketball fans in Nairobi, the Elite 16 offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of African basketball. Expect raw talent, tactical battles, and breakout stars as BAL continues to shape the continent’s next generation of heroes.