Many might be surprised how far some student-athletes travel in pursuit of sports stardom. One such athlete with an inspiring story is Sagna Ousseynou, a defensive standout from Senegal who is currently in his freshman year of college basketball.
Born and raised in Senegal, Ousseynou’s journey to American college basketball was not easy. His recruitment began when Coach John Williams saw his highlight reel in his home country. Though he initially received an offer from another school, the conditions there were not what he had hoped for.
Sagna Ousseynou (right) is pictured with friends on a beach in Senegal before moving to the United States.
“When I came to the United States, I was going to another college and the conditions were not good,” Ousseynou said. “My manager called Coach Williams, and they got me in here instead. They sent me a plane ticket and it all worked out.”
Ousseynou credits the coaching staff for playing a key role in his decision to choose this school. “They helped me a lot because the first time I got here, I hadn’t played basketball in six months,” he said. “But they told me everything would be fine, and I believed in them. It’s deep; it’s personal. They teach you everything. Right now, it feels like I’m just starting off basketball because they’re teaching me so many different things.”
For Ousseynou, moving to the U.S. marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with challenges and opportunities to grow, both on and off the court. It also marked the end of his youth in West Africa, a chapter he is eager to reflect on.
“West Africa is a beautiful place; they raise their kids well out there,” he said. “The U.S. has been like a new family to me too, but my family is there—my friends and everything. Being born in Africa is a big blessing.”
Despite his deep love for Senegal, the distance from home has been a major challenge. “It’s really hard. I especially miss my friends and my mom, but I miss everybody there. I miss the food too,” he admitted. “It’s been a year and a half without going home.”
While being away from home is difficult, Ousseynou has found a sense of belonging with his teammates. “I like my team. They are really, really good teammates. It’s not just a team—it’s really more like a family here,” he said. The brotherhood that team sports provide is as important to a player’s development as individual drills.
Sagna Ousseynou practices his dunking technique on the court.
Adjusting to college basketball can be challenging for any player, but Ousseynou is focused on improving his game. “I want to improve my physicality because I feel like the game here is different,” he explained. “I used to be much more physical, and I want to bring that same energy here.” His desire to get stronger and more aggressive on the court reflects his commitment to growth and his determination to excel in the competitive world of college basketball.
That determination is matched by his passion for defense. “I love being a dog on the court, playing defense really hard and taking all the rebounds. All I want is to be the biggest dog on the court,” he said. His drive makes him a tough opponent and a welcome addition to a talented offensive squad in need of size.
As a freshman, Ousseynou has leaned on the veterans for guidance, crediting their mentorship with helping him and other young players adjust to college basketball. “They pick us up when we’re down, they talk to us about things because they’ve been here before,” he said. “They always leave a good example for us on and off the court.”
Despite only playing basketball for four years, Ousseynou’s basketball IQ has developed quickly, inspired by his favorite player, Joel Embiid. “I really like his IQ and the way he plays basketball,” Ousseynou said. Embiid’s skill, toughness, and intelligence serve as the model Ousseynou strives to follow.
Looking ahead, Ousseynou is focused on advancing his basketball career. When asked about his future, he confidently stated, “I see myself going to the league.”
Reflecting on his journey, he credited basketball for shaping his life. “The biggest piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to choose basketball,” he said. “The sport has been a great teacher and helped make me who I am today.”
