Top 5 NBL MVP candidates after the first round: Men

During the first round, a number of players stood out and had incredible performances. Here is the top 5 NBL MVP Candidates

Avitus Ngabirano

April 14, 2026

3–4 minutes

2026 NBL, National Basketball League

The 2026 NBL first round ended on Sunday 12th April at the YMCA. After 132 men’s and women’s games, there have been some standout performers.

As known, the MVP of the season gets a whopping 4 million shilling but the caveat is, 2 MVP are awarded, one for the regular season and the other for the playoffs. In 2025, the playoffs MVP (women) took home the cash prize while in the men, it was the same person.

With hope that maybe the MVP regular season may also get a cash prize in future, senior writer Avitus Ngabirano presents his top 5 regular season MVP candidates after the first round.

Edrine Ekau

The most talked about name in the NBL at the moment is that of Edrine Ekau and he has undoubtedly been the best player. He has consistently delivered on the offense end and it is no surprise that he is the leading scorer.

Ekau has exhibited a mastery of his skills and the confidence with which he executes is dazzling. One of the games that he is remembered for very much is the when he dropped 25 points as the Rezlife Saints ended the City Oilers unbeaten run.

Edrine Ekau leads the scoring charts with 206 points (18.7 ppg), 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.1 steals. He has scored double digits in 10 of the 11 games. Additionally, he has scored 20+ points in 6 of the 11 games, including all his last 3.

Ekau has immensely raised the ceiling of the Rezlife Saints and there is no doubt that they will be among the teams competing for the big trophy.

Micheal Otieno

In the entire first round, only one player registered a triple double and his name is Micheal Otieno. He is also a Rezlife Saints player and together with Ekau, they have been on a tear. Otieno missed 3 games but the gap he left was huge and couldn’t be filled. However, in the 8 games he has played, the Rezlife Saints have won 7 and he has scored double digit points in 7 of the 8 games. He averages 14.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals.

Otieno and Ekau are carrying most of the weight of the Rezlife Saints and if their team is to compete in the latter stages of the season, they need to even elevate their performance.

Fayed Baale

When the news that Joel Lukoji was moving to the City Oilers hit, we knew one thing; that Fayed Baale would be playing off the ball more. He has been causing all sorts of problems for the different teams and their haven’t been many solution for him.

Baale has scored 3 3-point shots per game, the most so far, and to make it better, he has scored efficiently with 37% from 3. He averages 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.1 steals.

If the Oilers are to have success, Fayed has to keep scoring those shots. His ability to stretch the floor (while playing off the ball) will have to make teams to develop a defensive scheme for him.

Peter Cheng

Sommet hasn’t performed as expected so far as they have a 6-5 record. However, one player has been consistently productive for them and his name is Peter Cheng.

Cheng averages 12.7 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Chuol Dut Abraham

In 2023 when playing for the Nkumba Marines, Chuol dut Abraham was one of the best players in the Division One. He made his big move to the JT Jaguars but did not feature much. However, he has been a sensation in 2026 and for those that know him, it is not a surprise.

Chuol averages 12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals. He has scored 10+ points in 7 of the 11 games and boasts of a team-high 5 double-doubles. Chuol has rediscovered himself and has a chance to put the entire league on notice.