Hamidou Diallo in Conakry: what his return to Guinea means

A basketball camp to share his expertise

Like Paul Pogba last year, American basketball player of Guinean descent Hamidou Diallo is set to walk on the soil of his ancestors once again. The Detroit Pistons guard (NBA) is expected in Conakry, where he will run a basketball camp and also hold coaching sessions, during which around a hundred young people will be taught how to play basketball. The initiative has been made possible thanks to the involvement of the Guinean Basketball Federation. "To see NBA players take such an interest in Guinea, we should be proud of that. For some years now we have been welcoming NBA players and others playing in the major European leagues. I believe it is an excellent thing for Guinean basketball. We have reason to be proud," says Sakoba Kéita.

Over these two days of camp, Conakry will be buzzing with basketball. Between coaching sessions and the camp itself, the schedule looks packed for the Detroit Pistons (NBA) player. "During this stay, he will run a camp where 100 young players will benefit from a series of training sessions," explains Sakoba Kéita. As well as his expertise, the young players will benefit from equipment donated by the NBA star. "It is a huge acknowledgement for Guinean basketball. Things are moving forward," says the president of the Guinean Basketball Federation, clearly delighted.

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Hamidou Diallo and Alpha Diallo with the Syli basketball team?

Hamidou Diallo of the Detroit Pistons (NBA) will set foot on the land of his ancestors for the second time. Two years ago, Sékou Doumbouya, who was then playing for the Detroit Pistons (NBA), and Alpha Diallo, currently a forward with AS Monaco (D1-France), shared the same court at an exhibition game in Conakry. The homecoming gives the Guinean Basketball Federation hope of seeing these stars pull on the Syli basketball jersey in upcoming competitions.

"Things are moving forward. We have Alpha Diallo, who is eligible to join the Syli basketball team. And he wants to join the national side. Hamidou Diallo is showing his patriotism. He is always there. With time and trust, he will want to play for his country of origin," says Sakoba Kéita. "On the Federation's side, we are working with FIBA to get all these players into the national team. I believe that within two or three years, we will be able to have them in the Syli ranks. And Guinea will be among the best on the continent," the president of the Guinean Basketball Federation assures.

Humanitarian work in the background

Originally from Mamou, a city roughly 250 km north-east of the capital Conakry, Hamidou Diallo will also get involved in humanitarian work by donating to certain hospitals, having previously funded the construction of boreholes in a locality struggling with a lack of access to drinking water. The president of the Guinean Basketball Federation says this valuable assistance is awaited as a relief. " After Conakry, he will go to Mamou to run a camp and also get involved in humanitarian work as he has done in the past", says Sakoba Kéita.

Mamadou Gongorè DIALLO