NDOUR Astou

General
UPCOMING TRANSFER
She has signed a contract with Italian team Reyer Venezia for the 2021/22 season, joining after the 2021 WNBA season finishes. She hopes to continue playing in both Europe and United States of America in the future. "Strength [to combine both things] comes from passion. The time will come when I cannot do it, but I enjoy the day to day. Honestly, there are times when you wonder if all that effort is worth it but I enjoy what I do, getting to know different countries and wonderful people. And, above all, I have the impulse to be a reference for girls who tell me that they are inspired by me. When you feel tired, you immediately think about them and move on, and I am moved by their messages." (gigantes.com, 01 Jul 2021; elpais.com, 23 Jun 2021)

ROOTS IN SENEGAL
She was born in Dakar, Senegal, and went to Spain for the first time in 2008 to try out for a club in Gran Canaria. She became a Spanish citizen in 2011, but maintains links with Senegal and runs a foundation there that offers basketball coaching and education to young people. "Before, I didn't have this opportunity when I played basketball; equipment and things like that. I didn't want the next generation to have the same issue. I wanted them to have good conditions, like places to practice and to be able to go to school." (elpais.com, 23 Jun 2021; si.com, 18 May 2020)

NUMBER 45
She wears number 45 in tribute to Michael Jordan, who is her favourite basketball player of all time. "When I was a kid I would always watch him. That's why I wear No. 45 [Jordan's second jersey number when he returned from retirement]. I love the way he played, his mentality on and off the court." (si.com, 18 May 2020)