De reserved nature, “quite shy”, she admits, Aby Diallo is no less ambitious: “I would like to play in LFB, make my place in this league and, perhaps, then play in a even better league. » A dream that comes together in the present for the young Auscitain leader. Indeed, if she will be present on the floor of the Espace François-Mitterrand this Saturday (5:15 p.m.) with the Espoirs de Basket Landes to face Saumur as part of a match at the top of NF2, the player trained in Fleurance and passing through the Pôle de Toulouse has already tasted the scent of the Elite. A bit of a surprise the first time.
A last-minute guest, Aby participated (for 8 minutes) in the Champions Match against Lyon, won (77-49) by Julie Barennes’ team in the company of Angela Salvadores, Sam Fuehring and others. Since this unique appearance at the start of the 2023-2024 season, the STAPS student, who aspires to become a physical trainer, has been sharing her daily life this season with the pros – “super nice and who are always there for us” –, continues the trips and training which “are very enriching”.
The LFB in the back of your mind
Returning twice in LFB (at Charleville and against Bourges) and three times in the Euroleague (against Besiktas then at Salamanca), for a total of 36 minutes and five points scored, Aby Diallo knows perfectly well what Julie Barennes expects at each of these precious minutes: “Give 100% on the pitch in defense and, above all, try my shots when I’m alone, don’t refuse them, don’t be afraid to play! » A “head coach” who is always attentive and keen to provide advice.
Unfortunately, Aby Diallo’s progress was hampered by an ankle injury and his early season performances were rather inconsistent. Lucid, the young leader admits “having had some good performances, but not in all matches”. However, the start of the season for the U20s of Basket Landes, whether in NF2 or in Espoirs, is perfectly successful with only one defeat for eight victories, the last of which was away to Roche Vendée (57-81). Convinced that her return to the pros will involve performances with the Espoirs team, Aby Diallo intends to give everything, starting on Saturday: “We get along really well. There is a very good atmosphere and it shows on the pitch in NF2. For now, we are within our objectives. »And from an individual point of view, so does she.
Basket Landes Espoirs (2nd/13 pts) – Saumur (3rd/12 pts)
Lieu Mont-de-Marsan (Mitterrand area). Hourly This Saturday, at 5:15 p.m. Referees MM. Marbat and Saint-Germain.
LANDES ESPOIRS BASKETBALL The group Darrieutort, Diallo, Héléno, Mercier, Uriarte, Dechanoz, Brouste, Duportal, Caille-Allah-Rabaye, N’Diaye, Lambert
