TYLOR Ongwae is a heralded son in Kenyan basketball, from providing a historic clutch moment in a Morans vest to capturing domestic and continental success in Europe. He has done it all in his career. Winning the FIBA Europe Cup quenched his thirst for a major trophy and was a fitting end to his lengthy and storied career abroad.
Ongwae, who signed with Kenya Basketball League champions Nairobi City Thunder in August, says the reason for his return home – after 14 years away – was to be near his business interests and a strong desire to inspire a new generation of players in his homeland.
“Last year, when I won the Europe Cup (with Germany’s Niners Chemnitz), I knew I was done. I tried to win it (Europe Cup) with five different teams… So when I finally won, I said to myself ‘I am done’,” he said vehemently. “Also, I am 33 now… I felt it was the right time to come and settle down.”
Ongwae, a three-time Basketligaen league champion with the Bakken Bears of Denmark, says he wanted an opportunity to play in Kenya’s domestic league, something he has yet to experience.
“I have always wanted to play in Kenya… So this was a good time to do that and when I still have more to offer (on the court). When younger players see me playing here, it will encourage them…’ They will be able to see that, ‘this guy has played outside Kenya for 14 years and he was successful. I can learn from him’,” said Eldoret-born Ongwae.
Being home also means he can be hands-on with his business. “Regarding business – it’s good to be here rather than being outside,” said Ongwae, who has meat production as one of his enterprises. “We have a farm where we keep animals, and we sell the meat to people in Eldoret and Nairobi.”
Back to the business of basketball, before joining the star-laden Thunder, Ongwae had a few insights into the team. What made joining the Thunder more enticing for Ongwae was that the team had several Morans players in their set-up.
Bound for the Road To BAL, the addition of Ongwae to the Thunder’s roster bolsters the Nairobi team’s chances of successfully navigating the first stage of the Division East (15-20 October).
“Before I returned to Germany last year, I had a few practice sessions with them (City Thunder). I saw their professionalism and how they treat players. It excited me. I believe it’s worthwhile joining this team,” said Ongwae. “Also, eight of the players are my teammates in the national team (the Morans), so I had conversations with them about joining… I was sold and decided I want to be part of this team so we can chase the BAL.”
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Ongwae has already tasted the BAL – having signed for Cote d’Ivoire’s ABC Fighters for Season 3’s playoffs. He says the level of competition surprised him.
“It was highly competitive that year. There were good teams… We lost by one point (against Petro de Luanda). It has gotten better each year. Teams have to prepare well,” said Ongwae.
In trying to become the first team from Kenya to qualify for the BAL, Thunder first has to get to the Elite 16 – their journey starts in neighbouring Tanzania. Host club JKT, Urunani (Burundi), Hawassa City (Ethiopia), Beau Vallon (Seychelles), Ushindzi (Comoros) and GNBC (Madagascar) all lie in wait for the Thunder.
“For the last month, we have been focusing on ourselves… especially the work we have to do on offence and defence – we know the group we are up against, and will focus on our opponents when the competition begins,” said Ongwae.
The two-time Danish Basketligaen Defensive Player of The Year and the Thunder have a decent amount of time to dot their I’s and cross their T’s before the start of The Road To BAL.
And as Ongwae embarks on this new journey, he also took a moment to reflect on his milestones.
While winning the FIBA Europe Cup was memorable for Ongwae – his game-winning deep two against Angola at the buzzer in the 2021 AfroBasket qualifier ranks much higher in his career.
It was a shot that ended the Kenya men’s team’s 28-year hiatus from the continental tournament.
“Winning in Europe was one of the best feelings. I tried five times – four of them we lost in the knockout stages. Then there was the COVID year when we made the semi-finals, but we ended up not playing,” said Ongwae. “So just getting back on that stage and winning was an amazing feeling. It was really amazing.”
He reflected on the impact of his game-winning shot against the once-mighty Angola.
“I would say qualifying for the AfroBasket after 28 years was big-time. It was huge for us and the country. It restarted everything to do with basketball in the country. I hope in years to come there will be more talent coming out of Kenya and it will take us further than where we are now,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae is a certified legend in Kenya basketball. He has risen to the occasion for his country and the clubs he has played for abroad. Can he solidify his legacy by helping lead a club from Kenya to a first BAL? It would be a thunderous feat for club and country.
