THIERNO Ibrahima Niang divulged that in his youth, he did not take basketball seriously until a life-changing situation altered his attitude. It led to an opportunity, and along the way, it presented some significant life lessons for him. While fortunate to have pursued a basketball career, he came to terms with the fragility of his body and how that could have stood in the way of his dreams.
Niang, currently on the books of ASC Ville de Dakar, had to deal with injury as a player for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It was a sobering moment in his life, which made him understand the value of education. But it was not the first place where that wisdom was imparted to him – that honour goes to the Seed Academy.
The Seed Academy, founded by the BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall, has former NBA players Gorgui Dieng, Saer Sene and this year’s BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy as some of its alumni. The former Senegal international says it (Seed Academy) offered him a broader perspective on life, which saw him go from an aimless juvenile to being moulded and shaped into an ambitious young man.
“If you ask me, education saved my life. It was at the Seed Academy where I understood how important it was,” said Niang about the program located in Thies, Senegal. “When they were recruiting me over there, I was not focused on school. I did not like school. Once I realised that basketball is something I loved and wanted to succeed in, I went back to school.
“They really made me understand that education is the thing in life. Basketball, you can play it for 10 to 20 years if you are lucky. But could you get injured… Tear an ACL or something else… Basketball is not safe – you need something to fall back on. And that thing is education. I feel it’s more important than basketball.”
The 35-year-old Niang, who graduated with a degree in information studies, reflected on the stress fracture in his lower back, which he feels somewhat diminished a more promising career. At the time, Niang revealed to the media that he thought it (the injury) would cut short his career, but it cemented his notion of athletes obtaining education.
“It was a scary season for me. It was my second season in college. I think the injury stifled my career a bit. Maybe if that didn’t happen, I’d be telling a different story,” said Niang. “What I can say is that the biggest takeaway I got from it is school. Sports are sometimes tricky. You will never know when it’s your last day on the court.
“What saved me was school. I had a chance to complete my degrees. Regarding the injury, I managed to fight back and have a career, it’s not how imagined it, but I am cool about it.”
Niang, who played in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup for the Lions of Teranga, has gone on to enjoy some success in the pro ranks in Spain, winning a LEB Oro (second division) title with Gipuzkoa in 2017. The guard also has a decent trophy haul in his home country, Senegal, where he has played since 2018.
He has turned out for Dakar Université Club Basketball, AS Douanes, Jean d’Arc and his current team, AS Ville de Dakar, whose men’s team is 10 years old. He feels the standard of club basketball has improved since his return.
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“It’s been great. If I compare this year to the year I started, the level is not as good as it is now. These kids are willing to return after studying in the United States. You have to give credit to the BAL,” said Niang, a four-time Senegal National 1 Masculine (NM1) winner. “We all wanted to play at a high level in places like the United States and Europe. I feel it (the BAL) has changed things in Africa. It has helped to lift the domestic leagues on the continent because every club wants to be part of it.
“The BAL took things to another level these last five years. It can only go up from where it is now.”
After winning the Senegal championship with AS Ville de Dakar, Niang will be heading back to the BAL next year. While Niang enjoyed his second BAL, he hopes next year’s campaign will be far better than their debut between April and May. The West African club, unfortunately, fell in the Sahara Conference stage on home soil.
“It was a great experience. This was my second one – I played in season two. It was a great season for my team, which is 10 years old,” said Niang, who played in the 2022 edition of the BAL with DUC. “Representing Senegal at the tournament was incredible, seeing the fans and all the behind-the-scenes stuff was just amazing. I’m glad we will have the opportunity to make it happen again.
“Next year, we want to have a better season, so we have to learn lessons from this past BAL experience.”
With the domestic league done and dusted, the Dakar-based club captured another trophy, the Coupe de Meir (Mayor’s Cup) trophy (after beating Guediawaye on Sunday), and they are gunning for the Senegal Cup. Niang spoke with confidence ahead of the Coupe de Meir final about wanting to win both championships.
“We feel great. We have achieved our main goal – to win the championship and return to the BAL. There is still more to play for. We are confident and want to end the season on a good note,” concluded Niang.
Niang has found his feet at home. He has embraced the challenge of playing in Senegal, and so far, he has made a success of it. His presence and journey will inspire many harbouring a desire to follow in his footsteps, and who better to impart the wisdom than Niang himself.
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