ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - As he continues to follow in the footsteps of his father, Cote d'Ivore center Cedric Bah is full of dreams that he wants to fulfil. 

The 28-year-old, who debuted for the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire at 2017 AfroBasket, and has helped his country to a Second-Place finish last year, told FIBA.basketball that he plays basketball with the hindsight of knowing the accomplishment of his father, Florent Bah.

Currently, in the mix for the Ivorien national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers third Window, Bah notes that he wants to better the achievement of his father by helping his country secure a place in the Final Round of the World Cup billed for Indonesia, Japan, and Philippines in 2023.

"I'm too excited to have this opportunity and I want to give my all for my country to reach the ultimate which is playing in the World Cup."

Well before Bah was born, his father, a standout in the 1980s, represented Cote d'Ivoire at 1982 in Colombia, where the only African team in the competition finished last with a 0-7 mark.

Florent Bah

For a player who plays as a center just like his father did in his playing days, Bah confesses that it was not planned but a mere coincidence.

"It was not something I decided to do but it just came that way. I found myself playing in the same position and I am determined to give my best for my country at all times I have the opportunity to do so."

Is he by any way forced to impress given the exploits of Bah Sr? Cedric admits that such expectations are normal because he does not want to disappoint and fall short of expectation.

"Yes, that's normal but this is a good pressure because I want to do better and make my family proud of me. And like I said before, give all and no regret."

As often the case with a father wanting the best for his son and pushing for favors, Bah is not getting any of such as the coaching staff treats all players purely on merit.

Though, the JA Vichy-Clermont Metropole Basket player is the first to play in the professional ranks, he is proud his elder sister Aude Bah played the game and contributed her quota. The 2.01m (6 ft 7 in) player says he is grateful for the opportunities basketball has brought him so far.

Bah Florent in reaction to his son towing the same line with him says he is just glad that the young man is contributing to the country.

FIBA