Latest news with #Niang
Boston Globe
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Four things to know about new Celtics forward Georges Niang
Here are four things to know about Niang: He is productive off the bench When healthy, Porzingis made the Celtics a matchup nightmare in just about every facet of the game due to his length (7-foot-2), post game, rim protection, and ability to sink 3-point shots. Advertisement Niang won't be able to impact a game in the sheer variety of ways that Porzingis could do when he was locked in. But, the veteran could be a dependable piece for Joe Mazzulla off the bench in 2025-26. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : Now set to enter his 10th season in the NBA, Niang spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Cavaliers before getting traded to the Hawks as part of the De'Andre Hunter trade. Over 79 games (three starts) between the two teams last season, Niang averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists With Advertisement Niang's style should fit in well Much like Simons, it should come as little surprise why a team like the Celtics would welcome a player like Niang to their roster. The 6-foot-7 forward has built a reputation as an effective 3-point shooter over the course of his career, posting a career 39.9 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. This past season, Niang converted on 40.6 percent of his shots from 3-point range. With Tatum on the mend, a Celtics team starved for offense without its best player on the court could look to make up at least some of the production in the aggregate by adding a pair of sharpshooters to Mazzulla's squad in Niang and Simons. Niang hails from Massachusetts Niang already has plenty of ties to Boston, considering that he was born in Lawrence and grew up in Methuen as a Celtics fan. Before making the jump to the college game at Iowa State, Niang was a force across the New England circuit, staring at the Tilton School while also playing for Boston AAU powerhouse BABC. Related : As part of a Tilton School basketball program that has featured other NBA players like Nerlens Noel and Terance Mann, Niang stands as the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,372 points. During his senior year at Tilton, Niang averaged 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, earning 2012 NEPSAC Class AA Player of the Year honors. He had an interesting encounter with Jaylen Brown during the 2023 playoffs Niang drew the ire of now-Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown while the two faced off during the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals between Boston and Philadelphia. During Boston's Game 7 win over Philly, Brown was tripped up after Niang – sitting on the Sixers' bench — reached out from his seat and appeared to grab Brown's leg to slow him down at the start of a fast-break sequence. Advertisement Brown turned and yelled at the Sixers' bench after the play, with both Brown and Niang eventually assessed technicals after the sequence was reviewed. 'I think he just thought, like, 'Maybe let me just try to grab him to slow him down a little bit,'' Brown said. 'I don't think Niang's a bad guy or anything. I work out with him in the offseason. I just think he just got caught up in the intensity of the game and made a play and I responded to it. 'I don't know which way I should have responded to it. But if I didn't do anything it probably would have played on. … I don't think Niang was thinking when he did it. I don't think he's a bad guy, just caught up in the emotion of the game.' Niang grabbing Jaylen Brown's leg — Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) Conor Ryan can be reached at
The Star
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Feature: "Being seen in Yiwu" -- A Senegalese businessman's transnational journey hits big screen
DAKAR, May 4 (Xinhua) -- As the film ended and the lights gradually came on, Ababacar Niang, a Senegalese businessman, could hardly contain his excitement after watching his transnational journey to Yiwu City, east China's Zhejiang Province, unfold on the big screen. The scene took place on Thursday evening, when a film documenting Niang's life in Yiwu premiered at the Grand National Theater in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Niang's story is the first episode of the documentary series "Yiwu: A Wonder City." Produced by the China Documentary Research Center at the Communication University of China, the series began filming in 2021 and took nearly four years to complete. Spanning more than a dozen countries and regions, it chronicles the experiences of several foreigners striving to achieve success in Yiwu. In 2013, Niang arrived in China, full of excitement and hope, seeking reliable suppliers for sports equipment after securing a procurement contract in Senegal. However, the project came to a halt midway due to funding difficulties, leaving him stranded in Yiwu. Faced with this unexpected setback, Niang chose not to give up. He enrolled in international trade courses, worked hard to improve his language skills, and interned at Chinese companies. He said that during that period, he worked from dawn till late at night, but never felt bitter -- because "with every step forward, a little more light shone in my heart." As his experience grew and his network expanded, Niang gradually gained a foothold and founded his own import-export company, aiming to help African traders better connect with Chinese supply chains. He spent much of his time traveling between Chinese cities, sourcing products, negotiating prices, inspecting quality, and even mediating disputes for clients, which earned him the trust of the African business community. After stabilizing his business, Niang also started a family in China. In his spare time, he began documenting his life in China through videos and writing to offer a genuine glimpse of Yiwu and show how China is viewed through African eyes. In recent years, Niang began returning to Senegal more frequently, bringing back the knowledge and experiences he gained in China. "That includes an understanding of market rules, a respect for education and hard work, and a pursuit of contracts and efficiency," he explained. It was against this backdrop that the Chinese documentary team discovered Niang. At first, he assumed it was just an ordinary shoot. But as filming progressed, he gradually realized it was more than just documentation -- it was a moment of "being seen" between different cultures. The film crew captured him checking inventory in warehouses, coordinating orders at factories, and holding early-morning video calls with clients. These seemingly routine moments were carefully recorded and presented on screen. At the premiere, Zhang Nan, executive director of the documentary, said filming in Yiwu changed her perspective on trade. "Trade is not just the flow of goods. It is a connection that transcends culture, language, and fate. It builds trust through seemingly small transactions and weaves futures together through daily cooperation," she said. For Niang, the documentary is a recognition of his years of perseverance. "If this documentary can give young people a little less hesitation and a little more courage, then it has already fulfilled its purpose," he said.
