Credit: FIBA
Credit FIBA

Maurice Ndour's departure to Galatasaray Istanbul was a surprise to Rytas Vilnius head coach Giedrius Zibenas.

Maurice Ndour

Maurice  Ndour
Team: Rytas Vilnius
Position: PF
Age: 30
Height: 206 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Birth place: Senegal

He was informed about the transfer seconds after the FIBA Champions League victory over Falco Szombathely 91-88.

"Donatas Zavackas (Rytas sports director) approached me after the game and told the news. He didn't want to distract me before the game," coach Zibenas revealed in the post-game press conference.

The deal was closed a few hours before the must-win game for hosts.

Rytas officially confirmed that Ndour is leaving Vilnius. The club didn't mention his new team, but BasketNews sources say that Ndour reached an agreement with Galatasaray.

Zibenas gave nothing but respect to a 29-year-old Senegalese, who can play both forward and center positions.

When asked if he doesn't see any problem that Ndour is heading to another Champions League team, Zibenas reassured that he understands such a decision.

"We respect his decision. We have even more respect for how he helped our team. With him playing, we lost only one game this season. And that was a double-overtime loss against Besiktas," Zibenas pointed out.

"So first and foremost, we have to give him huge respect for coming to Vilnius, helping us again. I wish him the best of luck," Rytas head coach added.

"It was unexpected, but that's the part of basketball. He's not 20-year-old, so he took the best decision for him and his family," Rytas point guard Vaidas Kariniauskas added. "Definitely, it's a blow for us. He's a very talented player and a very good person."

Ndour will travel to Istanbul on Thursday.

"Honestly, I couldn't be happier here in Vilnius. I tried to enjoy every single moment. Life is unpredictable, but one more time I understood how strong and open this Rytas community is. I want to thank everyone who supported me and my team. Rytas will always have a special place in my heart," Ndour said in an official press release. 

Despite his short stints with Rytas this year and last season, Ndour was one of the most beloved Rytas players.

Ndour earned huge respect last season when he joined Rytas in the FIBA Champions League game straight from the airport after an 18-hour flight via two connections, minutes prior to the tip-off.

He averaged 12.8 points, five rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the Champions League competition this season. In LKL, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

Previously, Ndour played for Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Valencia, UNICS Kazan, New York Knicks, and Real Madrid.

In 2019, Ndour was selected as the VTB United League defensive player of the year.

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Maurice Ndour

Maurice  Ndour
Maurice  Ndour
MIN: 25.88
PTS: 12.75 (53.57%)
REB: 5
As: 1.25
ST: 1.25
BL: 1.25
TO: 1
GM: 4