Amar Sylla
Quick Facts
Biography
Amar Sylla (born 1 October 2001) is a Senegalese professional basketball player for Filou Oostende of the Belgian Pro Basketball League (PBL). He plays for the Senegalese national under-18 team.
Early life and career
Sylla was born in Dakar, Senegal. Growing up, he preferred football but began playing basketball at the SEED Academy in Thiès because of his height. In 2015, after taking part in a basketball camp in Kébémer organized by NBA player Gorgui Dieng, Sylla moved to Spain to pursue the sport.
At Munich qualifiers for the 2019 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, Sylla averaged 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and three blocks per game. He led the event in blocked shots and was named to the All-Tournament Team. In four games at the final tournament in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Sylla averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. He helped the Real Madrid junior team win the championship.
Professional career
On 15 July 2019, Sylla signed with Filou Oostende of the Belgian Pro Basketball League (PBL) and European competition Basketball Champions League (BCL). He signed a three-year contract with an NBA opt-out clause.
National team career
Sylla played for the Senegalese national under-18 team at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 African Championship in Bamako, Mali, including in the qualifiers. In seven games, he averaged 13.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, leading Senegal to second place.