Miami Herald
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Hawks continue hot streak as 76ers keep sliding
Trae Young scored 28 points, one of three Atlanta players with 20 or more points, to lead the Hawks to their third straight win, a 132-119 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Young made four 3-pointers and added 12 assists for his 42nd double-double. He joined rookie Zaccharie Risacher (22 points) and Georges Niang (20 points) as the Hawks won for the seventh time in nine games. The win gives Atlanta (35-36) a two-game lead over idle Orlando for the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. If able to sustain that position, the Hawks would still be in the play-in tournament but would have home-court advantage and need only one win to reach the NBA playoffs. The Hawks have a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia in the season series. The teams play for the final time April 11 in Philadelphia. Niang made at least five 3-pointers for the second straight game before fouling out. Onyeka Okongwu added 14 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Dominic Barlow scored a season-high 13. Dyson Daniels had five steals -- his 39th game with three-plus steals -- and became the first player since Chris Paul in 2008-09 to record 200 steals in a season. Philadelphia (23-48) has lost four games in a row and 19 of 22. The Sixers are seven games behind Miami for the No. 10 playoff spot with 11 games remaining. Philadelphia dropped to 11-26 on the road. Quentin Grimes scored 26 points for the 11th time in 20 games that he's scored at least 25 points. Justin Edwards scored 22 points, Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 17 and Ricky Council IV added 14 points before fouling out. Niang came off the bench to score nine points in the first quarter and send the Hawks to a 35-24 lead. The Atlanta reserves outscored Philly's bench 36-11 in the first half and led 64-52 at the break. The Hawks begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday at Houston. The Sixers complete their six-game road trip on Tuesday at New Orleans. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Reuters
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Hawks continue hot streak as 76ers keep sliding
March 24 - Trae Young scored 28 points, one of three Atlanta players with 20 or more points, to lead the Hawks to their third straight win, a 132-119 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Young made four 3-pointers and added 12 assists for his 42nd double-double. He joined rookie Zaccharie Risacher (22 points) and Georges Niang (20 points) as the Hawks won for the seventh time in nine games. The win gives Atlanta (35-36) a two-game lead over idle Orlando for the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. If able to sustain that position, the Hawks would still be in the play-in tournament but would have home-court advantage and need only one win to reach the NBA playoffs. The Hawks have a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia in the season series. The teams play for the final time April 11 in Philadelphia. Niang made at least five 3-pointers for the second straight game before fouling out. Onyeka Okongwu added 14 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Dominic Barlow scored a season-high 13. Dyson Daniels had five steals -- his 39th game with three-plus steals -- and became the first player since Chris Paul in 2008-09 to record 200 steals in a season. Philadelphia (23-48) has lost four games in a row and 19 of 22. The Sixers are seven games behind Miami for the No. 10 playoff spot with 11 games remaining. Philadelphia dropped to 11-26 on the road. Quentin Grimes scored 26 points for the 11th time in 20 games that he's scored at least 25 points. Justin Edwards scored 22 points, Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 17 and Ricky Council IV added 14 points before fouling out. Niang came off the bench to score nine points in the first quarter and send the Hawks to a 35-24 lead. The Atlanta reserves outscored Philly's bench 36-11 in the first half and led 64-52 at the break. The Hawks begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday at Houston. The Sixers complete their six-game road trip on Tuesday at New Orleans.
