A native of Senegal, Baye Fall grew up playing soccer, but eventually transitioned to basketball as he continued to grow into his lanky 6’11” frame. Less than two years ago, Fall emigrated to the United States and enrolled at Lutheran High School in Colorado in order to pursue his basketball dreams. While Fall currently holds offers from numerous high-major programs due to his on court talents, he’s also focused on academic pursuits, as well.
Fall brings a rare blend of physical tools, athletic gifts, and endless energy to the table. After showcasing his talent and development at recent events, Fall has jumped to #4 in the country in the 2023 class, per ESPN.
As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Fall discusses his unique background, provides an update on his current college interest, what motivates him, his off-court interests, and more.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2023 prospect Baye Fall, from Senegal:
Pro Insight: Tell us about your background.
Baye Fall: I’m Baye Fall. I’m from Senegal, and I have three siblings: two sisters and one brother. I got here in February 2019 to play basketball in the states.
PI: What’s the story of how you came to the United States?
BF: Back home, conditions were kind of rough over there...like academics are not as good as here. Me and my cousin moved out here to just study and play basketball at the same time. Our uncle was here, first.
PI: How long have you been playing basketball?
BF: I’ve been playing basketball for almost four years.
PI: Were you playing a lot of basketball back in Senegal?
BF: I started [playing] there in about sixth grade and once I got here I started getting a lot better.
PI: Did you play any other sports growing up?
BF: Yes, I played soccer. I was the goalkeeper my whole childhood. That was my first love. I played that [soccer] because that was the second-most dominant sport in my country except for wrestling. We have our own way to wrestle back home. It’s kind of like boxing.
PI: What are your biggest strengths on the basketball court?
BF: My greatest strengths as a player are that I can block shots, run the floor, play defense, and I can score, too. Not on all three levels, but I can score in the paint and all that.
PI: What are some areas you feel you need to improve?
BF: I’m trying to work on my handles and getting my shot consistent. Getting my shot right because I can play outside at some point in my career, that’s what I’m working on too.
PI: What about some underrated aspects?
BF: I feel like I’m an underrated scorer and I making plays off the ball, you know, setting screens for others and setting up other players. I feel like I’m underrated in that part.
PI: Who are some of the toughest players you’ve played against?
BF: Right here it would be my cousin [Assane Diop], every time I play against my cousin it’s hard. Besides with him I don’t think I’ve had a hard matchup since I’ve been in the United States.
PI: What’s the update with your recruitment?
BF: I’ve been hearing from a lot of colleges. I’ve already got around six or seven offers and I’ve been hearing interest from Arizona, Arizona State, Iowa, Texas, TCU, and a lot of other colleges.
PI: Who are the offers?
BF: Offers are Kansas, Minnesota, Memphis, Georgetown, Georgia, Illinois, and Florida State.
PI: Are there any schools pursuing you more than others?
BF: Yes, Illinois and Minnesota talk to my dad a lot. Memphis, too. They all do, like all the schools that offered me do too. Arizona keeps sending letters, Iowa also sends letters.
PI: What are you looking for in a school?
BF: First off I’m looking for a school that can help me academically because I want to be like someone other than just a basketball player. Somewhere where they’re going to play me, they like my game, and they’ll help me get to the next level. That’s what I’m looking for. Somewhere they really like me and they really like my game.
PI: What are your favorite school subjects? What would you major in?
BF: My favorite school subject is geometry because I want to be an architect when I grow up. I like science, too, and history. I’m pretty good at it.
PI: When you first came to the United States did you think it was going to work out the way it has so far?
BF: When I first got here my thoughts were to just get better, but not like this because basketball wasn’t the main thing that I was focused on. I was more focused on academics. Then I started embracing it and liking it. I thank God for it...it’s a real blessing. I didn't think I was going to get this good or have this much attention on me.
PI: What are some of your biggest interests outside of basketball?
BF: I just like to play video games or go out and play soccer with some of the people I live with in Denver. Watching movies. I watch a lot of Disney.
PI: What are some recent movies you’ve watched?
BF: Avatar and Aladdin, I like Aladdin. I like the Pirates of the Caribbean, that’s like my favorite movie collection.
PI: How would you rate yourself in 2K?
BF: I’d give myself probably a 96, because I don’t have some skills like shooting or ball-handling all that much.
PI: What do you miss about Senegal?
BF: Just the environment there...the beach, the sun. I miss all that. Then I miss my friends and family, too. My parents are still back there.
PI: What would you say motivates you the most?
BF: They [family] motivate me a lot, you know, like everybody does. My family motivates me a lot to even play harder every time I step on the court. Just to make it for them and make their life better.
PI: What are four words that best describe you?
BF: First off I’m nice, I’m not mean. I’m cool to be around. I’m funny. And I have a high character.
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