Senegal's Sylla: 'It’s always remarkable playing for your country'

DAKAR (FIBA U18 African Championship 2018)- When Senegal return to the FIBA U18 African Championship in August after 6 years in oblivion, one person who will be hoping to write his name in history books and win silverware for country is Amar Sylla.

The 17 year-old  knows he is in a position to power Senegal to another continental title and seal qualification for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2019.

The Senegalese big man put up an emphatic display during the FIBA U18 African Championship Zone 2 Qualifiers as his country recorded 2 victories against Guinea, 70-44 in Game 1 and 67-53 in Game 2 to secure their spot for the continental event billed for Bamako, Mali from August 24 – September 2.

In both games, Sylla who’s on the books of Spanish giants Real Madrid netted in a tournament high 53 points and 28 rebounds to announce himself in grand style to fans.

"PLAYING FOR SENEGAL COMES WITH A DIFFERENT SENSATION, YOU KNOW YOU’RE REPRESENTING MANY PEOPLE AND I WANT TO CONTINUE BEING IN THE TEAM AND GIVING IN MY BEST"- Sylla

 With the competition imminent, the 6ft7in (2.06m) center is keen on re-enacting such stellar displays in Mali.

"My main objective is winning the U18 African championship. That’s the only thing on my mind now. We owe Senegalese fans this. I know it wouldn’t be easy but we are going to work very hard to win the championship. When I joined the team, I realized that my mates are greatly motivated and we all have a common goal,"

"Everyone tries to play for the team and give in their best. When you see such determination within the team, you can only be optimistic," Sylla told senejournal.com.

Born in 2001, Sylla only joined Senegal’s U18 team for the FIBA Africa Zone 2 qualifiers. But after playing two games, the thought of representing Senegal again reignites his zeal to get better.

"It’s always remarkable playing for your country. When the Coach called me to join the team, I decided I will do my best not to let him down. I was so enthusiastic and it was just incredible putting on the national jersey. Playing for Senegal comes with a different sensation, you know you’re representing many people and I want to continue being in the team and giving in my best," the Thies native explained.

Amar Sylla (far right #15) with Senegal U18 team at the FIBA Africa Zone 2 Qualifiers, Conakry - Guinea

The teenage hotshot who left Senegal in 2015 for Spain after competing in a basketball camp organised by NBA star Gorgui Sy Dieng in Kebemer has acknowledged joining Real Madrid has not only made him a workaholic but a better person.

Hardened by the challenges that come with playing basketball in Europe as a youngster, the former Seed Academy man admits he has developed a huge appetite for trophies.

"When I got to Real Madrid three years ago, I was with the cadet team and I won the MVP title as well as the Dunk Challenge before playing the EuroLeague. During that period I was promoted to the junior team where we were crowned Spanish champions twice and I was also fortunate to have some game time with the senior team. It’s a great feeling and you always want to win more titles," he added.

FIBA