CAF
05-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Fama Niang: The Player Agent Paving the Way for Women in Football
As part of its ongoing celebrations of International Women's Month, CAFOnline had the privilege of meeting Fama Niang, a football agent from Dakar, Senegal who took us through her journey in football and player management. Niang highlights the importance of passion, determination, and perseverance to succeed in a predominantly male-dominated environment. CAFOnline: What motivated you to become a football agent? Fama Niang: Above all, it's a matter of passion. I grew up in Sochaux, in the east of France, a working-class town where football had a special place. Sochaux, at the time, was one of the historic French clubs, with a great training centre, long before Paris Saint-Germain. It was a sort of pride for the town, an opening to the outside world, particularly for us, the young people from African families. My own father and mother were the first in the region to live there with their children, and all the African or Black youths arriving in Sochaux felt at home thanks to this host family that was ours. Football, for us, was more than just a sport. It was part of our daily life, and I've always experienced it in a family setting. Very early on, I had close relatives, like brothers-in-law or friends, who became professional footballers. And I quickly wanted to integrate into this world. I even worked on a documentary during the 2010 World Cup, where I had the chance to interview legends like Bernard Lama to understand their passion for this sport. After spending many years in the music industry, I felt the need to change and, after talking with my brother, a player agent, I decided to dive into it. In 2021, I obtained my agent license after three years of effort. It was a real challenge because there are few places, and you have to pass specific exams to get this license. As a woman in a male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced? It's a paradox because often, as a woman, people doubt our knowledge of football. Some think we don't follow the leagues, that we don't know the environment. Yet, my passion for this sport and my experience have never been an obstacle. I was fortunate to be supported by my brother, a respected agent, who opened doors for me. But despite that, you have to know how to carve your own path. As an agent, one of the things I love is being on the field. Watching youth matches, women's games, meeting with recruiters and families—that's where I find my fulfilment. I've had the opportunity to talk with recruiters from major clubs, sometimes surprised to encounter a female agent on the sidelines. Generally, the first reaction people have is thinking I'm the mother of a player. When I explain that I'm an agent, it's often a surprise, a conversation starter. What criteria do you take into account when choosing a player to represent? When I choose a player, several factors come into play. First, the feeling, the instinct. The technical ability of the player is crucial. I pay attention to their behaviour on the field, from warm-up. Whether they're focused or have a relaxed attitude, it already gives me an idea of their mindset. The criteria varies depending on the position. For example, a central defender should have an imposing stature to perform at the highest level in this role. There are also considerations like lifestyle, family structure, because it's not uncommon to meet young players with a tough background. What excites you most about managing a career? What excites me is accompanying a player, watching them evolve, starting in an amateur club and helping them integrate into a professional club. The human aspect is essential. There are tough moments, like when a player lacks playing time or goes through a period of poor form. At those times, you need to find solutions, whether by bringing in physical trainers, mental coaches, or helping them find another project. But it's mostly about seeing these young players grow, their transition from amateur ranks to professionalism, that motivates me. How do you build a trusting relationship with your players? Trust is built over time. It's not a contract you sign; it's a long-term process. Being transparent, honest, and not selling dreams to the players is crucial. When a player has a good match, you need to congratulate them. On the other hand, when they're underperforming, you need to tell them the truth. The relationship of trust is based on transparency and consistency in our work. You also have to remember that it's the player who makes the agent. When a player shines, it's the agent who gets recognized. But if the player doesn't progress, that can be a hindrance. That's why I place great importance on being honest and working hard for my players. What role do you play in contract negotiations and commercial agreements? We play a central role in negotiations. There are discussions between clubs, but as agents, we're often the key to moving things forward. This requires a good understanding of financial issues, relationships between clubs, and the ability to defend the player's interests in the best way. It's not just about money, but also about sporting projects and shared values. How do you manage the sometimes high expectations of players and their families? It really depends on the situation. There are players for whom expectations are very high, and sometimes their families can be impatient or have already formed strong ideas about their career path, which is understandable since it's about career projects. But today's reality is not necessarily tomorrow's. For example, when a player signs a professional contract, they may not yet be part of the first team and may end up playing in the reserves. At that point, they need to prove they deserve to return to the first team, but some parents don't question this process. Sometimes a player performs well for a while, then goes through a tough time, which is normal in a season. At that point, it's crucial to find the right approach to help them return to their best level. However, for families, responsibility is often attributed to the club or the agent. For example, the agent is not responsible if the player doesn't play. If a player is good, they should play, and it's the coach's role to make that happen. A good coach always plays the best players because they are under pressure to get results. If a coach chooses players only based on personal affinity or relationships with certain agents or families, it's no surprise when the team fails. What is the greatest satisfaction you get from your job? The greatest satisfactions for me are seeing young people thrive in their careers, succeeding in making a living from their profession, and bringing happiness to their parents. When these young people manage to improve their daily lives and offer their family a better life, it's a huge satisfaction. Personally, my greatest satisfaction was obtaining my license after three years of hard work. Today, I work with legitimacy, and I can accompany my clients in a professional way. Another satisfaction is the recognition I now have, with players, female players, and parents who come to ask me to help them with their career projects. What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to become a football agent? I would say: Go for it! There's room for them because we are still very few in this field. It's a profession that is still often dominated by men, but things are evolving. I would advise her to never give up because there's been significant progress, and today, there is indeed a place for women in this field. Passion and determination are key. As a woman, I see more and more women earning their place in this industry. When I start seeing more of them on the field, I'll say to myself that we've crossed a milestone. That would be a wonderful sign of progress.
