Full Name: Ousmane Cisse
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-9 / 250
Birthdate: October 20, 1982 (Bamako, Mali)
High School: Montgomery Catholic HS (Montgomery, AL), then St. Jude HS (Montgomery, AL)

BACKGROUND

Participated in training camp with the Toronto Raptors in 2004. Played with the Brevard Blue Ducks in the USBL in the summer of 2004, averaging 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 20 games. Played with the Brevard Blue Ducks and the Adirondack Wildcats in the USBL in the summer of 2003, averaging 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 23 games, earning All-Rookie Team honors. Participated in training camp with the Orlando Magic in 2003. Joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 2002-03. Played briefly in Russia for Lokomotiv Mineralnye Vody in 2001-02. Selected out of high school by the Denver Nuggets in the second round (#47 pick overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft.

High School Highlights: Selected for the 2001 McDonald's All-American game, but was unable to play due to a sprained ankle. Named First Team All-American by Parade Magazine and was a EA Sports High School All-American. Averaged 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 blocked shots as a senior at St. Jude High School, earning Alabama 2A Player of the Year honors. In the first game of the season against Montgomery Carver, tallied 37 points, 15 rebounds, and ten blocked shots. Sat out his junior season at St. Jude as a transfer student. As a sophomore at Montgomery Catholic, averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, and nine blocked shots. Blocked 17 shots in one game. Helped team to the 2A state tournament title and earned Most Valuable Player honors.

Personal: Speaks English, French, and Bamari. Played soccer for many years in Mali. Brother Daouda was a freshman basketball player at Louisville during the 2000-01 season.