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Soumaila Samake
Drafted by New Jersey Nets in Round 2, pick 36
Position: Center
College: Cincinnati Stuff (IBL)
Conference:
Height: 7'2"
Weight: 230
Age:
Birthdate: 03/18/78
High School:

NBA fans had better learn how to pronounce this guy's name, because he's got game. Here's some help: Soumaila (soo-My-luh) Samake (sa-MAH-key). NBA scouts learned the proper pronunciation of Samake's name in a hurry as they flocked to IBL games to seek him labor for the Cincinnati Stuff. Though a raw talent -- this native of West Africa didn't play college basketball -- there is obviously much in Samake's game to excite the NBA. He led the IBL in blocked shots and shot 56 percent from the field and a respectable 69 percent from the free-throw line. He averaged 9.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. Samake was a tad foul prone (255 in 60 games, for a 4.25 average) and had 143 turnovers, but his upside has the scouts salivating. Look for him to go in the first round.

Career Statistics
Season  FGs  PCT  3-pts  PCT  FTs  PCT  RPG  APG  BLK  STL  PTs  AVE 
'99-00 60 235-413 .569 0-2 .000 114-165 .691 7.6 0.6 162 (2.7) 27 584
 

Notables

  • Only began watching the game six years ago
  • His father is a dairy farmer in Boudouni, Mali -- a nation in West Africa
  • Turned down a scholarship to play in Wyoming so he could play professionally in Europe for three years
  • Named Defensive Player of the Year in the IBL
  • "I heard how much money they make, what kind of car they have, what kind of house they build," Samake says of NBA players. "I say, 'I can do this.'"


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