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I Really Hoop Podcast

I Really Hoop Podcast

By: I Really Hoop Podcast
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 I Really Hoop Podcast is Kenya’s top basketball podcast and a leading voice in African basketball conversations. Hosted by Javan, a sports journalist and basketball player, and Edu, the podcast delivers in-depth analysis of Kenyan basketball, the NBA, the BAL leagues, and the business and culture of the game. Featuring informed debates, timely reactions, and guest insights, I Really Hoop connects fans, players, and the basketball community through authentic, intelligent, and impactful conversations. If you love basketball, you really hoop.I Really Hoop Podcast Basketball
Episodes
  • Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya): Accountability, KBF Controversy, The State of Kenyan Basketball | Ep. 21

    Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya): Accountability, KBF Controversy, The State of Kenyan Basketball | Ep. 21
    Mar 1 2026

    In Episode 21, we sit down with Dennis Nderitu, founder of NBA Kenya, basketball analyst, reporter, and one of the most outspoken voices in Kenyan basketball media.


    From his childhood love for Kobe Bryant and NBA Live 2000…

    To building NBA Kenya from scratch during the pandemic…

    To public friction with the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF)…


    This is one of the most honest and unfiltered conversations we have had on the platform. The episode explores standards, transparency, governance, and the future of basketball journalism in Kenya.


    Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Episode 20 Kickoff
    00:00:26 Meet Dennis Nderitu
    00:01:27 Subscribe And Support
    00:01:50 Why He Loves Basketball
    00:05:54 Why Basketball Over Football
    00:07:32 NBA Live & 2K Era + Favorite Players
    00:08:26 Lakers Fandom & Luka Trade
    00:11:12 Starting the NBA Kenya Brand
    00:17:49 NBA Kenya Name Explained
    00:20:01 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Friction & Accountability
    00:24:00 KBF Elections & Governance Issues
    00:26:24 Banned From KNBL Playoff Game at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium
    00:29:21 Player Confrontations During Games
    00:31:25 Clearing the Air
    00:31:57 Criticism Is Part of Sport
    00:34:28 Receipts, Stats & Film
    00:36:11 Calling Out the Ban
    00:37:46 Negativity vs Positive Coverage
    00:39:52 Why I Left Woopy (Okapi) Sport
    00:42:01 Kenyan Basketball Media Growth
    00:43:38 Foul and One Podcast Beef Explained
    00:45:57 Madina Okot Visa Story Breakdown
    00:49:23 KBF Broadcast Fees
    00:53:44 KNBL League Start Date Confusion
    00:57:20 Showing Up to Games Anyway
    00:58:24 Hosting BAL (Road to BAL) & FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA)
    00:58:55 Final Thoughts on Progress
    01:00:00 Ticket Price Controversy
    01:00:51 Bad Venue Experience
    01:01:18 Kenya Hosts Qualifiers
    01:02:09 Thunder Praise and Critique
    01:03:13 BAL Struggles and Heartbreak
    01:04:27 Morans Sacrificed Claim
    01:06:14 Stadium Canopy and Arenas
    01:07:25 BAL Franchise Buy In
    01:08:45 Building Basketball Culture
    01:09:21 Franchise Format Roadblocks
    01:10:00 League Pressure and Sabotage
    01:10:28 When Franchises Could Happen
    01:10:38 Thunder and Arena Money
    01:11:21 NBA Africa Vision
    01:12:17 Why the Creator Went Quiet
    01:13:44 IShowSpeed Basketball Fumble
    01:15:43 Gen Z Goliath Height Debate
    01:16:51 Wrap Up and Shoutouts


    Discussion Questions:

    - Is criticism necessary for growth in Kenyan basketball?

    - Should federations be held more accountable?

