In continuation of my series on some of Africans best former and present female Basketball stars, i bring to you today Astou Traore. Astou excelled very well such that was co-MVP (Senegal) and Elected co-Best African player in the history of European basketball.


Tagged on of the most prolific African scorer in Europe, Astou Traore was born April 30, 1981, in Mbour, Senegal. She is one of the greatest living legends of women's basketball still active. During her 14 years of career in Europe and South America, she was among the ones named in the major five of the Afro-Basket women in 2005 in Nigeria, which is her very first participation. This achievement has marked her spirits such that wherever she emerged, remaining as both a scorer at heart and a sure bet on the rebound. Her career in and outside Europe has made her the most beloved and prominent African player of her generation.

Below are a few of her achievements

. African champion in 2015

. Vice-champion of Africa in 2017

. Best scorer of the African championship in 2017

. MVP of the African Women's Championship in 2017

. Best scorer of the French championship

. Winner of the Belgian Cup

. MVP of the Belgian Cup

. South American Champion

. Best scorer of the Belgian championship

. MVP of the South American Championship

. Named in the Major Five of the season in

. Highest scorer in the South American Club Championship in 2014

. Winner of the Catalan Cup

. MVP of the Catalan Cup

. Spanish League Champion 2 in 2009

. Sportswoman of the year in Senegal in 2018

. Best scorer in the history of the

. African Women's Championship

. Second placed champion of Africa in 2005

. 2005 Named in the All-Star Five of the Afro-Basket women in 2005

. Medal of gold at the 2007 African Games

. Best 3-point shooter for the Afro-Basket women in 2011

. Gold medal at the 2011 African Games

. Best scorer of the African championship in 2013 - Named in the All-Star Five.


At the age of 39 and with a career than spanned for two decades, Astou has graced the ranks of her chosen profession such that very few among her contemporaries, if there is any, has been able to achieve. With an unequaled over all score card of over 800 points in FIBA, she has gracefully hang her booth by announcing her departure from her club Clarinos Ciudad in Spain a few weeks ago.


I remain @askarju.