Mali's Salamatou Maiga passes away

PARIS - The world basketball community is in mourning following the death of Mali great Salamatou Maiga.

An international player who joined the senior national team as a young teenager, Maiga passed away in Paris, France on Tuesday at the age of 62.

The native of Niamey, Niger - who was affectionately known as 'Sala' - made an impact both on and off the court.

Following her playing career, she worked for the Malian Ministry of Youth and Sport and was a member of the country's national olympic committee. She was Mali's chef de mission at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Maiga, who had served as the Secretary General of her country's basketball federation, was elected to FIBA's Central Board in 1998 and remained a member until this past summer.

She was elected President of the Legal Council of FIBA Africa at the 16th FIBA Africa Congress held in Madagascar on 31 July-1 August 2014.

FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: "This is a very sad day not only for African basketball but for the entire world basketball family. We wish to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult time."

FIBA