Boubacar Aw on playing for John Thompson at Georgetown, rooming with Allen Iverson and coaching girls basketball
Boubacar Aw on playing for John Thompson at Georgetown, rooming with Allen Iverson and coaching girls basketballDescription
Boubacar Aw was born and raised in Sengela in West Africa. Like most Senegalese children, he played soccer and loved the sport. However, a growth spurt led to basketball and a new love. Georgetown assistant coach Craig Esherick helped discover Aw along with fellow Senegalese player Ya-Ya Dia. In 1993, at age 17 and speaking only French and Wolof, Aw moved to Lake Waccamaw, NC. He played one season at East Columbus High School and was the Player of the Year whole also graduating. From 1994-98 he attended Georgetown and played for Hall of Fame coach John Thompson. Instead of rooming with friend Dia, Aw was paired with Allen Iverson by his veteran coach. During his four years, Aw helped lead the Hoyas to the NCAA Tournament three times including a run to the Elite 8 in 1996 where the Hoyas lost to Marcus Camby and top seed UMass. Aw graduated in 1998 with honors and spent the next 13 years playing professionally overseas earning numerous honors. When his body told him it was time to retire, Aw moved back to Southeastern North Carolina and started teaching in Wilmington. When an opportunity arose to coach the girls’ basketball team at Hoggard High School, Aw volunteered and has led the Vikings to over 200 wins in his career. Aw shares stories from his journey to the United State including how he overcame the language barrier. He tells us what he learned from playing for Coach Thompson and rooming with Iverson. Aw describes his coaching style and explains why he’s just a “country boy” at heart.
United States
