DAKAR (AfroBasket) – Senegal’s recent performances at AfroBasket have fallen short of doing justice to the huge pool of talent at their disposal. The absence of several players, including Boniface Ndong who was top rebounder and MVP at AfroBasket 2005, may prove an obstacle to their renewed ambitions.

But the absence of some of the more established players has left the door open for others. These include 26-year-old Babacar Touré, who shone following a late call-up, making the final cut for Madagascar.

FIBA: Babacar, this is your first call-up to the Senegalese national team, how do you feel?

Babacar Touré: I am very happy to have been selected to play for my country. Initially my name was not among the list of 28 players called up to play for Senegal, but I received a call from the federation’s president [Baba Tandian] and Mathieu Faye, our technical director, who asked me to join the team for try-outs. I was delighted, I really couldn’t believe it. Of course I decided to give it a go, to give it my best shot. Luckily, I made the cut, and I am really happy.

FIBA: Is playing for your country something that you had thought about before you got that phone call?

Touré: Ever since I began playing basketball I have dreamed of playing for Senegal. Playing for your club is not the same as playing for your country. This is a dream.

FIBA: It was less than one year ago that you played your first game in the Swiss top division, it seems like your career is gaining momentum…

Touré: I wouldn’t say it is gaining momentum. I must keep my feet on the ground. I have had only one season in the top division, the only thing I am thinking about is continuing to work on my game. For me this selection is a reward for the work I have put in. On a personal level I want to gain as much experience as possible from this tournament.

Before moving to Europe, your were living and playing in Senegal. What is basketball like in your home country?

I was living and playing basketball in Senegal until 2007. Obviously basketball is structured very differently, we lack certain infrastructure. But the arrival of Mr Tandian has brought hope that things will improve. The potential and the talent has always been there.

FIBA: Does this mean that you have big ambitions Afrobasket?

Touré: Senegal is a basketball country. Of course Angola has won a lot of trophies recently in Africa, but our objective is to end that. Our ambitions are clear, we are going there to fight for the top places. Although two or three of our top players will be absent, we have high goals and will do all we can to make Senegalese basketball shine.

FIBA: You have said you are going to Madagascar to try to win the tournament. If you do, you will be qualified for the Olympics in London. Have you thought about this?

Touré: Not everyone has the chance to play at the Olympics. This is also why we are going to do our utmost to win Afrobasket and qualify for the Olympics. As our coach says, second and third place is not enough. In the Olympic qualifying tournament you face top European and American teams. Our coach has told us we must win the tournament and gain direct access to the Olympics.

FIBA: What is your first memory of the Olympics?

Touré: My first memories are from Barcelona in 1992. I remember watching these Olympics, and the basketball tournament, I remember feeling a special emotion and I have been following them ever since. It is funny, because in 1992 I was still playing football. I did not know that I would switch to basketball.

How did this change come about?

Touré: I think I must have missed the beginning of practice. On the basketball court there was still space, so the coach called me over to make up the numbers. I have been playing basketball and loved playing it ever since.

FIBA