At this point, Sika Koné does not need any letter of introduction among basketball fans. The sportswoman of Spar Gran Canaria is being the most outstanding player this season in Liga Femenina Endesa. At 20 years old, she is breaking competition records: he recently set the best valuation mark in recent years by reaching a credit of 45 points. On the other hand, the pivot is a key piece of the Mali National Team, with whom she has managed to fight for medals in recent years. In his record, the Under 19 World Cup in Hungary stands out, as well as the silver medal in the Afrobasket 2021. Her qualities and work caught the attention of the prestigious WNBA in 2022, thus being chosen 29th in the Draft by the New York Liberty.
The yellow player attends Mate Al Aro with the aim of knowing her impressions about the work she is doing with the team led by José Carlos Ramos and Tony Viera; at the same time, details of his career are addressed and he admits the next challenges that he sets at a professional level. She is ready for a new challenge.
First of all, thank you very much for serving us. How do you remember your beginnings in sport?
I started playing very young, at the age of 12 or 13. I was in a training club in my country and then I went to play in the Canary Islands. It was hard for me to leave everything behind, especially my family and friends. I wanted to fulfill my dream of growing up in basketball, so I took the opportunity that the Canterbury School in Gran Canaria gave me.
Later, you made the leap to Club Baloncesto Islas Canarias in the 2019/2020 academic year to compete in the Women’s League 2 (LF2). It was an atypical campaign, which would end up being suspended due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Despite this, the yellow team fulfilled its objective of ascending to the elite. What can you tell us about how they lived that time?
On a personal level, I was happy to sign for SPAR Gran Canaria because it would help me grow professionally. Also, because the club is a very united family. During the 2019/2020 season the team did a great job on the track, a pity that it was finally canceled due to the pandemic. We had a lot of uncertainty: we didn’t know if we would continue in the LF2 competition or if we would go up to the elite. Finally, it was a joy for everyone that we went up to the highest category.
Precisely, the following season you made your debut in the Endesa Women’s League (LF Endesa) to quickly become a fundamental piece in the dressing room. Currently, how do you feel about being one of the most veteran of the island group, being only 20 years old?
It carries responsibility. I am focusing on supporting my teammates on and off the track, and also on continuing to progress on a personal level. My main goal is to help my team meet its goals, so I try to do my best on the court to achieve victories.
We appreciate that you have received several awards in the form of MVP, in addition to the fact that your name is included in almost all the ideal five. He recently made history by establishing an assessment record in the category -specifically, in the match against Hozono Global Jairis-. What does it mean to receive these awards?
Well, it’s a nice way to recognize my work, but like I said it’s not my goal. Although I am happy to receive them, I prioritize collective work instead of achieving personal recognition.
In an interview we did with Érika de Souza, she congratulated you saying that you are “a girl from another planet” and that if you continues working in this line you will be able to “eat the world”. Do you want to answer her?
It´s an honor for me that a player as veteran as Érika de Souza has those words. She has extensive experience in the Brazilian National Team and at the club level, playing for important teams such as Perfumerías Avenida. It was a privilege to play against her in the match against Hozono Global Jairis.
How do you assess the work that SPAR Gran Canaria is carrying out?
I think we are having a good season! We are striving to correct errors that we have had. We want to stay in LF Endesa because the club deserves it. We will try to do our best in our next challenges to achieve salvation.
Looking at your goals as a professional, would you consider making the leap to a team in Europe or the United States in the future?
I am focused on my work with SPAR Gran Canaria. Right now I am comfortable in Spain, but in the future I do not rule out the possibility of continuing to grow anywhere.
Focusing on the international scene, last year you were selected in the WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty. Do you think you are ready to fulfill the dream of crossing the pond?
I would like to fulfill this dream soon. I think that I am prepared to compete in the WNBA. Also, the New York Liberty are doing an interesting project with the addition of players like Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney. It would motivate me to share a dressing room with athletes like them or Sabrina Ionescu; In addition to facing the rest of the important players. It would also be a plus to have Sandy Brondello as a coach. I’m sure this would help me progress further!
On the other hand, you are one of the great references of the Mali National Team. In recent years, it has contributed to leading it to the fight for medals, being able to boast of successes such as the silver medal at the Afrobasket in Cameroon in 2021. What does it mean to defend your country’s elastic?
It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent my country! I will always be available to be in the Mali National Team to help them meet their goals and improve.
Finally, what message would you like to convey to the fans that support you?
I appreciate the support you are giving me, both directly and through messages on social networks. Thank you for the encouragement and I hope to continue seeing the fans in our games!
From Mate al Aro we thank both the CB Islas Canarias and the player herself and the Communication department for their willingness. We also thank technician Tony Viera for his role as intermediary.