    - What is the future of independent sports media in Kenya?


    listen_and_follow:

    youtube: https://youtu.be/M8nuZTwTFr0?si=nV_ZmY-V0GrHpvwW

    spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74I60VIkgzfOKUWF54oqUk?si=ekq8zAAQSSeWF9nUGqtLDw

    apple_podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/kenyan-basketball-legend-nairobi-city-thunder-player/id1831444430?i=1000750554170

    linktree: https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppod


    social_media:

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

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

    podcast_twitter_x: https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_

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


    hosts:

    javan:

    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie

    twitter_x: https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalie

    linktree: https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie

    youtube: https://youtube.com/@BasketballTwinTV

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

    edu:

    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/


    guest:

    name: "Dennis Nderitu (NBA Kenya)"

    youtube_channels:

    - https://www.youtube.com/@nbakenya

    - https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketball

    - https://www.youtube.com/@nderitubasketballextra


    production:

    hosted_by:

    - Javan (Basketball Twin)

    - Edu (Mini LeBron)
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Kenyan Basketball Legend & Nairobi City Thunder Player Ariel Okall Koranga shares his story | Ep. 20

    Kenyan Basketball Legend & Nairobi City Thunder Player Ariel Okall Koranga shares his story | Ep. 20
    Feb 19 2026
    This is a very special episode of the I Really Hoop Podcast.In Episode 21, we sit down with Kenyan basketball veteran Ariel Okal Koranga, widely known as The Doctor and The Journeyman. A 22-season professional, former Kenya national basketball team (Kenya Morans) icon, and current leader at Nairobi City Thunder, Ariel shares an extraordinary career that has spanned continents, championships, and defining moments in Kenyan basketball history.From Nakuru to Mogadishu.From Algeria to Oman.From domestic leagues to continental silver medals.This is insider history from a player who lived it.His 2014 call-up to the Kenya MoransThe 2019 Africa silver medal runBeating continental powerhouses like Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia & AngolaQualifying for FIBA AfroBasket after 28 yearsWhat that achievement meant for Kenyan basketballMeeting the President and the national recognition that followedThe professionalism gap between Kenyan leagues and overseas basketballThe evolution of team chemistry — Thunder vs MoransNBA debates: GOAT talk, all-time starting fives & the future of the leagueKenya’s next NBA/WNBA hopefulsBAL expansion possibilities and structural growthThe Kenya Basketball Federation’s controversial Fireflies partnershipThis episode is both reflection and roadmap — history and future in one conversation.00:00 Welcome + Introducing Ariel “The Doctor”01:39 22 Seasons In: Growing Up in Nakuru03:28 Longevity, Injuries & Love for the Game04:47 Kenya vs Overseas Professionalism08:07 The Journeyman Years Across Africa10:48 Family Legacy & NCAA Milestone12:00 First Kenya Morans Call-Up14:03 2019 Africa Silver Medal Run19:50 AfroBasket Qualification Explained20:58 Viral Sports Debate & Media Moments25:45 Favorite Morans Teammates29:51 Thunder vs Morans Chemistry33:15 Today’s NBA Favorites37:21 GOAT Debate40:21 Is Steph Top 10?43:47 KD, Wemby & Europe’s Rise45:42 All-Star Weekend Review53:19 Kenya’s Next NBA/WNBA Prospects57:13 BAL Franchise Proposal59:45 Federation & Sponsorship Debate01:04:00 Closing Thoughts💬 Drop your GOAT in the comments.Can Kenya return to the AfroBasket podium?👍 Like the video💬 Comment your thoughts🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth basketball conversations📲 Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram & all podcast platformFollow, 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://youtu.be/M8nuZTwTFr0?si=nV_ZmY-V0GrHpvwWSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74I60VIkgzfOKUWF54oqUk?si=ekq8zAAQSSeWF9nUGqtLDwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/kenyan-basketball-legend-nairobi-city-thunder-player/id1831444430?i=1000750554170All our Links (LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppodInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/HostsJavan⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalieX/Twitter: https://www.x.com/javan_o_ekhalieAll my links(LinkTree): https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_EkhalieEduhttps://www.instagram.com/edmundi_o/Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/ariel_okall/Shot by https://www.instagram.com/_.petter_wDirected, produced and edited by, https://www.instagram.com/#IReallyHoopPodcast #IReallyHoopPodcast #KenyaMorans #NairobiCityThunder #AfricanBasketball #LeBronJames #BasketballKE #ArielOkall #KenyanBasketball
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Anthony Black CRAZY Dunk, New NBA All-Star Format, Jordan's unjustified $20M, Africa Hoops | Ep. 19

