Shaped by the values instilled at NBA Academy Africa by mentor Coach Roland Houston, the Senegalese rising star returned home with Monastir — and now sets his sights on the BAL playoffs in South Africa.
Before becoming one of the most promising young basketball players in Africa, Babacar Sané learned how to work, lead, and grow at the NBA Academy Africa. And for that, he credits one coach in particular: Roland Houston.
“Everything is about work. Working every single day,” Sané said to ViaggioSport. “At the NBA Academy, I learned how to become a man,” Sané said. “As Coach Houston always told us, we weren’t just there to play basketball: we were there to grow, to learn responsibility, and to prepare for life. That really stuck with me.”
Now 21, Sané has already taken major steps on the international stage. After starring with the NBA G League Ignite, he joined US Monastir this season in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). But when he returned home and faced local club ASC Ville de Dakar, emotions ran high.
It was a powerful and paradoxical moment. Sané shined on the court, but he did so against his fellow Senegalese, in the city where he was born. In their last game,, Monastir won 77–68, eliminating the hometown team from playoff contention — and securing their own spot in the BAL playoffs.
“It was beautiful,” Sané said with a smile. “I’m used to playing in front of fans who support me… but today, I got to feel what it’s like to play against the fans. And it was an amazing experience. I know they still love me — I could feel that — but it was different. And we won.”
Despite wearing Monastir’s jersey, Sané’s heart clearly remained tied to Senegal. His journey is part of a broader wave of African talent rising through the ranks, many of whom, like him, came through the NBA Academy system.
Next stop: Pretoria, where Sané will compete in the BAL playoffs in June.
Asked about the future of the league as a tool for growth, Sané was optimistic:
“The BAL will keep growing. Every year, we see more progress,” he said. “As Amadou Gallo Fall said, one day NBA players will come play here. It’ll go both ways — talent from Africa will go to the U.S. and Europe, and players from those continents will come to Africa. Why not? African basketball is rising.”
And his message to young kids dreaming of following in his footsteps?
“Try your luck at the NBA Academy. I hope you get that opportunity — not everyone does. But believe in yourself. Work as hard as you possibly can. You can become whatever you want.”
Babacar Sané is living proof of this inspirational concept. And even while representing Monastir, his presence was a victory for Senegalese basketball.
