DAKAR (Senegal) - Jean-Jacques Boissy had a year to remember.
From individual to collective success. the shooting guard achieved did it all in the last twelve months, but there are a few goals he is craving.
It's all about getting that ticket (to the World Cup). We thought we had it the last time, but it didn't work out that way - Jean-Jacques Boissy
Boissy is heading into the second round of the 2027 World Cup African qualifiers (26 February to 1 March) in the best form of his career.
Last year, he won the Basketball Africa League (BAL) title with Al Ahli Tripoli and was named MVP.
He also played a part in the Libyan club's historic run to third place in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, the first time an African club had achieved this.
In August, he set a new scoring record of 40 points in the third-place play-off against Cameroon at the AfroBasket tournament.
"It was just motivation," the 183 cm (6 ft) guard told FIBA.basketball.
"I think last year helped me be in the spotlight and show what I have been working on. I just have to get better and way more than I did last year. I had a great season but I still did not get my goal," said Boissy.
Boissy has often been a driving force for his country and the various clubs he has played for in recent years, and ahead of Group B's game against Côte d'Ivoire, there is expectation that he will energise the Lions of Teranga and lead them to victory.
Ahead of the derby game against Côte d'Ivoire, who have won six and lost four against Senegal, Boissy sounded confident, saying that history had no bearing on the upcoming game.
"I have no idea about a record. I have never played against Côte d'Ivoire in an official game. The only time we played against them was last summer in Spain. I am just trying to go out there, compete, and win. I respect their players. They have great players, but I am trying to win," said Boissy.
The guard is not short of experience at this level, having played in the same qualifiers ahead of the 2023 World Cup. What lessons has he learned going into this new round of qualifiers?
"It's a long run. It's not about the first round and or second one. It's a long run. Every game matters and every point counts so we have to lock in. It's all about getting that ticket (to the World Cup). We thought we had it the last time, but it didn't work out that way," said Boissy.
Having been part of the Senegal team that made it to the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, what would it mean to him to lead his country to the senior version of the tournament, which last qualified for in the same year as the age group tournament?
"It was great (to play at the U19 Basketball World Cup) and to play against the best players. Most of them are playing in the NBA right now. So going to the World Cup as a senior can be a ticket to something bigger," said Boissy.
With the qualifiers taking place at the intimate Marius Ndiaye Gymnasium, where the stands are close to the court, it's going to be noisy every day from Thursday night onwards, and Boissy is counting on that.
"It's great. If you know Senegal fans they go crazy and bring that good energy. It helps us to lock in. They love us and we have to show love back because they are here to support us and we want to make them smile," said Boissy.
He also spoke of the importance of playing the cauldron-like venue. "It's great to play at Marius Ndiaye, it's in the middle of the city. We all dream of playing here, and we are grateful for the chance. It has been a dream of mine to play at the Marius Ndiaye, and I am ready to live out my dream."
While not resting on his laurels is important, what was the goal that Boissy missed last year after such a successful season?
"I'm trying to make it to the league. I am trying to make it to the NBA, if not, then the Euroleague. I'm still not there yet. I'm still hungry, and whatever I did last year didn't take me there, so it doesn't matter this year," lamented Boissy.
He did have the opportunity to play for the Windy City Bulls, the G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls. Although his stint was brief, he viewed his time in Chicago as a valuable period of growth and development.
"I think it was a great time, it showed there are different cultures. As a kid from Africa, you dream of a spot, until you get there, then you see what is really inside. It's good go and see what's happening and then come back and be ready. So the first time you learning and the next you know how to get to the league," said Boissy.
The accomplished Jean Jacques Boissy brings positive energy and vibe to the Senegal national team, and it was an obvious feature at Wednesday's media day.
The laid-back Boissy took the opportunity of the photo shooting session to have extra fun, entertaining the media with a rap performance as the speaker blasted in the background.
"It's media day. It's always like the fun part before the games start. I am the energy guy, and I like to make sure everyone has the same energy around me. Be positive. Everybody, be happy and comfortable," said the 26-year-old.
There is no doubt that Boissy is eager and hungry to make an impression and revive his dream. Making the right plays and taking the right shots to put him in position to make his big league dreams come true.
FIBA