Malick the Filipino

The Philippines is a long way from Senegal. Still, basketball has provided a bridge between the two countries, and the result is a newly-minted Filipino named Malick Diouf. From his humble origins to unpredicted rise in local basketball, this soft-spoken seven-footer has earned the love of his adoptive homeland.

“I was saying I don’t know anything about Philippines,” Diouf recalls. “I had a friend who had been playing here. He said: “As a brother, I think you can play here. And you can also study.”

That simple promise of a better life led Malick to a 26-hour flight to the country. He never expected basketball to be huge here.

Of course it was not easy for Malick to move to the country on the advice of a friend who foresaw a better future for him. Since Senegalese primarily speak French, he had to learn English from scratch. Naturally, it was spiced up with some local expletives, as provided by his more mischievous teammates. Now that he has a handle on things, the decision to put down roots was not a difficult one.

“It’s easy to answer the question, because I’ve been here for seven years now,” says the two-time UAAP basketball champion from UP. “I feel at home. I love the culture. I love the people. Playing in the UCBL, playing in the UAAP. I feel at home. People are very friendly. So when they asked me about naturalization, ah, I don’t need to think twice.”

Diouf was in Isabela playing for the home team Ilagan in The Asian Tournament when he received the news three weeks ago. He had missed games earlier in the week to attend congressional hearings in Manila. He, Benny Boatwright and Elizabeth Means were all vying for citizenship. Upon receiving the good tidings, his smile grew even wider. He can now play for the national 3X3 team, and later on, perhaps the 5-on-5 squad, as well. And he had no doubt that it would happen.

“I was hoping, just having the positive vibes,” he admitted. “Since I was doing my best, I think they are also gonna do their best.”

Malick Diouf appreciates the rare opportunity he has been given. When his family members visited, they were happily surprised how people treated him so well. For his part, he has reciprocated with kindness, humility, and hard work. How can he not be a Filipino?

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The full interview with Malick Diouf is on Basketball Universe PHL on YouTube and Facebook.