Former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf offers support to fellow UP Fighting Maroons in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) like JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo.
Zamboanga Valientes big man Malick Diouf expressed his pride in seeing former UP Fighting Maroons teammates JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo succeed in their own right as they play in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
After winning a championship together and playing with each other for several years in the UAAP, Diouf was no stranger to what Cagulangan and Tamayo can do, with the former being named Finals MVP late last year, as the Fighting Maroons regained the throne.
As he searches for his own next step in his career, Diouf said that he was always one to encourage his friends.
“Wishing all the Pinoys playing there [in Korea] especially my teammates JD and Carl, they’re doing really well and I always tell them to keep it up and do good,” he said during the Zamboanga Valientes’ open practice ahead of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Diouf is also making moves on his own, eager to also move forward in his professional career.
Expected to be a key cog in the Valientes’ maiden bid in Dubai, the Senegalese center hopes to catch the attention of any scouts who have their eyes in the anticipated tiff.
“It’s a good opportunity playing in Dubai because you know, it’s international league, everybody wants to play there and there’s a lot of scouts. I think if I do my best, hopefully I would get a chance to play outside.” said Diouf.
Though Diouf isn’t closing doors to international opportunities, the former UP standout also said that he is simply waiting for a call should the PBA come knocking. Already being based in the Philippines for the past several years, he isn’t averse to taking his talents to Asia’s oldest league.
“Yeah, I’m always ready [to play in the PBA]. Since I’ve been here for several years. I think I’m always ready for the call. Just waiting for my time.” he said.
In the meantime, though, Diouf is dedicating his time to the Zamboanga Valientes and to an extent, the UP Fighting Maroons.
During their UAAP season, Diouf was able to share his experience still with his former team, as he frequented their practices, and despite the key exits of Quentin Millora-Brown and Cagulangan, Diouf believes his team will still be the one to beat come Season 88.
“Yeah, because if I don’t have training, I always join them [in UP]. I give them some tips, especially the bigs. I always talk to them. Their wings, everybody. I always teach them, share my experience with them,” he said.
“Just wish them the best so for now, I think they have QMB who left, and Maimai. I think everybody stayed, I think we still have the same team, with the rookies coming. I think we will have the same UP,” he added.