Mamadou Diallo (190-SF-2003) is a 21 year old 190cm guard That helped the Dragons Rhondorf win the 2024 Pro B title averaging 2,8ppg and 1,1rpg. He played the last 2 seasons also with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team averaging 9.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 69.6% and 13.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career in Cologne and then played 3 years in the ratiopharm Ulm program playing NBBL (U-19) and with the Regionalliga team BBU 01 Ulm. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Congrats Mamadou on winning the 2024 Pro B title. How does it feel? Was this your first title?

Yes it was my first pro title. It was a great feeling.

The goal was clear at the start that the Dragons Rhondorf wanted to win the title. The club had ups and downs like any other successful team, but what made this group of individuals so special?

I think important was that we got to know each other very quickly at the start of the season. It showed in the first games that allowed us to build a big winning streak. We had highs and lows in the season, but knew that we would have to be ready in the playoffs. Our team chemistry was really strong.

The Dragons Rhondorf allowed a 9-0 run to end game 1 in Rhondorf to win only by 2 points. How much of this was a blessing in disguise for the team mentality going into the final game in Cologne?

We would have liked to have had a bigger lead going into the last game. We knew that we would have to play with a higher intensity in the final game in Cologne. Coaches motivational speech on the Saturday was helpful.

Another blessing in disguise was Antonio Pilipovic who wanted to show his ex team RheinStars that he is an incredible player. Was his focus at another level during the weekend? How sure were you that he could heighten the Friday game on Sunday?

You don´t see it on his face as it is always the same. But you could notice in the game that he really wanted to win. He hit big three´s in phases where we really needed it. He saved us in many phases. But overall the whole team was ready.

Going into the Sunday game, I was sure the Dragons could eclipse it´s 15 three´s from Friday. It hit I believe a season 20 three´s. What exactly did the team do together on Saturday during shooting practice?

We didn´t take shots, but just watched video. We had a bad first quarter where we didn´t hit much at all. I think that we had phases where we hit very well. Runs are a part of the game.

How focused was Antonio Pilipovic? He hit 13 three´s in the two games against his old team RheinStars. What kind of relationship did you have with him over the season?

I have a good relationship with him. We are both from Cologne.

The team also played it´s best defense of the season when it counted the most on Sunday in Cologne. You told me after the game that the team didn´t really make any adjustments. Did the intensity and passion to defend conquer all?

We knew that it would be our last game and we had to give all we had. I think that we wanted it more than Cologne did. We had problems on defense during the season, but as time went on we got better. We had to tweak little things in the playoffs.

How vital was head coach Stephan Dohrn for the success? Was his motivation and in game coaching that helped you guys the most this season?

He was a big factor. He was always focused and made the right subs and found the right words. You could see how relived he was after we won the title.

The whole Dragons Rhondorf team were part of the success, but talk about the motor of Tyreese Blunt. Where would the club have been without his focus and will to always win and play his best and to be able to hit big shot time in and time out?

He didn´t practice with us much during the regular season because of his BBL duties. He practiced maybe once a week with us. We had good team chemistry without him, but his strong individual qualities could help us at anytime in a game. When his BBL season was over, he practiced with us on a regular basis and our team chemistry was heightened.

Badu Buck was also a very important player in the season. He may have gotten a little lost in the shadow of Tyreese Blunt. Now looking back what did you appreciate the most about his game?

I don´t think that he was in the shadow of Tyreese. He was one of our team leaders with Kelvin Omojola. He always had the right words and always motivated the younger players. He was an incredible leader for us

Janne Muller had a great rookie season. A 17 year old that played many years past his real age. His self-confidence and drive is unnormal for his age. How did he develop?

He just did his thing all season long. The energy he had to attack the rim was one of a kind for his age. He was always playing aggressive and had a high motor. He always gave all he had.

Marko Rosic, a player that was as efficient as possible whenever he came off the bench. How did you see his game grow as well?

I had known him since my Ulm days. We lived 2 years in the Orange Academy boarding school. He knew coming in that he would be the back up to Kelvin Omojola. He told me at the start of the season that he wanted to use this season as one to concentrate on learning. He did a good job with the organization on the court and always finding us. He is the kind of player that has no ego.

Who was the most improved player on the Dragons Rhondorf this season?

Janne Mueller.

Let´s talk about your game. You played 24 games averaging 2.8ppg, 1.1rpg in 7,7 minutes in the Pro B?. How would you summarize your season?

It was difficult at the start as I practiced with the Regionalliga and Pro B and had games with both teams. I was often very tired. I always got good feedback from coach Dohrn. I played the 4 which wasn´t my natural position. He was happy that I gave the effort to play it. When my Regionalliga season was over, everything got easier especially mentally. I had better games. I think my defense improved the most in the Pro B. We played an aggressive unorthodox style of defense. I learned to defend more aggressively and annoy the opponent earlier.

How tough was it for you personally to fight for minutes with so many other talented guards and not get as much minutes?

It was tough at the start, because the difference in qualities especially with guys that came from the Pro A, but I was a young player and coach told me to concentrate on my strengths and that is what I did. Coach gave me more responsibility with time and I was able to play in more games.

How important was the Regionalliga season the last 2 years for you? How did your game grow there?

I played a lot in the Regionalliga, because we had small rosters. I had more minutes and had more responsibility. Being able to play so much made the transition to the pro B a lot easier.

You had a 17 point game against Ehingen where you went 7/7 from the 2 point range. Was that your best game?

Yes I think so. Coach started me that game and wanted to give me a push going into the playoffs. It felt good starting that game. I think my first pro B game in Schwenningen where I scored 6 points was a good game. It showed me I could play in the Pro B.

Who was your toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season?

Trevian Bell from Frankfurt.

You played 3 years in the Ulm system. How important were these 3 years in your basketball development?

It was an important part of my development. I had in juries often and it was the time of Covid. I loved practicing at the campus there. Coaches were always prepared to help with individual training. I got there at age 16 and was away from my family. The start was tough, but I adjusted better with time. I noticed when I left that I really had improved my game.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jacob Emsinger?

I think Jake won those games. He was taller and a strong player with a great IQ.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will remain with the Dragons Rhondorf?

I don´t know yet. At the moment I´m in Bonn training with guys like Janne Muller and Chris Sengfelder preparing for next season. I´m in contact with coach Dohrn. Something will happen soon.

What is your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Curry, Giannis, Jordan, Kobe

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Thanks Mamadou for the chat.