DAKAR (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) – Pressure and hard work are two things Senegal's Gorgui Dieng knows pretty well. As a kid growing up in the city of Kebemer in North-West Senegal, playing basketball was the least of his worries, it was getting food to eat that was the main thing for him.

“I had a very difficult childhood, things were never easy and I’ve always had to work very hard to get to where I am today” Gorgui told FIBA.basketball.

Growing through a rough childhood shaped Dieng’s vision of life. He knew he never had to carry the burden of poverty along throughout his existence and channelled his zeal and hardwork into what he loved most - basketball.

“WE HAVE JUST ONE OBJECTIVE, MOVING TO THE WORLD CUP NEXT YEAR, BUT WE’RE NOT THE ONLY ONES THINKING ABOUT IT. THE COMPETITION IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE WOULDN’T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED.Dieng

 Close to two decades later, Dieng is one of Senegal’s most celebrated players in the American elite championship, National Basketball Association (NBA) on the books of Minnesota Timberwolves. But now he has the arduous task of qualifying Senegal for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

Though having donned the green, yellow and red jersey in major competitions amongst them the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain, he is relishing every moment playing for the Teranga Lions

“It’s always an honour to play for Senegal.  I see every game I play with the national team as a blessing. When I joined this team, I had some great veterans who guided and advised me so whenever I lace up for the Teranga Lions, I go in with a lot of passion knowing that I have to make the fans happy,”  the 28 year-old center explained.

Gorgui who only returned to national team duty for the first time in June, since the  FIBA AfroBasket 2017 - co-organized by Senegal and Tunisia- sunk in a team high 23 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists to guide Senegal to an emphatic 91-82 victory over the Central African Republic.

He was again on the score sheet against Cote d’Ivoire netting in 14 points and 15 rebounds to ensure the Teranga Lions secure a spot for the Second Round of the African Qualifiers courtesy of a 66-61 win over the Ivorians.

The Minnesota Timberwolves man has now set his sights on a qualification for next year’s planetary pinnacle nation’s competition. He has been quick to relegate his performances to the background commending the Lions for great team effort.

"My performances don’t matter, I play for the team and the guys are united that’s why we can get wins. It’ll be an honour to return to the World Cup for the second time. Big players play in big tournament and it will be great to play there again,”he offered.

Gorgui’s return to national team has been phenomenal and the Senegal big man has taken up a mentorship role within the squad.

“We have some young talented guys, I was just where they are and some older players held my hand and helped me play through the pressure. I think I owe them that because now I’m like a veteran in the team. I’ve got to show great leadership and lead them the right way,” he stressed.

Unfortunately, every great game from the Teranga Lions comes with pressure for more wins. A situation that could be overbearing for the team but Gorgui has been talking about how this is pivotal in getting an iron will for the Last 12.

“We have to be mentally strong, that’s the most important thing because there’s going to be adversity everyday but we have to go through it. It can only make us better for the future,” he concluded.

FIBA