SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda’s African Message) - A number of African players did really well during the opening of the inaugural Basketball Champions League last week, but few matched Mamadou Niang’s performance.

While Christian Eyenga helped the Italians Openjobmetis Varese beat ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne 83-82, and Malian international Amara Sy provided AS Monaco with key plays in a 65-47 win over German side Fraport Skyliners, Niang was huge for the Spanish Iberostar Tenerife.

The 22-year-old center needed no more than 21 minutes to introduce himself to the international basketball scene as the Canarian saw off Cibona of Croatia 85-57.

“I am happy and very excited about the work we are doing. But we need to keep out feet on the ground and keep working” - Niang

As Georgios Bogris and Fran Vazquez got in foul trouble early in the game, the young Senegalese filled in the veterans roles like a veteran himself.

Although Niang made tremendous noise in the defense with two block shots, it was in the offense end that he destroyed Cibona Zagreb’s defense.

As well as making 7 of his 8 field goals, the Dakar native converted one of his three free-throw attempts to finish with 15 points.

Niang is far from being Senegal’s most famous player, but if he continues to play at such high level, Senegal fans will have plenty reasons to remain positive. 

And, the local media is taking notice.

But, how exactly did Niang manage to do so well in his Basketball Champions League debut?

“The truth is that I felt well and confident during the game,” he explained after the game.

“I made sure to be ready when Vazquez and Bogris got in foul trouble. I entered the game very focused and did what I was asked to do. It’s a great feeling. I always try to play well defensively and help the team in all aspects of the game.

“I am happy and very excited about the work we are doing. But we need to keep out feet on the ground and keep working.”

Even Tenerife head coach Txus Vidorreta admitted that Niang proved valuable and is likely to have his playing time increased: “Niang came off the bench and did a great job," he said. "Georgios Bogris and Fran Vazquez who normally play the most time at the center position for us have been great since the start of the season but tonight they could not deal with [Ante] Zizic."

By the time Iberostar Tenerife make their Basketball Champions League Group D home debut on Wednesday against Montenegro side KK Mornar, eyes will surely be turned to Niang, who is nicknamed “Petit” Niang.

Although Senegal are well served at the center position with the likes of Gorgui Dieng, Hamady Ndiaye, Cheikh Mbodj and Saer Sene, just to mention a few, Niang has officially entered the race for a spot in the Western's next international duty, which might happen early next year during the FIBA AfroBasket Zone 3 qualifiers. 

And, if Porfirio Fisac is to remain as head of Senegal’s senior men national team, the Spaniard will certainly have a say about Niang's chances with Senegal.

Julio Chitunda
FIBA

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