Clevin Hannah excited about his debut for Senegal in OQT

MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Senegal unfurled a new player in their bid to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, and he is out to prove that he is a difference-maker.

His name is Clevin Hannah, and he is the newly naturalized player for coach Fisac De Diego’s Lions, who began their campaign in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila yesterday, July 6.

The 1.80m Hannah, a native of Rochester, New York, has plied his trade in Europe, where he has played in the leagues of Romania, Finland, France and Spain. He last played for Dominion Bilbao in the ACB Liga Endesa and Eurocup, averaging around 12 points, 4 assists and 2 three-pointers per game.

His presence for Senegal is going to be vital, especially since the two other countries in Group A of the OQT have elite point guards orchestrating the plays: NBA player Cory Joseph for Canada and Euroleague veteran Ali Muhammed (Bobby Dixon) for Turkey.

Senegal’s fortunes, especially without Gorgui Dieng in the roster, are to be carried on Hannah’s shoulders.

Prior to the start of the OQT, Clevin Hannah shared some of his thoughts to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: This is your first time to play for Senegal at a FIBA tournament. How does it feel and what are your expectations?
Hannah: It's really a great opportunity for me, and I'm really excited to go out there and compete along with my teammates. I know we will play hard and play together, and doing that I know we will have good results.

FIBA.com: How do you guys plan to keep abreast of such tough opponents in Group A?
Hannah: Canada and Turkey are two really good teams, and it will be difficult, as we know. We have to play our game, and try not to make many mistakes against those types of squads.

FIBA.com: How do you feel about your chances against other very good point guards in the OQT?
Hannah: I feel good to have this opportunity to play against such great players, so I’m just going to play my game and run my team as best as I can.

FIBA.com: What can you bring to the table for Senegal, which is hoping to make it to the Olympics for the first time since 1980?
Hannah: I bring my outside shooting and my experience! I have played in some of the best leagues in Spain, France and other countries.

FIBA.com: Because Senegal’s women’s team successfully qualified to Rio 2016, do you feel any pressure to duplicate their accomplishment?
Hannah: They're a really good team, and we're happy for them to represent us at the highest level. I don't think their success brings any pressure to us, but it would be great to make to Rio with them!

FIBA