ESP/SEN – Ndong carries the flag for Africa in ACB finals

BARCELONA (ACB) – Barcelona center Boniface Ndong is having no trouble getting up for the ACB Finals which tip off on Thursday night at the Palau Blaugrana.

Having won the Euroleague, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa, the Senegalese center is one title away from knowing that he will have played for one of the greatest teams ever in European basketball.

He is the only African in the Spanish finals.

Having already been voted MVP of an Afrobasket during his career, he says this year is going to be tough to beat if Barcelona win against Caja Laboral.

“Some time ago, I said that my two greatest dreams were to win the Euroleague and the ACB and now, I have that possibility,” he said.

“To do it in one year would be fantastic, something I never thought would happen.”

The Splitter confrontation

Ndong has some extra incentive to come out on top in this season.

Caja Laboral were a thorn in his side when he played at Unicaja Malaga for a long spell before moving to Barca.

"For me, it's a rematch – every game won against Caja Laboral is my revenge. With Unicaja, we ended up 0-10 against them in the ACB.

“This year I am 2-0 and I hope it stays that way. I want to keep winning to even things up.”

For a professional athlete like Ndong, there is always the desire to face big challenges.

They don’t come any bigger for centers in the ACB than to face Tiago Splitter, the Brazil international who was this season voted Player of the Year in the league.

"Since I arrived in Spain, we have always played very intense games,” Ndong said.

“It’s always a pleasure to play against Splitter.

"He’s a very talented player. He plays with heart and makes you give your best.”

FIBA