American-Senegalese guard Cierra Dillard played a pivotal role in leading Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) to secure consecutive African club titles in the inaugural Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) held in their home arena.
The 27-year-old, also part of the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket silver medalist Senegalese national team, showcased her prowess by averaging 23 points per game, shooting 53.9 percent on field goals and 40 percent on three-pointers.
Despite finishing as the second-highest scorer behind WNBA star Tiffany Mitchell, Dillard earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade.
Dillard’s journey with ASC began in the 2022 Champions Cup for Women, where the team, led by coach Mohamed Adelrahman, secured their place in history as the first Egyptian team to win a continental trophy.
In the AWBL, Dillard expressed her excitement about the team’s success, emphasizing the collective strength of every player. The MVP award, she noted, was dedicated to her outstanding teammates.
The guard highlighted the team’s chemistry, acknowledging the contributions of players like Reem Moussa, Destiny Pitts, Hagar Amer, and Yacine Diop.
Dillard commended the coaching prowess of Mohamed Adelrahman, describing the squad as having “two starting fives and 12 sixth-woman of the year.”
Dillard, drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in 2019, found a home in ASC after being waived by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Despite her WNBA journey not materializing as expected, she has thrived since joining ASC in 2022 and subsequently representing Senegal in the Women’s AfroBasket.
Expressing gratitude for the continent’s embrace, Dillard highlighted the passion and energy of African basketball fans. Playing in various countries, including Mozambique, Rwanda, and Egypt, has given her a new perspective on the game.
She acknowledged the rising status of basketball in Africa, praising the love and support from fans and fellow players.
Dillard was named to the tournament’s team alongside players like Destiney Promise Philoxy, Victoria Reynolds, Madina Okot, and ASC skipper Hagar Amer, solidifying her status as a key figure in the flourishing African women’s basketball scene.
