Tylor Okari is among the three diaspora-based players named in the Kenya national 3x3 senior team that starts preparations for the Africa Cup slated for Egypt in December.
Also included are United States of America-based Albert Odera and Derrick Ogechi. The trio joins 12 others who were picked during the national trials held at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium on Tuesday.
The local players in the team announced yesterday include Ulinzi Warriors' pair of Elisha Odhiambo and Brans Nzioka who represented the country in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 in Lublin, Poland two weeks ago.
League leaders Nairobi City Thunder have provided the highest number of players to the team with six. Ulinzi Warriors have two and national champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) one.
“We invited about 72 players for the trials but only 28 showed up,” Said Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) assistant secretary, Angela Luchivya.
“Unavailability of passports kept out about 40 players and sadly out of the 16 players whose teams made it to the semis, another 10 were not eligible for selection after we checked their records with FIBA.”
Luchivya said the local-based players will start non-residential training immediately under coach Zaddock Adika. He will be assisted by Tony Ochieng and Marti Okwako.
“From these players, eight local and two diaspora-based will go for high altitude performance training in readiness for the 3x3 Africa Cup in December 2023.”
Squad: Ariel Ortega, James Mwangi, Daril Omondi, Faheem Juma, Fidel Okoth, Larry Shavanga (Nairobi City Thunder), Elisha Odhiambo, Brans Nzioka (Ulinzi Warriors), Eugene Adera (KPA), Lension Kisia, Victor Ochieng (Equity Bank), David Kamau (Unattached), Tylor Okari.
