Senegal's Maurice NDour signed by Knicks

MANILA, Philippines – Senegal forward Maurice NDour wowed Manila crowds during the five-day 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila has been signed to a two-year contract by the New York Knicks last Wednesday, July 13.

 

In his Instagram account, the 24-year old Senegal native said, “Thanks Real Madrid for the opportunity and to the fans for all the support, it was a pleasure playing for you guys. God has blessed me with an opportunity and I will be taking my talents to the New York Knicks. I am very grateful to put on the blue and orange #2 jersey. A new chapter is about to be written. Knicks fans, here I come.”

 

NDour impressed crowds and scouts with his hustle, athleticism, and strong play around the paint as he posted stats of 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. His putback dunk during Senegal’s match versus Turkey where he came all the way from the outside to slam a teammate’s miss is one of the tournament highlights.

 

Although Senegal, like host country, the Philippines, did not advance to the knockout rounds, they won the adulation of the crowd. And NDour was one reason. Said NDour the day before he left Manila on July 11 for a flight bound for New York City, he expressed excitement about pursuing his NBA Dream. “I could go to the D-League but the ultimate goal is the NBA.”

 

NDour suited up for the Knicks in last season’s summer league but got injured along the way. He has one year guaranteed in his two-year contract where he joins a team that has Latvian forward-center Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn playing the four-spot. He joins former Real Madrid teammate Willy Hernangomez, the Knicks’ second round Draft selection (35th overall) on this New York line-up. That brings to four the total number of Spanish league veterans. That includes Porzingis who suited up for Sevilla from 2011-15 and Slovenian forward Sasha Vujacic who played for the basque club Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in 2014.