PRETORIA (South Africa) - According to one of Senegal's rising stars, Babacar Sané, the country's new generation is ready to rewrite its basketball history.
After Senegal's preliminary roster was announced last week, the first thought that came to mind was that Senegal is entering a new era of basketball.
We’re coming to AfroBasket to make history - Babacar Sané
Only three of the 15 players pre-selected for this year's AfroBasket tournament in Angola, which takes place from August 12-24, were born before Senegal won their last AfroBasket tournament in Dakar in 1997.
Youssoupha Ndoye (born in 1991), Tacko Fall (born in 1995), and Moustapha Pape Diop (born in 1996) were just children when that historic feat occurred. Head coach DeSagana Diop was just a 15-year-old boy at the time.
Fuelled by their 6-0 run in the qualifiers and a pool of talented players, some of whom play across the world, Sané believes that the time is right to begin a new era.
In an interview with FIBA.basketball, Sané insisted that the Lions have what it takes to bring home the trophy.
"I’m really focused on making history,” he said, adding: “Everyone is locked in on becoming the No. 1 team in Africa.”
Senegal has been drawn into Group D alongside Egypt, Mali, and Uganda.
Sané says that to reclaim their former glory, the team must continue to build on the momentum they generated during the qualifiers, where they recorded a flawless streak.
"I hope we can maintain the kind of run we had in the Qualifiers," he emphasised.
"That performance gave us confidence, and we’re going to keep building from there. We know where we belong."
But climbing back to the top won’t be easy.
When asked about his outlook on the group stage, the 2.08m (6ft 8in) forward stressed the importance of respecting every opponent.
“There are no small teams in this competition. We’re going to respect everyone we face. But we know our worth - we know what we bring to the table. We’re coming to handle business," he asserted.
Sané, who averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds during the Qualifiers, is aware of the expectations placed on this new generation.
"It's been a long time since Senegal won the AfroBasket tournament. I wasn’t even born yet! We’re determined to change that.”
Making history is clearly at the top of Sané's agenda.
The forward, who recently played for Tunisian side US Monastir in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 5, believes Senegal is rich in both talent and drive.
“We’re young and talented. We’ve got a great team and a great coach. We're locked in and getting ready for this summer. We’re coming to AfroBasket to make history.”
Backed by the Senegalese Basketball Federation, the team feels supported and united in its mission.
Sané went on saying: “The federation is behind us, supporting us, because they believe in us. We’ve got talented players, we’re putting in the work, and now the world is starting to see what Senegalese basketball is capable of. We just need to stay focused and stay together.”
FIBA