Men's Basketball 6/24/2015 2:39:00 PM Atlantic 10 Conference Former Bona Center Ndoye ?Humbled? To Be In NBA Draft Conversation

You won't find him on many NBA Draft analyses, web sites or chat rooms. He's not listed on the NBA's own chart of draft prospect, but Youssou Ndoye could not care less.



The 7-foot center from Senegal still going about his business the same way he did the past four years at St. Bonaventure. He continues to put in an honest day's work and control only what he can control.



The last month, Ndoye's days have been a whirlwind. He has traveled almost as much as he did during the Bonnies' entire basketball season. And he has done it all with a smile on his face, because his dream of playing in the NBA is still alive.



Since graduating May 17, Ndoye has worked out for 12 NBA teams. His pre-draft tour, arranged by his agent, included workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia Sixers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards. Ndoye could not remember the other three teams. While he is exhausted from the hectic schedule, he feels he acquitted himself well.



"(The workouts) have been a really good experience … a blessing," Ndoye said. "I think I took the most out of them that I could. I played against really good competition and I think I did what I had to do. The workouts weren't that hard but the travel was crazy … now, it's good to relax."



Ndoye possesses the size (7-0, 245 lbs.), agility, and smarts to make him a realistic NBA prospect. He showed his potential throughout a dominant senior season at St. Bonaventure when he averaged 11.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Despite his college credentials, Ndoye knows he is a long shot to be drafted this Thursday night.



"The teams really don't say much to me … right now my attitude is whatever happens, happens," Ndoye said. "I'm not worried or nervous (about the draft)."



Ndoye will watch the draft with his family in New York City, which has become his home base. Even if he isn't selected, Ndoye is confident he has a future in the game. His agent has already received verbal offers for Ndoye to join NBA summer league teams.



"If am not drafted, there will be plenty of chances to get to the league. I am definitely playing in the summer league, and I can go to (a pro team in) Europe. I'm not going to stop – I've put in too much work," he said. "Four years ago, I never dreamed I'd be in this position. It's humbling."