By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Riga, Latvia – Italy had to say goodbye to FIBA EuroBasket 2025, as Luka Doncic provided a performance for the ages to propel Slovenia’s stay in the competition.
If there’s someone who particularly impressed during these weeks, first in Limassol and then only for one night in Riga, his name is Saliou Niang. He was chosen to guard Luka Magic.
“It’s an honor to play against Luka. I just tried to do my best,” he commented in the mixed zone. “The confidence I had in defending Doncic can help me a lot,” he continued.
After starting very slowly, Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team tried to come back into the game, and Niang was one of the reasons why. “We put more energy, played a good defense, but Doncic was Luka Doncic. It was tough; we tried to stop him in the second half. We did our best,” he said.
“The way we started put us in trouble. It wasn’t easy to come back, but we did it. In the end, we were a bit tired. We gave our all,” the newest Virtus Bologna player continued.
Now, the focus will be on his first EuroLeague season, where he could be one of the surprises of the season. “I come out of this EuroBasket stronger than before, for sure,” Niang finished.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA