''Our group is tough but we have a chance'' - Senegal's Dieng

MINNEAPOLIS (USA) - Senegal's reputation as an African giant is undeniable but for the basketball mad country to attain planetary recognition, worming their way out of Group H in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 is fundamental.

Pitted against Australia, Canada and Lithuania in the first hurdle of the planetary jamboree, the "Lions of Teranga" will be in for an enthralling first stage in China and center Gorgui Dieng has admitted Senegal is in a difficult group.

"It’s an exciting feeling. Our group is tough but we have a chance. We are going to do everything to perform. It’s tough to qualify but once you qualify,you have to take full advantage, go to the tournament and perform," Dieng told FIBA.basketball.

"WE HAVE TO BE MENTALLY STRONG, THAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING BECAUSE THERE’S GOING TO BE ADVERSITY EVERYDAY, BUT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH IT."- Dieng

Ranked as Africa’s second best team, Senegal will be competing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the fifth time.

During their last appearance in the 2014 edition, the West Africans exited the tournament in round 16 bowing 89-56 to host Spain.

Dieng who was part of the Spain expedition five years ago thinks competing alongside players from Canada, Australia and Lithuania in the same league is enough to know what to expect come summer.

"Some of the players [from Australia, Canada and Lithuania] I’ve seen competing and played against. I know them and know how they play."

 
Dieng on the books of Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association (NBA) lastly suited up for Senegal during the qualifiers in Dakar in June last year.

The 2.11 m (6ft11) Kebemer native is poised on ending the season on a high note before heading to China for the world event.

"Right now, I’m just focusing on staying healthy and playing well till the end of the season. If I stay fit then the World cup will be great."

 The 29-year-old who was phenomenal for Senegal during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 averaging 16 points and 10.7 rebounds, Dieng has metamorphosed into a game changer.

And he has previously revealed to FIBA.basketball his desire to take up a mentorship role within the squad ahead of the global competition.

"We have some young talented guys, I was just where they are and some older players held my hand and helped me play through the pressure. I think I owe them that because now I’m like a veteran in the team. I’ve got to show great leadership and lead them the right way," he stressed.

"We have to be mentally strong, that’s the most important thing because there’s going to be adversity everyday but we have to go through it. It can only make us better for the future," he concluded.

FIBA