FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Amadou Sidibe will continue his basketball career with HLA Lucentum Alicante in Spain, beginning with the 2017-18 season. The forward spent four seasons with the Stags, finishing his collegiate career with the 2016-17 campaign.

"First, I'd like to thank the man above for putting me in this situation because without him, none of this is possible," Sidibe said. "I also want to thank Lucentum for giving me an opportunity to continue my basketball career. I've been through a lot through my years at Fairfield and it's a blessing that I am able to continue my basketball career in such a wonderful country like Spain. I am truly blessed to be in such a position."

Sidibe registered nine double-doubles in 2016-17, highlighted by a 19-point, 19-rebound effort against Army West Point at home. Sidibe became the ninth Fairfield student-athlete to reach 800 career rebounds and ended his stay with 855 caroms which places sixth all-time at Fairfield and translates into a 7.2 career rebounding average, He also netted 752 points for a 6.3 career scoring average, Sidibe garnered 270 rebounds which marked the third time in his career that he surpassed 200 rebounds in a single season, the seventh Fairfield student-athlete to accomplish that task.

"I appreciate the Fairfield community who supported me and encouraged me when I was going through some difficult times," Sidibe said. "None of this would be possible without them and to that I say thank you. I also want to thank my former teammates and coaching staff for putting me in situations to succeed and pushing me every day to be this version of myself both on and off the court."

With Sidibe's signing, a Fairfield University men's basketball player has signed a professional contract in Europe in five of Coach Johnson's six seasons with the Stags.
"Alicante is getting an outstanding rebounder and defensive player," Fairfield University Head Coach Sydney Johnson said. "What they may be pleasantly surprised to see is the versatility that Amadou started to develop later in his Fairfield career in terms of handling the ball, passing and extending his jump shot." 

Sidibe will be joining his new team later this month as Lucentum Alicante prepares for its first game on September 30 against Aquimisa LZ.