Sooner or later we'll win the African Cup, says Ndiaye

DAKAR (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Senegal may have failed to win the FIBA AfroBasket for the tenth straight time, but the team's cultural diversity has produced major victories in recent years.

In a team coached by Spaniard Porfirio Fisac, New York-native Clevin Hannah has filled the void that Senegalese have long lacked at the point guard position. 

Born in Paris to Senegalese parents, small forward Antoine Mendy, who has spent most of his playing career in France's top flight league, adds  an European basketball playing style.  

It doesn't matter where we were born, where we grew up, once we are together wearing this jersey, it's all that matters - Ndiaye

Senegal - who last won the African Championship in 1997 - is often described as one of the most political stable nations on the continent of Africa.

And when one looks thoroughly into the men's team, it becomes clear how they capitalize from the spirit of unity, which explains how they won the hearts of local fans while playing the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 Group Phase at the emblematic Marius Ndiaye Stadium in the capital Dakar.

Lining-up six Dakar natives - including Maleye Ndoye, Mouhammad Faye, Hamady Ndiaye, Djibril Thiam, Cheikh Mbodj and Youssoupha Ndoye -, the entire country felt represented on the team that claimed a Third-Place at the latest FIBA Africa's most basketball competition co-hosted by Senegal and Tunisia.

That diversity translates into a major.

"To be honest, it's all about the name in front of the jersey. It's all about Senegal. Sooner or later we'll win the African Cup" Ndiaye explained to FIBA.basketball.

"We are all here - from the coaches to everyone - for this country. And, it doesn't matter where we were born, where we grew up, once we are together wearing this jersey, it's all that matters. It's not about anything else.

"As long as we are together as a unity, the sky is the limit. And the family is what brought us here. It's been an amazing experience to be here with the Senegalese fans.'' 

"It's part of the culture, and it's part of our character too. As professional players, no matter where we are from. When we are on the team, we are always consider us as a family," Ndoye added.

A native of Kebemer in the north part of Senegal, Gorgui Dieng, who was named on the All-Star Five, also shared his thoughts on the significance of wearing the Senegalese jersey.

"I can't have anything better than my country. I was born and raised there. When they need me, I will show up and play. 

"It's a honor [to play for Senegal], and I feel very luck and special wear the flag."

Senegal will return to action in November for the opener of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifiers.

FIBA