From the doors of the NBA to Catalonia: "My family wanted me to prioritize my studies"

BadalonaBorn in Guédiawaye (Senegal), Eli Ndiaye's chances of ending up becoming a professional basketball player were slim. And yet, if it weren't for an injury, he would have made his NBA debut. "I started playing basketball when I was in a boarding school. When I returned home I kept playing and then Oumar Sow appeared, who proposed that I go to Europe. I didn't think twice. I had trials with Baskonia, but it didn't work out, and then Real Madrid appeared," explains Ndiaye to ARA, who at that time was only 13 years old.“When I started playing basketball my family struggled with it, because they wanted me to prioritize my studies, but when they understood that it is something I am passionate about they understood that it could also help me be more focused on my studies. My family has always helped me”, explains the Asisa Joventut player, who starts the Liga Endesa on Sunday on the court of Rio Breogan (12 p.m., TV3 and DAZN).“Before, basketball was less accessible in Senegal, but now there are many people betting on training and that is noticeable. There are many academies and more and more players are emerging. Basketball has opened up a great space in my country and people enjoy it more. Having players like Brancou Badio helps it become a very popular sport,” says Ndiaye with an enthusiasm that is contagious. It is hard to see him speak without smiling.

“When I go on vacation to Senegal, the children are very interested in learning about what life is like in Europe. I explain to them how basketball and society work. I hope some of them can take a step like mine,” he adds. Eli Ndiaye’s summer has been very busy. The power forward played in the Las Vegas Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks and signed with Valencia Basket, but Real Madrid managed to retain him and loaned him to Asisa Joventut. “When the summer began, I didn’t expect to end up in Badalona, but sport is like that. Sometimes players don’t know where we will be in a few days. I focus on the things that are in my hands. I can’t do anything about the rest. When I spoke with Madrid, they told me that a year on loan would be good for me. La Penya has shown that they want me and has made a great effort for me to play here,” he acknowledges.Ndiaye arrived and hit the ground running, as last weekend he was crowned champion of the Supercopa Endesa with the green-and-black team. “If I play for Penya, everything is a challenge. I want to help the team compete to the best of its abilities and fight for every title. I hope to improve and grow, to take a step forward. Dani Miret knows me very well and knows the things I can improve on,” he explains.In Badalona he found an ideal environment to mature. “Playing alongside Ricky Rubio is special. We all know what he is capable of doing. He is an excellent player who can change games. Furthermore, he is a leader who helps us, the newcomers, a lot. There are other players on the team from whom I can learn, such as Ante Tomic and Nico Laprovittola, who have a lot of experience,” he opines.Ndiaye's discourse is much more mature than it was a few months ago. “From my time in the United States, I learned that one must have patience. It is a different culture and a different lifestyle. I improved many things, physically as well. Despite the injuries, the assessment I make is very successful. I am still young and I am not closing the door on the NBA,” he asserts.