DAKAR (Senegal) - Until Brancou Badio made his voice heard, few people in influential Senegalese basketball circles knew much about Atoumane Diagne, a center based in Spain.
Diagne, a 27-year-old powerhouse, made quite a splash in Senegal's narrow 84-82 win over Angola in the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers.
This was his first notable performance with the Lions of Teranga after a relatively unremarkable showing against Egypt just two days prior.
I belong on this team - Atoumane Diagne
Unlike his older brother, Mouhamadou Diagne, with whom he shares an uncanny resemblance, Atoumane had never displayed his talent at major African events.
But when the opportunity to play for Senegal finally arose, Atoumane seized it.
He filled the spots left by Kara Sane, who played for Senegal in Window 3 of the African qualifiers a month earlier.
When asked why it took so long for him to play for Senegal, he replied, "I really don't know."
Diagne dominated the Angolan paint with his thunderous dunks and rebounding prowess.
He finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, helping Senegal secure their first victory in the second round of the African Qualifiers.
Reflecting on his first call-up for Senegal, he said: "Sometimes, it's all about choices. We have too many good players.
"This time, it wasn't my turn to play for the national team. Now that it is, I’ll try to give it my all," Diagne admitted.
Diagne said that even the more than 2,600 fans who filled the seats at the Dakar Arena impacted his performance. "When you play at home, you want to feel the crowd pushing you on. It’s been a great experience to wear this national team jersey."
"I lost my first game with the national team, but it was humbling and great to earn my first win at home. Today, I wanted to show the country that I belong on this team. I believe I did great," Diagne.
Why hasn't Diagne ever been called up before?
"I could have done better," Senegal Head Coach DeSagana Diop admitted. "Brancou kept telling me about Atoumane Diagne. He was like, 'You have to call him.' I eventually called him, and I'm glad he's here with us."
FIBA