After winning an NBA title with OKC, Ousmane Dieng is eager to prove himself with France ahead of EuroBasket. The versatile forward hopes to bring his winning mentality and growing experience to a young, competitive team seeking to build something great.
After a season that ended with an NBA title with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ousmane Dieng now faces a new challenge: earning his place in the French national team’s final roster for EuroBasket.
Ousmane Dieng
Ousmane Dieng
Position: SF, SG
Age: 22
Height: 211 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Birth place: Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France
The 22-year-old forward was part of France’s win over Montenegro on Monday in their first warm-up game.
Despite limited playing time in the NBA and a season disrupted by injury, Dieng insists he’s made meaningful progress at OKC.
“I’ve improved in a lot of areas, and the game feels slower now. Physically, I’ve made a lot of strides too,” he told Bebasket's Arthur Puybertier.
“Winning a title was a dream come true, but I also learned a lot during the journey—especially in the playoffs, where every possession counts. That experience is something I want to bring to Team France. I’ve learned how to win titles.”
The wing has never played professionally in France or for the senior national team, with his last appearance in a France jersey dating back to U16 EuroBasket in 2019. He took his first steps with the senior squad on the court in Vendespace, eager to prove that he belongs in the final 12 heading to EuroBasket.
Called up last summer ahead of the Olympics but ultimately cut due to NBA restrictions and early roster reductions, Dieng is determined to seize this new opportunity.
“I want to show what I can bring this time and earn my spot,” he said. “Everyone here is competing for something. It raises the intensity at practice. We all have the same goal: to build something great.”
Against Montenegro, Dieng played under 10 minutes—the shortest time among the French players—but still showed flashes: 2 points on 1/4 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Though still inexperienced with the national team, Dieng is drawing on his championship runs in both the NBA and G-League—where he was Finals MVP last year with OKC Blue—to contribute to the squad's new generation.
“I’m keeping my head down and staying humble. I just want to help the team as much as I can,” he added.
His versatility could be a major asset. “I see myself as a 2-3, but I can also fill in at the 4 or even 5 if needed. I’ve shown that at OKC when we had injuries,” he said.
As he adapts to the France setup, Dieng is also leaning on the guidance of veterans like captain Guerschon Yabusele and center Vincent Poirier.
“Their experience will be valuable—not just the advice, but the example they set. They’re true leaders, both vocally and in how they carry themselves.”
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