LUANDA (Angola) - Hassan Diarra's debut with Mali coincided with the team's qualification for the second round of the 2027 World Cup African qualifiers.
Those who think Siriman Kanoute is Mali's primary playmaker should think again with the arrival of Diarra.
Born in the US to Malian immigrants, Diarra said he has always wanted to represent his ancestors' country on the international stage.
However, the 2025 AfroBasket came and went without Diarra. Mali finished second.
He also missed the opening round of Group D of the World Cup Qualifiers in February, in which Mali cruised to a 3-0 record.
However, when the time came to wear the Malian jersey, the 24-year-old seized the opportunity.
He was superb in Mali's 78-70 win over Egypt. He came off the bench, shooting 3-for-3 from behind the arc, and finished with 15 points, six assists, and the team's highest efficiency rating, at 19. He achieved all this in just 24:15 minutes on the floor.
However, he was critical of his performance, saying, "I shot three for three from the three-point line, but I went one for six from two, which doesn't make any sense."
Diarra helped UConn win back-to-back collegiate championships in 2023 and 2024. However, he never played for Mali, which has an impressive youth program.
"I have been trying to play for Mali for the last three years. I wanted to play for Mali at AfroBasket here in Angola but I wasn't able to because of my schedule. I am grateful to be here; it means a lot to me to represent my country, my parents, it means so much to me," he insisted.
With 12 three-pointers in 27 attempts against Egypt, Mali has the fourth highest score in the current African Qualifiers campaign. Diarra made his mark in remarkable fashion.
"Our focus has to be at all-time high and we'll be ready to go. I am just glad to be part of this group of players," Diarra said, after the game.
FIBA