Mo Tounkara leaves UST, turns pro with Stade Malien in BAL

Mo Tounkara has parted ways with University of Santo Tomas.

The 6-foot-8 Malian center has decided to turn professional, signing with his home club Stade Malien.

The 21-year-old made his Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut last Saturday, suiting up against Rivers Hoopers at the Salle Omnisports Moulay Abdellah. He finished with two points in Stade Malien’s 81-60 defeat.

Tounkara showed improvement the following day, tallying five points, but his squad still fell short in a close 72-69 loss to Ittihad Alexandria at the same venue.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Tounkara’s departure is a significant blow to UST, especially after his stellar performance in UAAP Season 87. He averaged 13.4 points and 10.7 rebounds, helping the Growling Tigers secure a bronze-medal finish.

Reports have surfaced that a dispute between Tounkara and UST’s management during the off-season may have contributed to his decision to leave.

With Tounkara gone, UST is expected to elevate backup big man Peter Osang as their primary frontcourt option for Season 88.

The Tigers also explored the possibility of bringing in Babacar Ndong of the St. Clare Saints as a replacement.

However, the “Troy Rike” rule—which allows certain local-born returnees to bypass residency—does not apply to foreign student-athletes.

This mirrors the case of Emmanuel Ojoula, the former Naga College Foundation standout who was unable to suit up for Far Eastern University back in Season 82.