From Dakar to the NBA Dream: Mouhamed Gueye and the Playoff Chase with the Atlanta Hawks

Also in French on Seneweb: click here.

The young Senegalese player who became a role model for an entire continent

Driven by the strength of his heart and the power of his dreams, Senegalese basketball player Mouhamed Gueye has turned into reality a dream shared by thousands of young Africans: playing in the NBA, the best basketball league in the world.

Born in Dakar, he’s now preparing to compete in the NBA Play-In Tournament with the Atlanta Hawks, hoping to earn a spot in the playoffs — the ultimate goal for any NBA player. But behind this historic opportunity lies a journey built on effort, sacrifice, and relentless ambition.https://viaggiosport.com/2024/12/precious-achiuwa-the-nbas-expansion-in-africa/

Football (Soccer)

Like many children in Senegal, Gueye first started with football.

“I started at four, because everyone was playing soccer,” he told Seneweb in this exclusive interview. But at 16, he made the life-changing decision to switch to basketball — a sport that already ran in his family. “My brother, my sister, my grandfather — they all played.”

Basketball

He met Coach Mamadou, then Coach Dame, an assistant with the national team, both of whom believed in his potential. Thanks to them, he caught the attention of Prolific Prep, a prestigious basketball academy in California. Gueye left for the United States: two years in high school, two more at Washington State, a stint in the G League, and now he’s with the Atlanta Hawks.

Sacrifices

The cost of his dream?

Leaving his family at 16.

“They’re still not here. That’s the hardest part,” he admits.

Inspiration

But the 6’10” forward knows this sacrifice serves a greater purpose — to inspire future generations. Today, he’s a role model for Senegalese and African youth. His message is powerful and full of hope:

“Anything can happen. Stay focused, dream big. Nothing is too crazy.”

Mouhamed embodies that dream — the dream of a kid from Dakar who dared to believe in the impossible. It’s clear that he misses Senegal deeply, but his country is always in his heart.

The BAL

He follows the Basketball Africa League (BAL) closely, which is about to host the Sahara Conference in Dakar.

“It’s great for Africa. I’ve got friends playing there. Basketball is growing so much across the continent.”

Gueye sees the BAL as a key platform to launch new African talent to the next level.

For him, it’s time for players like him to “pass the torch”:

“There’s a lot of talent in Africa. They just need a little help.”

The NBA is opening more doors to Africa — and a new generation is ready to make history.

With just days before a crucial Hawks game, Gueye shares his mindset with the kind of determination that defines champions:

“You just gotta win. Even if it means losing teeth… just win.”

New Dream

And his dream?

“For now, to make the playoffs. Ask me again in a year or two…”

Wolof

At the end of our interview, Mouhamed thanks his Senegalese fans in Wolof, with a simple, heartfelt message:

“Jërëjëf.”

Thank you. For the love, the support, and the encouragement.

Mouhamed Gueye isn’t just a basketball player.

He’s the symbol of an Africa that dreams.

An Africa that fights.

An Africa that wins.