Sacred NBA champion at only 22 years old with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ousmane Dieng (2.09 m) is back in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. This Saturday, June 28, in the room where it all started, the French international returned with emotion in this significant season, punctuated by an NBA title and a pre-selection in the French team for the Euro.
A return to the sources loaded with emotion
Back home after a long NBA journey, Ousmane Dieng stopped in Villeneuve-sur-Lot to celebrate his title with those who saw him grow. “” It was really incredible to celebrate with all fans, “He confides to the newspaper Southwestby evoking the parade in the streets of Oklahoma City, a moment he describes as One of the best in his career.
Even if he has played little during the playoffs – braked by injuries during the season – the Villeneuvois is now part of the very closed circle of the French titled in the NBA, alongside Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Rodrigue Beaubois, Ian Mahinmi, Ronny Turiaf and more recently Axel Toupane. “” It is the dream of all basketball players, so it’s really incredible to have been able to achieve this, also young, especially, He underlines, proud of this first coronation.
A contrasting season between NBA and G-League
If he has played 46 NBA games this season with averages of 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.7 assist, Ousmane Dieng played a little in G-League with 18.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 8 games. He explains that he had a good start to the season before injuries curb his progress. “” I think I am a better player now than at the start of the season, so it’s good, He believes.
Towards a first competition with the Blues?
Preselected as a French team for the Euro, Ousmane Dieng could well take a new step in blue. “” Boris [Diaw] called me before [le titre], He said. He now plans to enjoy a little rest before leaving to train in the United States.
Under contract still a year with the Thunder, the young winger does not hide his attachment to the franchise where he intends to stay. “” I hope ! I feel good there. Afterwards, everything can happen. »
