What it takes: Harouna Sissoko’s inspiring journey from Mali to Illinois State’s basketball court

Harouna Sissoko went from having little to no interest in basketball to playing for Mali’s national basketball team to playing for the men’s basketball team at Illinois State University.

From sidelines to center court 

Sissoko, a sport management graduate student, has played for the men’s basketball team at Illinois State. He has garnered tremendous experience both on and off court during the many years he’s spent in Illinois State.

Sissoko’s interest in basketball was inspired by his older brothers. As a teenager, he watched from the sidelines as they played basketball. His interest and prowess in the sport grew expeditiously, and in no time, he was not only playing on the court but had also been drafted to represent Mali in the men’s basketball team of the Afro-basket U-15 tournament in Mali.

“It took a lot of effort to get to that point. My father made it clear that I had to keep up with my studies to keep playing basketball,” Sissoko said, voicing appreciation for the role his father played in steering his career.

The Malian team advanced to the finals of the tournament where they played against Egypt. Just over a year later, he was part of the team that played in the U-17 World Cup in Spain.

“Playing in the World Cup was one of the most exhilarating yet educational experience,” he noted.

Sissoko’s efforts paid off when, while he was in a basketball camp in Mali and graduating from high school in the spring of 2019, he got a scholarship to study recreation and park administration for his undergraduate degree and play basketball at Illinois State.

Life at Illinois State

“Playing for the ISU men’s basketball team was an easy yes for me. I had a good rapport with the coach, the team, and the faculty,” said Sissoko.

He especially appreciates the warm welcome he received from his host family—AJ and Danny Doyle—upon arrival.

“I am eternally grateful for their help in adjusting to life in the U.S. As a native French speaker, constantly speaking with them helped me learn English,” Sissoko affirmed. They were also helpful in adjusting to the U.S. culture as they acquainted him with the dos and don’ts.”

The basketball star quickly acclimated to the cultural differences, humorously noting, “Since I came to the U.S. in the summer of 2019, the Midwest weather is the only part of the U.S. that I am still getting used to.”

Highs and lows

Sissoko quickly got immersed into studies and basketball and explains that he has experienced a myriad of emotions during his academic and athletic tenure at ISU.

“Some of my best moments have been when we win home games, especially when we share the joy with ISU alumni, and we receive recognition for our contribution to the success,” he said. “But the sport also comes with its set of challenges. I have nursed a back injury and twisted ankle, which put me out of play for weeks at a time. Since both injuries were in close succession it took a lot of mental strength to remain focused.”

Another career high happened last summer when the head coach for the Mali national team invited Sissoko to join his team and represent the country in the Olympic qualifications in Lagos, Nigeria. Sissoko was joined by players all over the world, which presented him with the opportunity to network with peers and share the thrill of playing on a continental platform.

Through all the transitions, Sissoko maintains that his hunger and passion for the sport is still as prominent as it was in his teenage years.

Looking ahead

Speaking on his mindset during games, Sissoko said, “Basketball is an instinctive game. If you stop to think during the game, you’re already running out of time,” he says. “The goal is to always stay ahead of the game and know your ‘why’.”

It is this same mindset that he uses in his outlook of the future.

“Admittedly, as a freshman, I wasn’t as enthusiastic about schoolwork as I am now. My perspective has shifted with time. Today, I realize that there’s more to life than basketball. And while I still want to excel at it, I am also keen on excelling beyond the basketball court,” he said.

He credits this change of mindset to the coursework and internship experiences at Illinois State noting that they have enlightened and inspired his interest in other areas of the sport that he intends to pursue in the future.

“When I interned for the premium events and development segments of ISU’s Redbird Athletics, I gained invaluable insight which opened my eyes to life beyond the basketball courts, “he added.

Sissoko draws inspiration from Cheick Diallo, a fellow Malian basketball player who was drafted in the NBA and who runs a foundation that helps citizens in Mali.

He aspires to become a pro basketball player in the future and intends to give back to his homeland by pursuing entrepreneurial ventures which will contribute to the economic and sport development of his home country.

Contact Michelle Kadede at makaded@IllinoisState.edu if you are a CAST student with an inspiring take on ‘what it takes’ to go the extra mile.