Cards Add Two Front-Line Men's Basketball Standouts
July 19, 2000 | Men's Basketball
May 18, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Daouda Cisse, a 6-8, 215-pound forward from St. Jude High School in Montgomery, Ala., and Joseph N'Sima, a 6-8, 215-pound forward/center from Riverside (Ca.) Community College have each signed a national letter-of-intent to continue their basketball playing careers at the University of Louisville.
Cisse (pronounced SEE-say) averaged 17 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.1 blocked shots as a senior last season for Coach Harry Scott as St. Jude posted a 22-8 record, advancing to the semifinals of the state championship. He shot 51 percent from the field and 72 percent at the free throw line.
"Daouda is a physical player and a hard worker," said University of Louisville Head Basketball Coach Denny Crum. "He runs the floor really well, is a good passer and has the ability to guard players inside or out on the floor. With his good work ethic, you can see him improving every year."
Cisse, who has played basketball less than four years, hails from Bamako, Mali, located in West Africa. He played two seasons of AAU-level basketball in Mali and one season at St. Jude.
A soccer player since childhood, Cisse earned all-state and all-region honors last season at St. Jude. He was the top scorer for his AAU squad during the Spiece Run 'N Slam Tournament in West Lafayette earlier this month while earning all-tournament honors.
"Daou is a tremendous shot blocker and rebounder," said Scott. "He's an extremely hard worker, whether it be on the court, in the weight room, running or whatever it takes. His goal is clearly to be the best he can be. He's still learning a lot, but made great improvement during the year."
Cisse chose Louisville after also considering Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Virginia, Tulane and UAB.
N'Sima (pronounced SEE-ma) averaged 8.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots a game as a sophomore last season for Coach Bob Russo. He shot 50 percent from the field and 49 percent at the free throw line.
N'Sima helped Riverside to a 26-11 record and the final eight of the California state championship, where it lost in overtime to eventual champion Porterville College. He blocked a school-record 108 shots last season at Riverside.
"Joseph is a good shot blocker and rebounder," said Crum. "He has a long wing span and plays a lot taller than 6-8. His defensive ability is ahead of his offense skills, which you could expect from someone who has only been playing basketball a short time. He's a true post player that can really help us inside."
A native of Paris, France, N'Sima played on a junior national team which reached the final four teams of the French Cup three straight seasons (1996-98). He began playing basketball at the age of 16 after also competing in swimming, soccer and volleyball. He played his freshman year of junior college at Southern Idaho.
"Joseph has a strong presence on the defense end of the floor," said Russo. "He blocks shots, rebounds and runs the floor really well. He's really aggressive inside."
N'Sima chose to attend Louisville after also considering Rhode Island, UCLA, Marquette and Tulane.
The Cardinals have added six players to its 2000-2001 roster, including four high school products who earlier signed with the Cardinals this year. The list includes 6-8 Ellis Myles of Centennial High School in Compton, Ca., 6-7 Simeon Naydenov of the Berkshire School in Miami, Fla., 6-7 Luke Whitehead of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., and 6-8 Mac Wilkinson of Ballard High School in Louisville.
