If you are looking for someone who epitomizes what it means to give back to the world, just look up. Junior Ousmane (Ous) Cisse is one of the tallest people on campus and his character reaches heights far beyond his 6'8” frame.
Ous is the Panthers big man in the paint and he is making the impact he dreamed of when he first learned to play basketball in Abidjan, a small town located in Africa's Ivory Coast. With only one indoor court, and league play on the weekends, Ous has turned one countries hobby into a vessel for his future.
While basketball is an important part of Ous's life he has found his calling in accounting here at Eastern, where he is maintaining a 3.38 GPA. Upon graduating next spring, Ous plans on remaining a part of the community to work on his MBA from the Lumpkin School of Business.
Once those two items are checked off of Ous's life to-do list, he plans on returning back to Africa to help his family and friends by using his business savvy to boost the local economy. He also dreams of opening a basketball fundamentals camp and league for the children of Abidjan.
Ous continues to make a positive impact in the Charleston/Mattoon community and on the court. His legacy is most important to him, which is to leave a footprint on the hearts of everyone who has come to embrace him, the team, and Eastern Illinois Athletics.
More with Ousmane Cisse
Q. What was behind your decision to attend Eastern Illinois University?
A. It was all about the people. I wanted to play for Coach Miller and his staff and the people in the community treated me really well.
Q. What do you hope to do with an accounting degree?
A. I plan on staying at Eastern to obtain my MBA. After that, my dream is to start a business in Abidjan.
Q. What has been your most rewarding experience in the Charleston/Mattoon community?
A. The community cares about you. They will stop in the store or on the street and ask you how everything is going. It means a lot.
Q. What effect has being a student-athlete had on your personal life?
A. Playing basketball at Eastern has taught me how important it is to work hard. A solid work ethic pays off in the classroom and with my development as a basketball player.
Q. How would you define your team's chemistry?
A. We came into the year with a lot of new faces. Now we are learning to play together and seeing some success from that.
Q. What's your fondest memory in a Panther uniform?
A. I would have to say playing Iowa State my freshman year. I scored a double-double and knew I could make an impact for this team.
Q. What has your experience been like as a student at Eastern Illinois University?
A. I love it. I am very grateful for the opportunity.
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