Name: Ndeye Astou Ndiaye
Hometown: Keur Mousssa, Thies
Height: 6-1
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
High School: Putnam Science (CT)
Graduation Class: 2025
AAU Club: New York Gauchos
Status: Uncommitted
Ndeye Astou Ndiaye (En·day·a + As·two + En·dee·eye·ay) is a 6-1 Shooting Guard from Keur Mousssa, Thies, Senegal. She's currently a sophomore at Putnam Science Academy, and runs with the New York Gauchos on the AAU circuit. I first discovered Ndiaye late 2021 when I was first introduced to PSA and a few of their prospects in Ines Goryanova and Genevive Wedemeyer, When you see Ndiaye hoop, you might think she was born in a lab. Standing at 6 feet, her bag is pretty deep. She's an excellent shooter with range, a size up specialist in the one-on-one game and has improved throughout the summer as a three level scorer. But, while I can go on-and-on about Ndiaye as a player, I believe that she's had one of the better stories out of any international player that I work with. I won't go into detail, but let's read her interview and get to it. I caught up with the Senegalese prospect on growing up in Senegal, her move to Putnam Science and preparation for year two in the NEPSAC.
The Ndeye Astou Ndiaye Interview
When did you start playing basketball?
“I picked up a ball late, so I’m still pretty new to the game.”
Describe how you are as a player from the skill standpoint?
“I am the type of player who can play different positions. I’d call myself a big guard. I’m skilled, can rebound and I also can shoot the ball. I am good on defense too.”
How was life growing up in Senegal?
“It was not easy at all because I didn’t have a basketball team in my neighborhood. So, I had to go to another place, about a 20 minute drive, to play basketball. Now, we have a team in my village. But it was very hard for me because my school, house and the gym are in different places so it’s a lot of sacrifices to combine basketball and school. I like it because I’d always find a way to play basketball.”
Making the decision to come to America isnt easy. Leaving family and friends behind to follow a dream. How were you able to land at Putnam Science Academy, and how was the process of coming to the states?
“I was in Spain and then one of my friends committed to PSA and I started following their Instagram page. I posted my highlights on my Instagram and coach Devin (Hill) liked it as well. He asked me if I want to come to us and I definitely said yes. It’s been one of my biggest dreams after I played in the JRNBA Global championship with Team Africa. Leaving my family and friends to come to US was very hard for me. I did not know anybody in the US, but also I was learning how to speak English. Everything was different, but I met a lot of good people in Putnam and they’ve helped me a lot with everything.”
How was your freshman season at PSA?
“My freshman year was pretty good because I had good teammates. They helped me a lot. I liked working individually. Before I get to know every player in my team, but once I know everybody it’s become more easier to me.”
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
“My uncle, Yacouba would always help me. He sends me videos of skills work, weight room and other things. I’d be in the gym by myself and do wherever comes to my mind *laughs*. Also, my Senegalese coach, Pape Mohamed helps me.”
How was it touring with the Gauchos this summer?
“It was good through all the ups and downs. The most important thing is I learned a lot of things to develop my game.”
Which basketball player do you look up to the most?
“LeBron James”
Who do you look up to as role models?
“My mother is my role model.”
As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?
“Safety, the academics of course, and as always location. But most importantly, If they can help me to achieve my dreams.”
I know it is still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your sophomore season?
“I have something to prove because I know I can do better. I want to help the team on both side defensively and offensively. I want to be seen in my sophomore season.”
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
“Believe yourself and work hard. Good things take time. Never say never you can be who you want to become.”
Ndeye Astou Ndiaye - Putnam Science '25 | Shot by @psagirlshoops
Twitter @Astooo3As
High School Coach Information
Devin Hill - dhill@putnamscience.org
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