Welcome back to the I Really Hoop Podcast, Kenya’s number one basketball podcast, as we officially kick off 2026 with high-energy NBA discussions and bold opinions.

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In this episode, we break down some of the biggest talking points early in the NBA year.

Topics discussed include:

Ja Morant’s Future in Memphis

An in-depth conversation on Ja Morant’s uncertain future with the Grizzlies and the broader implications for the franchise.

Trae Young to Washington

A breakdown of Trae Young’s shocking move to the Washington Wizards and how it reshapes team dynamics and expectations.

Respect and Unwritten Rules

A debate around respect in the NBA, unwritten rules, and how modern players are challenging traditional norms.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Controversy

Discussion around Giannis’ late-game dunk, league-wide reactions, and what it says about competition in today’s NBA.

All-Star Weekend and League Culture

Thoughts on All-Star Weekend, player relationships, and the evolving culture of the league.

Betting and Fan Conversations

How sports betting continues to influence fan discourse and perceptions around basketball.

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This episode blends serious basketball analysis with raw fan perspectives, humor, and honest conversations, offering a clear look at where the NBA is headed in 2026.

If you enjoy basketball debates, league drama, and unfiltered discussions, this episode is for you.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the I Really Hoop Podcast

00:23 New Year Excitement and Season Kickoff

01:34 Podcast Announcements and Subscriber Goals

02:04 NBA Updates and Player Movements

03:43 Ja Morant’s Future and Team Dynamics

06:27 All-Star Weekend and Player Relationships

08:28 Player Transfers and Team Dynamics

08:40 Washington Wizards’ Potential

09:43 Trae Young’s Reputation

11:02 Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks

12:01 Unwritten Rules in Basketball

14:28 Betting in Sports

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Follow, like, comment, share, and subscribe to the I Really Hoop Podcast on:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ireallyhooppodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dhEI1JvHoO23zPw7tg8o4

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/nairobi-city-thunder-qualify-for-the-bal-2026-nba/id1831444430

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All Podcast Links:

https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod

Instagram:

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

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod

X (Twitter):

https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_

Facebook:

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Host:

Javan O. Ekhalie

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie

X (Twitter):

https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie

Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@BasketballTwin

Snapchat:

https://www.snapchat.com/add/javan_ekhalie

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/javan.o.ekhalie

TikTok:

https://tiktok.com/@javan_o_ekhalie

Threads:

https://www.threads.com/@javan_o_ekhalie

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/javan-o-ekhalie

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/user/pldbiridkc0c5cvcnsf0jniua

SportsBiz Kenya:

https://sportsbiz.co.ke/author/javan-ekhalie9outlook-com/

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Shot and directed by Tim:

https://www.instagram.com/user_is_tim/

Produced and edited by Javan Okwayo Ekhalie

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.

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ireallyhooppodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48mPPoozRFFS8LFb7qeUMl?si=1OVvcuZqRa-yNHAnLeQjmw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/derrick-ogechi-from-minnesota-to-nairobi-city-thunder/id1831444430?i=1000739669359

All our Links (LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod

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

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⁠
X/Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/iReallyHoopPod⁠

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

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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X/Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_

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.

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ireallyhooppodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48mPPoozRFFS8LFb7qeUMl?si=1OVvcuZqRa-yNHAnLeQjmw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/derrick-ogechi-from-minnesota-to-nairobi-city-thunder/id1831444430?i=1000739669359

All our Links (LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod

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

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod
⁠
X/Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/iReallyHoopPod⁠

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

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

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

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO_eka8YBZ7hRZG4jfuDHWVHL3jFOdcNz&si=q9qsoW56hbPX4Xfd

RSS: ⁠https://rss.com/podcasts/i-really-hoop-podcast/

Soundcloud: ⁠https://soundcloud.com/i-really-hoop-podcast

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

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod
⁠
X/Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_