SEN - Ya Ya returns to the Razorbacks
SYDNEY (National Basketball League) - Cheikh Ya Ya Dia, who represented Senegal in the 1998 FIBA World Championships, has signed with the West Sydney Razorbacks, where he played two seasons in 1999-2001. Ya Ya Dia becomes the 28th player on current
SYDNEY (NBL) - Cheikh Ya Ya Dia, who represented Senegal in the 1998 FIBA World Championships, has signed with the West Sydney Razorbacks, where he played two seasons in 1999-2001.
Ya Ya Dia becomes the 28th player on current Australian National Basketball League (NBL) rosters to have played at the World Championships or Olympic Games. Over 60 players, or almost half the NBL's playing list, have played in junior or senior international competition representing Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Nigeria and Senegal.
West Sydney fans remember Ya Ya Dia fondly, as he formed a strong frontcourt tandem with now-retired Australian star Simon Dwight. Across 59 games the 208cm centre averaged 14 points per game and 9 rebounds, ranking second in the league in blocked shots behind only Dwight.
Razorbacks coach Mark Watkins was an assistant during Ya Ya Dia's time in Sydney, and is relieved to have signed the classy African, understanding exactly what the 32 year old will bring to the team.
"I know what I'm getting in 'Ya Ya'. He was a major asset in his two years with us," Watkins said.
"He fitted into the running-type game really well. Plus, he's 6'10 and big, he can step 15 feet away from the basket as well as get to the rim."
Ya Ya Dia has been able to ply his skills in all styles of play, having had successful stints in Italy (16.3 points per game & 10.3 rebounds per game for Premiata Montegranaro) Russia (15ppg, 10rpg, Lokomtiv) Israel (14ppg, 9rpg, M.C.Haifa) and most recently Lebanon (14ppg, 12rpg, Blue Stars).
The former Georgetown University student will play his return game for the Razorbacks against the Slingers in Singapore on Monday. Former Porto Ferpinta starter Justin Bailey is in doubt for the Slingers match. The 188cm point guard, who averaged 11 points and 4 assists in Portugal, is yet to make his debut for the Razorbacks after injuring his knee on the golf course.
With West Sydney having lost their first game, and the Slingers standing 1-2, the contest will be crucial for both teams, who have been tipped to finish near the bottom of the ladder.
Paul Kennedy
FIBA Official Correspondent in Australia.