Sayon Keita already dazzles in the NCAA: recital by the Barça youth player

Sayon Keita’s first big night has arrived since he landed in the NCAA. The player trained in the Barça youth ranks left the Catalan club’s youth team to continue his progression at one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Specifically, North Carolina, which is led by a coach with an NBA championship on his resume like Mike Malone.

Keita, 18, officially debuted with the Tar Heels last Tuesday, November 3, against Western Carolina University, a match that ended with an 80-72 victory. However, his first minutes in the NCAA were not as expected, because in 20 minutes of play, the former Barça player only left 4 points, 2 rebounds and 4 fouls.

However, it was not until the third date on the calendar when Sayon Keita left the greatest example of his potential since he arrived in American college basketball. It was this last day, against the University of Wyoming, when the center from Mali offered his best version with the Tar Heels and gave a true recital on defense.

In North Carolina’s 63-76 victory over the Cowboys, Keita was omnipresent on defense and was the most outstanding player of the game. In total, the Barça youth player scored 13 points, converting 6 of his 9 attempts at the basket, captured 8 rebounds, recovered 3 balls and managed up to 6 blocks in 27 minutes of play.

The Malian interior, who already debuted in both the Endesa League and the Euroleague with Barça at the age of 17 before deciding to embark on a new adventure in the United States, left everyone speechless by being a protagonist for the first time at the prestigious university of North Carolina, an unbeatable showcase to continue progressing as a player. With their last victory against Wyoming, the Tar Heels continue with their full victory (3-0) at the start of the season, although they have not yet faced any high-caliber university to measure their real level.