Played one season of American high school basketball at Washington Academy in Tennessee. Was discovered playing for the Qatar's Junior National Team. He struck up a friendship with Fatah Muraisi, a Captain in the United States Army, who helped bring him to the states to pursue an education and basketball career.
Career Highlights: Second Team All-WAC selection as a senior. Averaged 9.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks in three games at the 2005 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Senior (2004-05): Started 29 of 30 games. Led the WAC in blocks (2.4 bpg). Was Fresno State’s leading rebounder (7.4 rpg) and third-leading scorer (10.9 ppg). Scored in double figures 15 times and had four double-digit rebounding games. Posted four double-doubles. Had a school-record 11 blocks against Buffalo on Feb. 19. Followed that up with seven blocks against Tulsa. Tallied 20 points and seven rebounds in a win over Nevada.
Junior (2003-04): Started all 29 games and averaged a team-high 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, second-most in the conference. Named to WAC All-Defensive Team. Averaged 8.4 points. Had four double-doubles. Had 24 points and 11 rebounds against Hawaii.
(2002-03): Appeared in six games before declaring a medical redshirt, due to knee pain he was suffering. Was granted another full season of eligibility.
Sophomore (2001-02): Appeared in 32 games with one start. Averaged 2.9 points and 3.0 rebounds. Scored a season-high 13 points on two occasions. Tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds against Air Force
Freshman (2000-01): Came off the bench in 32 games. Ranked third on the team in field goal percentage (.547). Scored a season-high 15 points in his first collegiate game against St. Mary’s.
Strengths: Runs the floor extremely well for a big man and shows great instincts on defense in terms of blocking and altering shots. A bit raw offensively, though he shows decent shooting mechanics.
Personal: Son of Jalila Ali and the late Mahqoub Al-Sayyad. Played soccer in his native Sudan.
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NBA Draft 2004