Arkansas commit Baye Fall in ‘better place’ thanks to basketball
DENVER (BVM) — Baye Fall traveled from Senegal to pursue his basketball dreams. Now he’s ranked as the top basketball prospect in Colorado and is one of the most sought-after basketball prospects in the Class of 2023.
Fall never had any interest in basketball at a young age. It was when he hit a growth spurt that his family and friends started telling him he should play basketball.
“I started playing soccer, but then I started getting taller,” Fall said. “There were a couple of people that played basketball with my big brother. They started to tell me, ‘Go get your money,’ but I didn’t understand what they meant.”
His older brother knew what it meant, and he did his best to convince Fall to pick up the game. Fall ultimately decided to give basketball a shot after a short period of contemplation. He’s been hooked ever since, and with his new love of basketball, Fall is finding ways to motivate himself.
“I want to change things back home,” Fall said. “Where I came from, what I came from, what I went through and who I am are really my motivation to play and keep playing basketball.”
Fall’s devotion to basketball continued when he moved to the United States as an eighth grader. Fall recognized what a special chance he had to better himself when he set foot in the U.S.
“There’s not a lot of opportunity out there,” Fall said. “Not a lot of good things happen to the people from there. Seeing that and coming out here and getting the opportunity motivates me to inspire and help others in the future.”
Fall began his prep career at Lutheran High School, averaging 20 points in his first two seasons. His journey has brought him to Accelerated Prep, where he’s teamed up with Assane Diop.
“It’s amazing,” Fall said. “We’ve been playing together for years now. It’s really fun playing with him because he always knows where I’m at and where to get me the ball to give me good looks. I’m sad it’s about to end, but maybe we can meet at the next level.”
Prior to his senior season, Fall announced that he would be attending the University of Arkansas. Fall, who’s no relation to former Central Florida standout Tacko Fall, at one point held 30 offers from schools, including Texas, Seton Hall and Auburn.
Welcome to the family @TheBayeFall21! 🐗🐗🐗 #WPS pic.twitter.com/xoJKGrcFvp
— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) November 15, 2022
One of the reasons Baye committed to Arkansas was the atmosphere and the energy surrounding the program.
“The visits played a big role in me going there,” Baye said. “The energy was just different. And I think the play style fits me well.”
He also got a glimpse into the future and saw how head coach Eric Musselman and his coaching staff work with and care for their players.
“They’ve been talking to me, checking on me even when I’m not playing,” Baye said. “They’re seeing how I am. It’s always full of great conversations. It’s not always about basketball. I like talking to him.”
Baye still finds himself in the midst of a life-changing journey. While it may seem easy to some, he has overcome a lot to get where he is today.
“Trusting people was hard,” Baye said. “I don’t really open up that easily to people. I had to learn how to socialize. I was just about playing basketball, doing schoolwork and hanging around my family. But I’m doing better now.”
Baye looks to be on the right path to continue his basketball career at the next level. He’ll do his best to remember where he came from and why he continues playing the game he loves so much today.
“This is my world,” Baye said. “It’s a great thing. A lot changed for me in sports. It changed the way I live and the way I do things. It took me to a better place, and it changed my life, and I’m really grateful for this game.”
