Malick Diouf is looking forward to bringing the winning mentality that the University of the Philippines instilled in him to his upcoming stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament.
“My mindset, I can say, is just to focus and bring the winning mentality from UP, the winning mentality that I got from UP,” Diouf told members of the press during Zamboanga’s final practice in the Philippines before their match against the Ningbo Bulls.
Diouf was one of the key figures who brought the Fighting Maroons back to relevance. He played a pivotal role in the school’s championship campaign in Season 84, which ended a 36-year UAAP title drought.
The UAAP Season 85 MVP said that it will be a challenge for him to go up against much stronger and more experienced players, but he vowed to give everything he can to help the Valientes in their quest.
“It’s going to be a challenge facing people who have already played five or ten years [more than me] in the pros. It’s gonna be a good challenge for me,” said Diouf.
“I’m just gonna go there and compete and do my best and help the team, especially on defense and offense.”
The 6-foot-11 Senegalese slotman said that he is looking to make a good impression and gain more experience in the Asian Tournament as he sets his sights on revisiting his plan to play professionally in France.
“It depends. Right now I’m playing pro [with Zamboanga], but to be honest, I really want to play in Europe. During the UAAP, I got some offers but I played with a lot of pain. So in the second round, I got a fracture but now it’s okay,” said Diouf.
“So hopefully, after the tournament, I’ll get the chance to go there to France,” he added, sharing that he has constant communication with his former UAAP rival and Ateneo star Ange Kouame, who is currently playing for the French club UB Chartres Metropole.
