Bakary Dibba (206-PF-2001, agency: Blacktop Management) is a 22 year old 206cm forward from Denmark that just completed his first season with German Pro A team PS Karlsruhe helping them win the Pro A title averaging 14,6ppg, 6,8rpg, 1,1apg and 1,2spg. He played with the Tigers Tuebingen from 2021-2023 playing 81 Pro A games averaging 3,3ppg and 7,0ppg in his 2 seasons and also played 27 Regionalliga games averaging 17,8ppg and 20,9ppg. He began his basketball career with Copenhagen Basketball (BasketLigaen) averaging 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 54.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Bakary for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on winning the Pro A title with PS Karlsruhe. How does it feel winning the pro A title?

Thank you! Winning the Pro A title with PS Karlsruhe feels incredible. It’s a culmination of all the hard work and dedication we’ve put in throughout the season. The entire team, coaching staff, and fans have been amazing, and it’s an honor to bring this title home.

Is it fair to say that this was the ultimate Cinderella story or just a Cinderella story for PS Karlsruhe?

I wouldn’t call it a Cinderella story. We knew our potential from the beginning and worked hard to realize it. This victory is the result of our dedication, talent, and perseverance.

If someone had told you in September 2023 that PS Karlsruhe would win the 2024 Pro A title what would you have thought?

I would have believed it. We had the right mix of talent, chemistry, and coaching. From the beginning, we aimed high and believed in our capabilities to achieve this success.

Jessi Ani told me on Saturday a day before the final game in Frankfurt that there would be no more fairytale talk after Sunday. Were you sick of hearing all the hate and fairytale talk?

Absolutely. We were confident in our abilities and knew we were more than just a fairytale. We were determined to prove our critics wrong and show that our success was built on hard work and skill.

I think PS Karlsruhe was locked in as a team from the start of the season. How vital was consistency and team chemistry?

Consistency and team chemistry were crucial. From the start, we focused on building strong relationships on and off the court. Our ability to work together and support each other through highs and lows made all the difference.

PS Karlsruhe easily swept the Fraport Skyliners in the final. Is it fair to say that you wanted it more and Frankfurt already had their final against Trier?

I think we definitely showed more hunger in the finals. Frankfurt had a tough series against Trier, and perhaps they were a bit drained. But we stayed focused and determined to win, and that was evident in our performance.

I joked with Garai Zeeb after game 4 in Frankfurt vs Trier that PS Karlsruhe doesn´t even need him as his injury has limited him in the last weeks. What has been the secret to performing so well without him?

Garai is a vital part of our team, and his leadership and experience are invaluable. Even when he couldn’t play, his presence and support were felt. We had to step up collectively and fill the gap, which speaks to our depth and resilience as a team.

Michael Flowers was the league MVP, but couldn´t O Showen Williams have been the league MVP? How important was he truly for the team?

O Showen Williams was absolutely crucial for us. His ability to make plays, score, and defend at a high level was instrumental in our success. He could have easily been the MVP, and his contributions were invaluable.

Victor Bailey exploded for 48 points in the final and was MVP. He was the x-factor. How often did you tell him to be aggressive on the court?

We encouraged Victor to be aggressive every game. His scoring ability is phenomenal, and we knew that if he played confidently, he could be unstoppable. His performance in the final was a testament to his hard work and talent.

Dennis Tunstall JR was the real junkyard dog. What was it like for you to share the court with him? You are physically a little like him. What could you take from his game?

Dennis is an incredible player to share the court with. His toughness and tenacity are inspiring. I’ve learned a lot from his defensive mindset and relentless energy. He’s a great example of how to impact the game beyond just scoring.

How vital was Garai Zeeb as a teammate during the season and when he was injured the last month? Did his leadership push the team over the top?

Garai’s leadership was vital. Even when he was injured, he was constantly motivating us and providing guidance. His experience and strategic insights were key to keeping us focused and driven.

Lachlan Dent was the perfect point guard. What did you enjoy most about his game and passing? Did you have a favorite pass from him?

Lachlan’s vision and ability to create opportunities were outstanding. He made the game easier for everyone around him. My favorite passes were the no-look assists he would throw, catching defenders off guard and setting up easy baskets for us.

How important has head coach Alexsandar Scepanovic been? How much credit does he get for the success of team?

Coach Scepanovic deserves a lot of credit. His strategies, preparation, and ability to get the best out of each player were crucial. He believed in us and pushed us to reach our full potential.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player would best fit the description?

I’d say my game is similar to someone like Draymond Green. I focus on being versatile, playing tough defense, and contributing in multiple areas, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or making the right play.

You had a great season averaging 14/6/1/1/1 stats. You have improved your game every season in the Pro A. How would you summarize your play this season?

This season, I focused on being more consistent and improving my all-around game. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made, but I know there’s always room for improvement. I’d summarize it as a season of growth and contribution to our team’s success.

Jessi Ani said this about you. “He crashes at the rim with his head and heart. He is very coachable and a great role model”. Is your heart one of the biggest that there is?

That’s very kind of Jessi to say. I do play with a lot of heart and passion. I believe that giving everything you have, both mentally and physically, is crucial in sports and life.

Your minutes rose from 13 to 27 and you made big strides as a defender? How did you grow as a defender and how vital was Alexsandar Nadjfeji in helping your game?

Growing as a defender took a lot of hard work and learning. Coach Nadjfeji was instrumental in that process. He taught me the importance of positioning, reading the game, and being proactive rather than reactive.

You are a modern day big man. On what areas of your game will you be working on most this summer to keep being able to improve your game?

This summer, I’ll be focusing on my shooting, especially from beyond the arc, and improving my ball-handling skills. I also want to continue getting stronger and more agile to better guard multiple positions.

You went from the Regionalliga to the Pro A. How realistic is the easyCredit BBL for you?

The easyCredit BBL is definitely a goal for me. I believe that with continued hard work and development, I can compete at that level. It’s all about staying focused and seizing opportunities.

Who was the toughest player that you faced this season in the Pro A at your position?

There were many tough opponents, but I’d say the toughest was probably Terry Thomas from the Artland Dragons. His physicality and skill set made him a challenging matchup.

You began your basketball career at Copenhagen Basketball (BasketLigaen). How did your game grow there under Jeffrey Fawme?

Playing under Jeffrey Fawme was foundational for me. He emphasized the basics and instilled a strong work ethic. I learned a lot about the game’s fundamentals and what it takes to compete at a high level.

You played 2 seasons with the Tigers Tuebingen. How thankful are you to Danny Jansson for finding you and bring ingyou to Germany in 2021? Where would you be right now had you not signed with Tuebingen?

I’m extremely thankful to Danny Jansson. He saw potential in me and gave me a chance to prove myself in Germany. Without that opportunity, I’m not sure where I’d be, but it definitely opened doors for my professional career.

How important were the day to day battles last season with Kriss Helmanis? How did he make you a better player?

Battling with Kriss Helmanis every day was crucial. He’s a tough competitor and pushed me to improve my game. Those practices were intense and helped me develop resilience and skill.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

My NBA Mount Rushmore would include:
1. Michael Jordan
2. LeBron James
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4. Magic Johnson
These players have had an enormous impact on the game and their legacies speak for themselves.

Who is your GOAT?

For me, the GOAT is Michael Jordan. His competitive spirit, skill, and impact on the game are unmatched. He set the standard for excellence in basketball and continues to inspire generations.

Thanks Bakary for the chat.