Fast, agile and focused are just some of the words that come to mind when describing Abednego Ndege.

His game play and precision on the basketball court instils one consistent emotion into his opponents; fear.

During the ongoing Nakuru Universities Colleges league games that are expected to culminate in a fierce match this coming Saturday, Ndege stood out as a player to watch.

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Abednego Ndege goes for a layup during the game against Kabarak University.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Mtaa Wangu got to speak to the 25 year-old fondly referred to as “Abedi” to try and understand what makes him tick.

“I started playing basketball at the age of 15 years in Gilgil at the army barracks where I lived with my family. Back then, we used to shoot the ball in a form known as round the clock and that is when I developed my interest,” he says.

Ndege adds that while in high school he did not get to play a lot of basketball since the game was not well incorporated in the school.

“After I joined Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST), I managed to join the team and my love for the game has grown more ever since.”

According to Ndege, Nakuball (organisers of the league) has gone a long way in nurturing young talent and exposing them more to this great game.

Also Read: Why Basketball remains a neglected sport in Nakuru

“I have noticed a great improvement on my end and that of both my teammates and opponents ever since Nakuball came in and gave us a platform to showcase our talent. There is a huge difference in the way we played in the initial games and the way we are playing now,” he says smiling.

Abednego Ndege dribbling past a Kabarak player during a basketball match on November 11, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

For him, basketball is like therapy, it relaxes him and makes him happy at the same time.

Ndege however still insists that he has a long way to go and he believes he has potential to do greater things in the game of basketball.

His greatest focus at the moment is getting comfortable enough to shoot more three pointers.

The small forward says he looks up to De’ Aaron Fox, The Sacramento Kings point guard, due to his explosive nature and great court awareness.

Related: RVIST, JKUAT, to face off in Nakuru Universities Colleges League finals

“If the opportunity ever presents itself, I would really love to play for the national team and any other clubs both locally and internationally,” he concluded.

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Watch out Nakuru!! Abednego Ndege is a star in the making

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Bret Sanya