Ex Los Angeles draft pick Ater Majok believes his wealth of experience, energy, and positivity will spur Nairobi City Thunder as they seek to become the first-ever Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) next year.
Majok, a Lebanese international born in South Sudan and raised in Australia, believes he has what it takes to bring an X factor into the team and aid them in achieving their dream of playing in the fifth edition of the prestigious NBA-backed league.
He is one of two players, including Nigerian Abdoulaye Harouna, who have been drafted by Thunder as they head to the Elite 16 round of the qualifiers next week.
Speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net after his second training session, Majok, nicknamed ‘AJ,’ says he is ready for the challenge.
I know a lot about Thunder because I have been following them for a while, and I knew they are the best organization I could play for in East Africa, which I consider my home. I believe I bring a lot of energy and experience into the team as we seek to achieve our targets. This is a very talented and dedicated group, and having practiced with them, I know we can achieve great things together.
On whether the team is capable of playing in the final BAL tournament, Majok, who won the title with US Monastir of Libya in 2022, says it is very much possible.
I believe it is a possibility, and everything is achievable in basketball. But we should all know that the level there is at the top, and we have to be at our best. Everyone coming in there is hungry and wants to win, and we have to carry that attitude as well.
The top three in the Elite 16, the final round of qualification, earn a ticket to the 2025 BAL season.
