Despite all the success he has gained in the UAAP, Malick Diouf remains grateful to Centro Escolar University.
On Thursday, the 6-foot-11 Senegalese big man faced the Scorpions for one last time before his final season with University of the Philippines. He expressed his deep admiration for CEU, as they provided him with the platform to showcase his talents in the country.
The reigning UAAP MVP always feels delighted whenever he sees his former team, as it was where he began his basketball career.
“I have great respect for CEU because they allowed me to display my talents in the Philippines,” expressed the former Scorpion, who is a one-time UAAP champion.
“Their hospitality was exceptional, and that’s why I feel happy every time I see them. I have to say thank you to Coach Derrick Pumaren and all of them.”
In the game, Diouf credited the Scorpions for giving the Fighting Maroons good competition, with CEU outrebounding UP, 49 to 38.
“It’s always good to face your former team. We played our best, and they played the right way, just like other teams,” said Diouf, who tallied nine points and seven rebounds in the Fighting Maroons’ 91-75 victory against the Scorpions.
“I feel good, everyone wasn’t feeling okay, but I decided to play because my former team was playing. I spent a year and a half there. It’s always good to play with them and see them.”
During his time with CEU, Diouf led them to a runner-up finish in the 2019 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup and two runner-up finishes in the UCBL.
When asked about his best memory from his former school, he simply stated that everything was memorable. “I can say all of them because I had a good relationship with everybody there,” he said.
Diouf sends his regards to the Scorpions playing in other leagues and shares his final message with them.
“I just want to tell them to stay focused on their next game or the leagues they are currently playing in. I know they have a talented team, especially in the PBA D-League. I wish them the best.”
