DAKAR - It is with great sadness that the Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB) announced the passing of former Senegal Olympian Papa Malick Diop, who died away on Monday 24 June in the country's capital of Dakar. He was 72 years old.

Diop was one the few Senegalese players who featured at two consecutive Olympic Games. The others were Cheick Amadou Fall, Babacar Seck and Babacar Traore.

Diop wore the colours of Senegal's men's national team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, before appearing at the 1972 Munich Games.

It has been more than three decades (Moscow 1980) since Senegal last played at an Olympic tournament.

Nowadays, Diop is remembered as a member of Senegal's 'Golden Generation', as a player who contributed to one of the highest moments of Senegal basketball.

Diop was member of the team that won the country's first African Championship in 1968, after a 67-60 win over hosts Morocco in Casablanca city.

Four years later, as hosts of the 1972 FIBA Africa Championship, Diop and his team lifted their second African title following a 61-54 win over Egypt.

Since then, Senegal has gone on to win three more African titles - two as hosts (1978 and 1997) and one in in Rabat, Morocco in 1980.

According to Senegalese media, Diop was known for his game reading ability and leadership on court.

He later coached local club Jaraaf.

Senegal remain a continental powerhouse, but the Golden Era seems to have long gone, and Diop will not be around to witness a new generation to talented players flourish.

Waly Diaye, the FSBB'S General Secretary told FIBA that Diop was "a great player and leader who was MVP of the 1972 Championship."

FIBA