Soph Niang adds bulk

By Steve Schmidt     Nov 4, 2003

After seeing limited action as a freshman, Moulaye Niang is ready for a bigger work load as a sophomore at Kansas University.

“When I think of Moulaye, I think of a great kid and a hard worker,” Ben Miller, KU director of basketball operations, said. “That will help him compete at this level.”

While players and coaches alike laud his quickness, the slender Niang is still short on bulk and muscle.

“That’s one key for me,” Niang said. “I’ve got to get stronger.”

Enter Jonas Sahratian, KU’s basketball strength and conditioning coach who has worked rigorously to bulk up Niang’s 6-foot-10 frame.

“He helped me out a lot,” Niang said.

Niang started last season at 210 pounds. Now he’s up to 222.

KU coach Bill Self is known for having muscular big men on the court, such as Brian Cook and Robert Archibald at Illinois and continuing at Kansas with junior forward Wayne Simien and senior forward Jeff Graves.

“We play through our big guys in the way we play.” Self said. “If they can position themselves to make a lot of easy baskets they will have a chance to be successful. Usually strong bodies and good feet give you the best chance to do that.”

Good feet aren’t a problem for Niang, who has shown his speed with jump hooks and fade-away jumpers in the paint during brief spurts last season.

Self said in his perfect rotation, he’d have nine players with four big men and five guards. After putting a check by All-American candidate Simien, constantly improving Graves and heralded freshman David Padgett, Moulaye’s name is the only 6-9 or taller player left for the fourth slot.

“Moulaye is a guy who I personally feel can help us win some games this year,” Self said. “He is a guy we should be able to put in the low post. He can run the floor and do some things that will give us the chance to be a lot better.”

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