From his origins, in Bordeaux and Senegal, to the EuroLeague with Olimpia via Oklahoma and Japan … Here is the story of Amath M’Baye told by himself.
The origins – “I actually grew up in two countries, France and Senegal. My parents were both basketball players, but when I was in Senegal I was focused on other things, I went to the beach, surfing, stuff like than. Than I realized I was too tall to be a surfer and I thought about doing something different and basketball was definitely what attracted me the most. Then I realized I could do something special in basketball, like being a pro “.
America – “It was a tough choice because all my friends would stay in France, becoming professionals and making money while I wanted to follow a different path. My mother stressed education, wanted me to get an instructions and a degree, but do it in France while being a professional would have been tough, so I went to America, I was always interested in that world, I wanted to be different, choose my path. “
The NBA draft – “I was disappointed not to be selected but in the end when they say no, no, no you can always keep working and improving and becoming a successful person and athlete. I feel lucky to be where I am, I do not take it for granted. I think I’ll work and prove as many people as possible wrong if they underestimated me. “
Japan – “Japan was special because I was looking for a place to be able to express myself on the floor and I was not able to do it either in France or in college because all the coaches have always put some restrictions on what I could do. I felt that I had a lot more to offer. Japan has given me this opportunity and also to make a different experience. It was decisive. “
Brindisi – “We had a very good season for three quarters, then when we did the rush for the playoffs, something was missing. I was disappointed, but it was still a good season for me, considering it was my first year in Europe. It has allowed me to get familiar with Italy and appreciate it. There have been good and bad things happening but the good ones have been more “.
The fourth quarter of the Italian Cup against Olimpia – “Yes, it hurts, I still think that Macvan scored after the buzzer and that the referees made a decision too quickly, but at least we took the revenge in Brindisi some weeks later. It was bittersweet win. “
The position – “I always thought of me as a small forward but in the last year I saw what mismatch I can create playing the 4 position in order to be more useful to the team. Probably I’m more of a 4 now even though my favorite position remains the 3 and I like to be versatile enough to do many different things on the court based on what the coach wants. “
Milan – “I’m happy, during my year in Brindisi I saw what Milan is all about, I know the tradition of the team and how many great players have been here. I am happy and I want to bring back all the trophies where they belong in Milan. Just being here is a great accomplishment “.
What he can provide to the team – “Above all lot of energy. People seeing me play think about the points, but I want to give a lot more to the team, defensive intensity, be a good teammate, one you have no problem taking to, being a positive presence “.
The EuroLeague – “It’s one of the strongest leagues in the world, I know many guys that have played the EuroLeague for years and I want to play against them. I’m a competitive guy: thisis a motivating challenge but I feel like I’m ready to face it. “
