Kenya out to impress at U23 3x3 Wuhan, China fiesta

The two squads combine players who have already worn the Kenyan colours on the international 3x3 stage with a group of emerging talents looking to make their mark on the world stage.

Kenyan players celebrate after winning a 3x3 bastketball match during the Zone V Championship at Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya on August 27, 2026. Photo/Courtesy.

The FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup gets underway in Wuhan, Hubei, China, from September 15–19, 2026, bringing together national teams from across the world for five days of high-level international competition.

Kenya will be represented by both men's and women's teams, with the squads combining players who have previously featured for the national team and a crop of emerging talent making their mark on the international stage.

The men's team, coached by Tonny Ochieng, comprises Joseph Blessing and Powell Hargos of UON Terror, KU Pirates' Brian Musembi, Jackson Waweru of USIU-A Tigers, KPA Dockers' Brian Eleman and Strathmore Blades' David Baraka.

The women's side, under coach Eunice Ouma, features Ninel Naserian of USIU-A Flames, Zetech University Sparks duo Roseline Akinyi and Mashar Ooko, Consolata Odhiambo of Th3 Swish Basketball, and KPA Dockers' Daisy Awino and Babra Achieng.

For some of the players, Wuhan will be another chapter in their national-team journey, as they have previously represented Kenya at international 3x3 competitions.

The two squads combine players who have already worn the Kenyan colours on the international 3x3 stage with a group of emerging talents looking to make their mark on the world stage.

The men's team is coached by Tonny Ochieng, while Eunice Ouma takes charge of the women's side.

Men's team

David Baraka Etyang - Strathmore Blades

Etyang comes into the tournament as one of Kenya's most experienced 3x3 players in terms of competition exposure. The Strathmore Blades player has 68 recorded 3x3 games on his FIBA profile and is currently ranked among Kenya's leading 3x3 players.

At 193cm, his size and ability to operate around the basket make him an important piece in the physical 3x3 format.

Brian Eleman - KPA Dockers

Eleman brings another layer of 3x3 experience to the squad. He was part of Kenya's U21 men's side at the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League in 2025, where he was among Kenya's leading scorers in one of the matches against Algeria.

His experience against international opposition could prove valuable in Wuhan.

Powell Hargos - UoN Terror

Hargos is one of the exciting young guards in the squad. The point guard has continued to build his profile in Kenyan basketball and has also featured in 3x3 competition.

His quickness and ability to create opportunities in tight spaces should suit the fast, physical nature of 3x3 basketball.

Jackson Waweru - USIU-A Tigers

Waweru is arguably the most recognisable returning face in the men's squad.

He represented Kenya at the 2024 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, where he scored four points in Kenya's 16–11 victory over Chile.

His return gives the current team a player who already knows what it takes to compete at the U23 World Cup.

**Brian Musembi - KU Pirates **

Musembi has been one of the promising young players on the Kenyan domestic scene and arrives in Wuhan as part of the next generation of national-team talent.

The KU Pirates player was also named MVP of the Mombasa County Basketball preseason tournament, underlining his growing profile in the local game.

Joseph Blessing - UoN Terror

Blessing completes a men's roster that mixes university basketball talent with players already gaining valuable 3x3 exposure.

As part of the UON Terror setup, he has developed in an environment that has consistently produced young Kenyan basketball talent.

With six players selected, Kenya will have the depth to rotate during the demanding tournament schedule.

Women's Team

Ninel Naserian Meegesh - USIU-A Flames

Meegesh is one of the most experienced 3x3 players in the women's squad.

Her FIBA 3x3 profile records 46 games, while she has also represented Kenya at youth level. She was part of the Kenyan U21 women's team at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League.

Her experience in the format makes her one of the players to watch in Wuhan.

Roseline Akinyi - Zetech University Sparks

Akinyi represents another promising strand of Kenya's women's basketball pipeline.

She has already featured for Kenya at youth international level, including the FIBA U18 Zone V competition, where she was among the players highlighted for the Kenyan side.

Her progression from youth basketball to the U23 setup illustrates the pathway Kenya is developing for its young players.

**Consolata Odhiambo - Th3 Swish Basketball **

Odhiambo is another player familiar with the national-team environment.

She was part of Kenya's U21 women's 3x3 team in 2025, alongside Meegesh, Mashar Ooko and Babra Achieng.

Her versatility and familiarity with the 3x3 game will be important as Kenya faces strong opposition in Wuhan.

Mashar Ooko - Zetech University Sparks

Ooko has followed a similar pathway, moving through Kenya's youth national-team structures into the U23 squad.

She was part of the 2025 Kenya U21 women's 3x3 team and now returns to the international stage with greater experience.

Her partnership with fellow Zetech player Roseline Akinyi gives the squad an interesting combination of familiarity and youthful energy.

**Daisy Awino - KPA Dockers **

Awino is one of the players bringing significant 3x3 experience to the women's team.

She has represented Kenya in international 3x3 competition and was part of the country's campaign in the Africa 3x3 Under-23 League.

She also has a strong domestic pedigree with KPA Dockers, making her one of the experienced figures in the squad.

**Babra Achieng - KPA Dockers **

Achieng completes a women's squad heavily represented by KPA and Zetech talent.

She has previously been part of Kenya's youth 3x3 setup, including the 2025 U21 side, and now gets another opportunity to test herself at a global U23 championship.

Experince meets the next generation

The significance of Kenya's selection goes beyond simply sending two teams to China.

The squads show a growing pathway in Kenyan 3x3 basketball — from youth national teams to U23 competition and eventually the senior international stage.

Jackson Waweru already knows the World Cup environment after featuring at the 2024 U23 edition, while several members of the women's squad have progressed together through Kenya's youth 3x3 programme.

Now, in Wuhan, the challenge gets bigger.

Kenya's men will compete in Pool C, while the women have been drawn in Pool D, with both teams facing strong international opposition in their respective groups.

For Ochieng and Ouma, the assignment is not only about results. It is also an opportunity to expose a new generation of Kenyan players to the highest level of 3x3 basketball—and perhaps identify the next stars of the national teams.

Wuhan awaits.