VACOAS-PHOENIX (FIBA U16 African Championship 2017) - France international Boris Diaw is currently in Mauritius following new talents flourish at FIBA U16 African Championship. 

Eight national teams from across Africa are currently competing at the biennial championship looking to secure the two tickets on offer for African teams for the 2018 FIBA U17 World Championship in Argentina.

And Diaw, who has played a number of youth international championships, insists that is where everything starts for aspiring basketball stars.

Diaw stopped by to talk to FIBA.basketball.

Boris Diaw, it is an honour to welcome you here. What made you accept the organising committee’s invitation?
I’m happy to be here. I came to Mauritius some years ago and did not have to visit the country. This is something I’m going to do now.

Diaw is seen here with the Rwanda U16 team

And you came here to watch some games?
I have always been interested in youth basketball. I wanted to see their games, and this is why I readily accepted [the invitation].

You are a proud supporter and advocated the promotion of youth basketball. Why?
Youth basketball is the root of everything. I myself started in France’s youth national teams. This is where the dream started. 

It’s been a long time since you started in national teams.
Yes. I’d say it’s been nearly 20 years since I started playing for my national team. Looking back on where I started, it may have been 20 years.

Have you seen some games? Any thoughts on them?
I see the boys here play with much passion and pride for their countries. As long as they have a passion for what they do, and they do it right, they will be keeping the game alive. 

Any secrets you could tell the young boys who dream to play at high-level?
There are no secrets, no shortcuts. All they need to do is to believe in themselves, have a good hygiene in their lives and they will succeed.

FIBA