DAKAR (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Topping Group D with two wins out of three, Senegal have one foot into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers second round.

That they will play in front of their home crowd in the June-July window is a welcome feat that will bring back good memories of when they co-hosted the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 in their capital.

Ibrahima Thomas, who has spent most of his basketball career in the USA, is keen to once again reconnect with the ever-supportive Senegalese crowd and more importantly, he is looking forward to the presence of his family and friends.

"The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers are great. When I heard about it for the first time, I was excited because it helps our families and friends to watch us play especially with us being professionals and playing away from Senegal for a long time," the 6ft11in (2.10m) forward said in an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball.

"I grew up in the USA and the only time they are going to see me play is when I am with the national team. My family actually comes to the stadium, so for me it is very great and I am very, very, very excited about that."

In last month's World Cup Qualifiers in Maputo, Senegal edged Central African Republic 70-65 in their opening tie before falling to a stubborn Cote d'Ivoire side 67-60, a loss that stung deep into the confines of prestige and honour.

However, not even an 18-5 deficit at the end of the first quarter against the hosts Mozambique in their third encounter would discourage Abdou Ndiaye's side that kept focused amidst defeaning noise from the home fans.

It was a true display of character and experience that saw Senegal overcome their slow start to eventually build momentum and bring the game within two points as Mozambique led 41-39 at the end of the third quarter.

Senegal, who were playing with just 10 players after injuries blow to unwavering scorer Mouhammed Faye and dependable center Hamady Ndiaye, had to dig deep to eventually defeat the Mozambicans 60-52.

The win saw the Senegalese take up the first position in Group D, a feat that Thomas is content with and believes that with more preparation time in June-July, he along with his teammates will do everything possible to march into the second round with confidence.

Thomas played at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain and it is that experience that he says is motivation enough to want to go back to the international stage.

He remembers it like it was yesterday and with Africa assured of five slots, Thomas believes that with determination, hard work and focus, Senegal can go back to the World Cup for that is their level. That is where they belong, with the big sides in the world.

FIBA