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Moussa Cisse (Memphis Tigers to Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Cisse, who played high school basketball in both New York and Memphis and was ranked 24th in the class of 2020 by ESPN, was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, along with two other players, after averaging 7.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.9 BPG in his first season with Oklahoma State in 2021-22.
What made you initially choose Memphis?
When I was making my decision, it was COVID-19 time, so I didn't take a lot of visits. And I was already [playing high school basketball in Memphis] and I knew a couple of guys over there, and they made me comfortable. I thought it was the right fit for me. I was always on the campus, and seeing my friends and my old teammates, like Precious Achiuwa. I liked the vibe. And I didn't have any other visits, except Florida State. That's why I went there.
When did you know it was time to consider transferring?
I would say after the [2020-21] season, it was kind of like I wasn't comfortable staying there. I don't know. I wasn't comfortable. I had to make a different move. I went to the NBA draft and they told me what I needed to work on, and I had to find a way to work on that.
Who helped you make that decision?
My brothers. They told me to do what I was comfortable doing. They gave me good advice.
What was your team's and coaching staff's response?
It is what it is. I'm not making my move based on my teammates. I'm doing what's best for me, so they have to respect it. I didn't really care how they were going to feel, but at the same time, they were my teammates. We're friends and everything, but I had to do what was best for me.
What was the recruitment process like the second time around?
It was kind of similar as in high school, but I had to be mindful. I had to be careful. I had already been through that. I didn't want to go somewhere and regret it and then the same thing would happen where I would have to transfer again. I had to talk to the coaches and ask them what they really wanted me to do when I got there: what I was looking for, and what they were looking for.
How happy are you with the choice you made?
I'm not living in the past. I'm focused on the future. I feel like it's really going smooth. It was the right move for me. I didn't regret it once. I'm really proud of my choice. You have to make your own choice. Don't let anyone else influence you.
Why did you finally choose Oklahoma State?
[Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton], he's been seeing me since I was in New York, so it was easier for me to get comfortable with him. He was real with me.
It's not really about the school. It's about how the coaches were for me. I'm a team player. The coach knows. He has seen something in me since I was little. Before I went to Memphis, he was recruiting me. But as soon as I opened my recruitment [last year], he talked to me about what he could do for me and what he could do to get me to the next level. All the coaches were telling me good stuff, but it wasn't the same. When he was talking to me, I saw the real in him. That made me comfortable coming out here.
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Memphis’ Moussa Cisse Declares For The NBA Draft
