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5 things to know about Timberwolves big man Gorgui Dieng

By Jake Paynting

SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 05: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 05: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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Senegal’s centre Gorgui Dieng gestures during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B match Senegal vs Argentina at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Sevilla on September 3, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images)
Senegal’s centre Gorgui Dieng gestures during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B match Senegal vs Argentina at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Sevilla on September 3, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) /

5. He hails from Senegal

There are many players in the NBA in this era that are originally from Africa, which a huge step for a country that is ever growing in the basketball community. Gorgui Dieng is a staple of this African movement.

Raised in Senegal, a West African country with over 15 million occupants, Dieng has had a meteoric rise from a 16-year-old who had only just started playing basketball, to consistent NBA role player with a four-year, $64 million contract.

He also dominates for his country, averaging 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per contest per FIBA.

After playing well in the ‘Basketball Without Borders’ competition in 2009, Dieng made his mind up on his future. He spoke in typical Dieng fashion – shortly and sharply – to The Ringer about that life changing moment.

"“I was like, ‘Oh. I want to be NBA player'” he said. “If I can be. I will be.”"

And the rest is history.

He turned his dream in to a reality, and now Gorgui Dieng as reaped the benefits; a solid role and a big contract, now he just needs to find the victories, and all will be complete for Gorgui. A rare Senegalese player in the NBA, Gorgui Dieng continues to do his country proud with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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