Sayon Keita, the incoming center for the North Carolina Tar Heels, was a driving force behind FC Barcelona’s capture of the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague U18 title.
A Breakout Tournament
Keita posted averages of 9.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, shooting 50 percent from the field and 76.9 percent on free throws. In pool play he tallied 10.5 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, and he added 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks in the quarter‑final win over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade.
The final against Real Madrid saw Barcelona edge a 85‑77 victory, with Keita contributing five points and seven rebounds in just 16 minutes of action. Earlier, he had helped Barcelona crush Zalgiris Kaunas 110‑80, recording seven points and 12 rebounds.
Teammates Mohamed Dabone and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje also shone throughout the competition, providing additional scoring and interior presence that complemented Keita’s all‑around game.
With his EuroLeague experience now in hand, Keita is expected to bring a blend of size, shot‑blocking and efficient scoring to the Tar Heels roster, potentially influencing the team’s dynamics from the outset of the next college season.