DAKAR (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Senegal ace Maurice Ndour feels basketball in Africa has grown so rapidly in recent years, that he can't wait to see his fellow Africans make a splash at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

And the fact that, under FIBA's new competition system, Africa will for the first time qualify five teams for FIBA's flagship event, gives Ndour a sense of satisfaction.

"I FEEL PROUD TO BE HERE REPRESENTING MY COUNTRY. A LOT OF PLAYERS DON'T HAVE THE CHANCE TO PLAY FOR THEIR NATIONAL TEAMS. WHENEVER I GET THE CHANCE, I REALLY GIVE MY ALL OUT AND PLAY WITH A LOT OF PRIDE." NdourNdour

"The more African teams we can get to play at the highest level, the better we can be as a continent," the 25-year-old forward said to FIBA.basketball.

Ndour, who made his international basketball introduction at the World Cup in Spain three years ago, insists that good things are yet to come.

"When we go the World Cup, I feel like we compete against teams that are tactically good, and that will benefit us."

The new system launches in November, and, over a four-year cycle from 2017 through 2021, national teams will play regular official games to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and the FIBA Continental Cups 2021.

Additionally, the number of participating teams in the FIBA Basketball World Cup will increase from 24 to 32.

Ndour, currently competing at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 in his native Dakar, is upbeat that Senegal would lead by example when the Qualifiers begin.

"We are still trying to work out how it's going to happen, but I heard that players who are in their respective clubs are allowed to leave their clubs and play for the national teams. I hope it's true, so we can come back and play," he said.

The windows for the World Cup qualifiers will be November 20-28; February 19-27, June 25-July 3, September 10-18 and November 26-December 4 2018; and February 20-28 2019.

Maurice Ndour showing his skills 🇸🇳🙌 @FSBBOFFICIEL #AfroBasket2017

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Meanwhile, Senegal are trying to write a new chapter in their basketball history.

While they last won the continental title in 1997 in Dakar, Ndour believes this is their best shot.

"It's been 20 years, we are trying to chase it. I feel like this is the right group of guys, and we have been through it together for a while. I feel this is the time for us. We'll try to do our best and try to the championship this year."

With two wins in as many games, Senegal finished the Group Phase as Group D winners, and as a result, have qualified for the Quarter-Finals in Tunisia.  

"The goal remains the same, go out there [Tunisia], play hard and try to win the championship," Ndour explained. "I feel a lot of pride. There is a lot of excitement here in Dakar. I feel proud to be here representing my country. A lot of players don't have the chance to play for their national team. Whenever I get the chance, I really give my all and play with a lot of pride.

The FIBA AfroBasket 2017 Quarter-Finals get underway on September 14 and Senegal will take on the team finish second in Group B. 

FIBA