    Anthony Black CRAZY Dunk, New NBA All-Star Format, Jordan's unjustified $20M, Africa Hoops | Ep. 19
    Feb 4 2026
    Welcome to the 19th episode of the I Really Hoop Podcast. In this episode, we break down the biggest basketball conversations shaping the NBA, African basketball, and the global game. From viral on-court moments and trade deadline speculation to All-Star Weekend changes and the rapid rise of basketball in Kenya and across Africa, this episode delivers analysis, debate, and context. Topics Discussed: - Viral NBA dunk that shook the Memphis Grizzlies bench - Ja Morant trade rumors and potential Miami Heat links - Giannis Antetokounmpo, fan backlash, and all-time NBA ranking debates - February NBA trade deadline and key players to watch - Golden State Warriors’ decline and dynasty discussions - New NBA All-Star Game format: Team USA vs Team World - Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, Rising Stars & All-Star Weekend preview - NBA international expansion and the possibility of games in Africa - Nairobi City Thunder’s dominance and the future of Kenyan basketball - Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) second-leg expectations - NCAA basketball, March Madness buildup, and NBA draft prospects - Kenyan WNBA prospect Medina Okot and women’s basketball growth - FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers and 3x3 basketball development - Off-court NBA drama, contracts, media deals, and player reputations - Rugby, global sports growth, and basketball’s rise in Kenya and Africa Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:32 Basketball Highlights and Updates01:31 Speed’s Visit to Kenya02:22 NBA Player Performances and Trades08:11 All-Star Weekend and Format Changes10:38 Trade Deadline Speculation13:05 Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest14:37 Skills Challenge and Rising Stars15:23 Celebrity Game Highlights17:21 International NBA Games20:26 Kenya National Basketball League22:09 NCAA College Basketball24:07 FIBA Basketball World Cup25:57 NBA Off-Court Drama28:48 Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Interview30:34 Wrap-Up and Future Plans Call to Action: Like, comment, share, and subscribe for more NBA debates, African basketball coverage, and global hoops discussions. Follow us on all major podcast platforms and social media.listen_and_follow: podcast_platforms: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EXlOhUFCXeHV4HnRV9B8o?si=6b220cc586474dfb - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/anthony-black-crazy-dunk-new-nba-all-star-format-jordans/id1831444430?i=1000748235511 - YouTube: https://youtu.be/elszq2LqkyQ?si=xjnAWuBAt9QeHwn- linktree: - All Links: https://linktr.ee/ireallyhooppodsocial_media: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireallyhooppod/ tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ireallyhooppod twitter_x: https://x.com/ireallyhooppod_ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iReallyHoopPodhost: name: "Javan Okwayo Ekhalie" links: linktree: https://linktr.ee/Javan_O_Ekhalie instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javan_o_ekhalie twitter_x: https://www.x.com/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_profile: https://open.spotify.com/user/pldbiridkc0c5cvcnsf0jniua?si=ff276253845643cf sportsbiz_kenya: https://sportsbiz.co.ke/author/javan-ekhalie9outlook-com/production: Shot, directed, produced and edited by, Javan Okwayo Ekhalie https://www.youtube.com/@Javan.360/featured#IReallyHoopPodcast#NBAPodcast#NBA#NBAAllStar#NBATrades#JaMorant#GiannisAntetokounmpo#AfricanBasketball#KenyanBasketball#BasketballPodcast
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    32 mins
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