BAMAKO (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – A random glance at Astou Traore depicts a serious person, a perfectionist and indeed someone who represents determination and commitment.

At 36 years, Traore is the oldest member of the Senegal team and with that comes experience and pedigree at continental and international tournaments, an enviable combination for many a female basketball player.  

With one African title under her belt, an appearance at the Rio 2016 Olympics and two FIBA Women's Basketball World Cups, Traore has the kind of exposure that a senior member of the squad should have to inspire her young teammates.

"It is an absolute pleasure for me to still be a member of the team and to contribute immensely to our targets. We have some young members of the squad like Aicha Sidibe who are upcoming so I am happy to help." - Traore

"I am like their older sister so I have to make sure that I do everything to help them achieve their full potential," Traore told FIBA.basketball. 

For three consecutive games in Group B, Traore has scored a game high including 29 points against Guinea, 26 against Mozambique and 19 to help Senegal defeat Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Her lethal shooting from any range, intelligence in the paint and team work in a side with big names is worthy of recommendation. 

Traore along with her namesake Aya Traore and Mame Marie Sy are the deadliest trio at the tournament and they take no prisoners when on court. 

Aya Traore said: "It is very important because we have a target on our back. As a veteran, it is important to be present in games so that our younger players can follow up. I will do anything that can help my team to be successful."

Astou knows that with the experience she attained from the Rio 2016 Olympics and the two FIBA Women's Basketball World Cups she has played at, she can contribute to Senegal's objective of retaining their title. 

"I have experience from 2015 because it was a difficult tournament for us and now we are giving our best so we cannot be less productive. We have to work even harder to win again," she said.

Senegal head coach Mustapha Gaye acknowledges Traore's contribution in the team's cause but he insists that '' we play as a team and she brings a lot of experience to our success''. 

"It is an absolute pleasure for me to still be a member of the team and to contribute immensely to our targets. We have some young members of the squad like Aisha Sidibe who are upcoming so I am happy to help," she explained.

Senegal sit top of Group B with six points and have already booked their place in the last eight and will attempt to extend their record 12 titles to 13. 

FIBA