DOHA (Qatar) - The past year and a half has been an important one for Mohamed Massamba Ndao.

"I HOPE TO PLAY THERE AND PLAY WITH MY TEAMMATES IN FRONT OF OUR PEOPLE. WE ALL ENVISION HOW IT WILL BE TO ENTER THE COURT AND PLAY AGAINST THE BEST OF THE WORLD. IT WILL BE A GREAT TOURNAMENT AND QATAR WILL BE THE BEST HOST."

The Qatar youngster has been starring for the national team through the early stages of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship, averaging 28.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game for an average EFF of 36.5. He leads all players in scoring and rebounding and is tied for most blocks per game as well.

It's quite an incredible leap for a player who was also playing in this same competition 14 months ago also in production and role.

"Actually, I still cannot believe that it has been a year since my first time with Qatar national team last year," said Ndao, who averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game in 2022. "Last year, I was, let’s say, a rookie for the national team and this year I am the captain of our team which is a great honor and responsibility."

Playing in the competition for the second time has given a competitive edge for Ndao as well as Abdulla Yassin Mousa, who is still only 15 years old and has increased his averages from 3.5 points per game in 2022 to 25.5 points per game in 2023.

"For me [and Abdulla] who were here last year, it is a huge advantage," said Ndao. "We know what to expect from the other countries and how they play their game. It gave us a great experience."

Again, Ndao has been one of the most impressive players in the entire competition. Adding to the pride of playing at a high-level is the comfort of being able to do so at home in Qatar. This was also the case in last year's competition and also the case in 2023 where Qatar's games are being played at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall.

"It is a great feeling to have a chance to compete against the best of Asia and in front of our home crowd.

"We wanted to play in front of our families, in front of our fans," he added. "We also want to represent our country and show to the world that we can compete at a high level."

Through all of the excitement and joy of representing the country in Qatar once again, there's a small part of the experience missing for Ndao this time around.

"The only thing missing is my brother Moustapha," said the younger Ndao, referring to his 18-year-old brother who averaged 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the U16 team in 2022.

"It was great to start together last year and we want to play together on the [senior national team] later."

Making the senior national team is a common goal among the players at the U16 Asian Championship. But for the young Qatar team, it seems even more desirable with the next edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2017 will be hosted in Doha.

"I hope to play there and play with my teammates in front of our people. We all envision how it will be to enter the court and play against the best of the world. It will be a great tournament and Qatar will be the best host."

He knows that there's still work to be done in the next 4 years to even make it to the national team, let alone be competitive at that level. But that is something that he - and Qatar basketball - are committed to working towards.

"The future I believe will be bright if we all continue to work hard. This is a group that has played together [over the last few years]. We are growing together and I hope that all of us will play at the World Cup 2027 to represent our country. My goal is to make it and be among the 12 players. The team will always be more important than any individual so I would be happy to just be a part of our team."

He's already played in two U16 Asian Championships in the past year and a half. Who is to say he - or his U16 teammates here - can't make it to the World Cup squad in 4 years?

FIBA