Senegal's Ndoye cautious about Group D opposition

DAKAR (Senegal) - Youssoupha Ndoye is hopeful of an exciting time for the Senegalese Lions and their fans as they host the Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers this week at Dakar Arena.

Dakar is set to host Groups B and D from February 25-27.

"THERE ARE NO EASY GROUPS OR TEAMS ANYMORE. I THINK EVERY TEAM HAS GOT GOOD PLAYERS AND WE WILL JUST TRY TO DO OUR BEST TO ADVANCE."- Youssoupha Ndoye

High expectations from home fans are sure going to be top on the agenda and as much as this is a two-edged sword, Ndoye is positive that the cheering fans would spur the team to victories instead of pressuring them.

"My message is to tell them thank you for their support throughout the years and to come and support again our beloved country," Ndoye said to FIBA.basketball.

The 30-year old center who was a key figure in Senegal's qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, stressed that it feels exciting playing before the home fans.

"It's always great to play in front of the home crowd. And also a good opportunity for some of the players who never play any competitions at home; This is a good opportunity for them to play in front of their family and friends for the first time wearing the national team jersey."

Ndoye, a 2.13m (7ft ) center, is not one to be entertaining fears as he is confident that Senegal is ready for action despite the absence of head coach Boniface Ndong who is not available due to his job in the NBA.

Ndoye, who plays Orleans Loiret Basket in France's PRO A, says the team is prepared and have adjusted to the fact that associate head coach Mamadou Gueye will take charge and do a great job.

"I think we are a solid group and I am just going to do my role trying to encourage and help my team in every way possible to get these three victories without taking any team for granted.

"There are no easy groups or teams anymore. I think every team has got good players and we will just try to do our best to advance."

Senegal will faced Egypt, Kenya and DR Congo in Group D.

Given Senegal's experience at the FIBA World Cup in China 2019, he believes that lessons learnt will play a big role in the current Qualifiers. "We have a chance to go to three straight World Cups which is a blessing and right now we are just trying to be constant and participate on all the competitions possible because we have the talent to do so."

He says being at the being at the World Cup gives one the opportunity to learn a lot.

"We are talking about the best teams and best players in the world competing so we're just going to bring our experience with that and try to qualify again," he said pointing out that another qualification will enable Senegal better the 30th-Place finish they had in China 2019.

FIBA