By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Arizona added another European upstart to its squad, as Adama Bal committed to the Wildcats, he told ESPN on Tuesday.
“Coach Tommy Lloyd and his staff were the key,” he explained, “He recruited me at Gonzaga and offered me the first day on the job at Arizona. He showed me how much he wanted me every step of the way. He has a tremendous track record of developing international prospects into NBA players. I was able to talk to Joel Ayayi and Ronny Turiaf, among others, who told me all the best about him.”
Bal, 17, has was featured in France’s squad winning the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship and part of the 2020 ANGT Belgrade Tournament attached to the French club CFBB, based in Paris.
“It came down to opportunity,” he added, “I had no clear intention of going to college and really considered going pro, but offers were fairly limited in France. So when the Arizona offer came around late, with the level of facilities, staff and the development plan for me there, it was really difficult to pass up.”
He will be the fifth European set for Arizona joining Swedish Pelle Larsson, Estonian Kerr Kriisa, and Lithuanians Azuolas Tubelis and Tautvilas Tubelis. Other international players include Oumar Ballo, Ben Mathurin, and Christian Koloko.
“Having three other French speakers and seven internationals will most definitely help. I think it’s going to be a transition early on. I’ve already talked to Bennedict and Oumar a few times on the phone,” said Bal.
Photo Credit: EuroLeague