By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After brief showings in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa with Real Madrid, Sidi Gueye opted in favor of a college career and joined Arizona.
“Coach [Tommy] Lloyd is one of the top coaches in college, and he has coached many international players before,” the 17-year-old Senegalese forward/center told ESPN, revealing his commitment to the Wildcats on Wednesday, “He made me feel comfortable and showed me how I can improve and produce in his system.”
Coming out of the youth teams of Los Blancos with his junior career highlighted by winning the 2024 Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament, Gueye went into the EuroLeague, logging 4:45 on the court over three appearances in the 2024-25 installment of Europe’s premier club continental competition. Two free throws against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in WiZink Center on October 24 marked his only points.
His experience with the senior squad extended to the ACB. He averaged 1.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 0.3 steals per game over four appearances in the ongoing Regular Season with the team coached by Chus Mateo.
“To play for Real Madrid was amazing,” the youngster recapped, “They are a great organization and have helped me so much in my basketball development. It is exciting to go to the United States for college, and so many more top players are coming over, making the decision easier. I wanted to continue to get better, and college seemed like a good next step.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net