Cheick Diallo's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Malians playing currently abroad:

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Mali players, who play currently abroad.

Cheick Diallo

   #1. This week's number one is former U16 international power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas, currently plays in Puerto Rico). He led Cangrejeros to a victory against the third-ranked Cariduros (7-8) 90-81 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Tuesday night's game. Diallo had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 3 assists and 2 blocks in 35 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams. Cangrejeros de Santurce (7-7) is placed second in Group B. Diallo has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 19.6ppg, 13.0rpg, 2FGP: 68.4%(39-57) and FT: 69.0% in five games he played so far. Diallo played for the Mali U16 national team year ago.

Amara Sy

   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international forward Amara Sy (202-1981, agency: BeoBasket, currently plays in France). He contributed to an easy victory against the third-ranked Metropolitans (24-10) 81-65 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA in Tuesday night's game. Sy recorded 7 points. Paris Basketball (1-13) is placed eighth in the Betclic ELITE ProA. The Regular Season already ended. Sy's overall stats this season are: 3.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 36.4%, 3FGP: 42.9% and FT: 71.4%. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Sy played for the Mali national team in 11.

Ibrahim Djambo

   #3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Ibrahim Djambo (209-1992, college: Hofstra, currently plays in France). He led Lorient to a victory over the fifth-ranked Pontoise (4-6) crushing them 85-64 in the French NM1 (third division) last Friday. Djambo was MVP of the game. He scored 20 points, grabbed 4 boards, dished 5 assists and stole 3 balls in 37 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Djambo's first season in pro basketball. CEP Lorient Basket (10-8) is placed fourth in Group A. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Djambo has relatively good stats this year: 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 53.4%, 3FGP: 30.1% and FT: 76.5% in 40 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and American. Djambo played for the Mali national team year ago.

Mamadou Sy

   #4. Swingman Mamadou Sy (194-1985, college: Cloud County, currently plays in France) faced previously mentioned Ibrahim Djambo in the French NM1 last game. Sy. He could not help Pontoise (11-7) to beat Lorient (2-10). Sy scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. The second-placed Pontoise (11-7) was crushed 85-64 on the road by the lower-ranked Lorient (#7) in the Group B. Sy's overall stats this season are: 3.3ppg, 5.5rpg and 1.3apg. He has both Mali and French nationalities. Sy used to play for the Mali national team back in 18.

Ibrahim Saounera

   #5. Former international point guard Ibrahim Saounera (179-1987, currently plays in France) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ibrahim Djambo and both played together in the last French NM1 game. Saounera contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Pontoise (4-6) crushing them 85-64. He scored 8 points and added 7 passes in 23 minutes. This year Saounera's overall stats are: 8.0ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg in 38 games. He also holds two passports: Mali and French. Saounera used to play for the Mali national team years ago.


The list of other players, who all have Mali passport but never been selected to any of Mali national teams:

   #1. Bassala Bagayoko (208-C-2006, currently plays in Adidas Next Generation Tournament) was the major contributor in a Mega BG's victory against the closely-ranked Real Madrid (1-1) 81-74 in the ANGT last Thursday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 12 rebounds. Bagayoko also added 3 assists (went 5 for 5 at the free throw line). It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Mega Mozzart Beograd U18 team (2-0) is placed first in the ANGT. His team will play only one more game in the ANGT Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Bagayoko has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 19.6ppg and 13.0rpg.

   #2. Amadou Doumbia (208-C-2005, currently plays in Adidas Next Generation Tournament) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Maccabi T/A U18 (0-2) crushing them 93-66 in the ANGT on Wednesday night. Doumbia scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 21 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Real Madrid U18 team (1-1) is placed second in the ANGT. His team will play only one more game in the ANGT Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Doumbia has very impressive stats this year: 19.6ppg and 13.0rpg in five games he played so far.


Other top Mali players, who play abroad:

Bandja Sy (204-F-1990) plays for Metropolitans in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Nianta Diarra (201-F/C-1993) plays for Cholet Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Sagaba Konate (203-F-1997) plays for Trieste in Italian Serie A
Mamoudou Dia (200-C-2003) plays for Pesaro in Italian Serie A
Sadio Doucoure (200-SF-1992) plays for Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Mohamed Sidibe (196-F-2002) plays for Sluc Nancy in French ProB
Sidiki Kone (211-F/C-2001) plays for Radnicki 1950 in Serbian 1MRL
Modibo Diaby (202-F-2003) plays for CSM Steaua Bucuresti in Romanian Liga Nationala
Ibrahima Sidibe (180-PG-1995) plays for Orchesien BC in French NM1
Lassena Fofana (202-C-2005) plays for Caceres in Spanish LEB Gold

Notice: The list above includes only some of the Mali playing currently abroad. Go to Mali Abroad Page to see completed list.