MANILA, Philippines -- Another UAAP standout in ex-UP center Malick Diouf is set to ply his trade abroad after signing with the Pacific Caesar Surabaya in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).
The Senegalese anchor served as one of the vital heads in UP’s historic championship run in Season 84 to snap a 36-year drought en route to a Finals Most Valuable Player citation behind averages of 11.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals, two assists, and 1.0 blocks.
He then won the Season MVP award in Season 85 with averages of 10.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals before a Mythical Team citation in Season 86 on 12.08 points, 13.23 rebounds, 1.62 blocks and 1.15 steals for his swan song.
On both occasions, UP finished runner-up to Ateneo and La Salle, respectively, before finally completing redemption in Season 87 this month with the gracious presence of Diouf behind the bench.
After his UAAP stint, Diouf led the Zamboanga Valientes to the championship of The Asian Tournament this year.
Diouf is expected to carry over those numbers to the IBL, where PBA resident import and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee of Barangay Ginebra also saw action.
Brownlee steered Pelita Jaya to the IBL title last year and the same is anticipated on Diouf as a proven winner and high-caliber player in the collegiate ranks.