SacramentoMonarchs.com recently had a chance to catch up with Hamchétou (Tanty) Maïga who is currently in Lugo, Spain playing basketball with Yaya María Breogán.

Q: What is it like being in Spain?
A: It is very nice. I’m enjoying myself so much. I liked it last year, that's one of the reasons I decided to return again. Also, the Spanish league is very competitive and is one of the best leagues in Europe.

Q: Is the Spanish language an issue for you?
A: Last year (2002-03 off-season), I arrived in Spain in January and I couldn’t even count 1-5. Right now I can speak it (Spanish) and understand when people are speaking. I still need some improvement of course. The fact that I speak French has actually helped a lot.

Q: How is your team, Yaya Maria, compared to the others you play against?
A: My team last year (Yaya Maria) finished 12th in a league of 14 teams. This year we are much better and the rest of teams have gotten better too, but I think that we'll surprise more than one.

Q: How often do you practice with the team and for how long?
A: We basically have 2-3 practices a day depending on the coach. We (weight) lift 10:30am –11:30am three times a week when we're playing on the road and four times a week when we’re at home. We have basketball practice for two hours, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm, (sometimes it’s just free shooting), and the last one (practice) from 8:00pm-10:00pm. My team only plays every Saturday.

Q: This is the second year that you are playing for the Yaya Maria. Do you find things to be a little easier since you already have that one season of experience with the team?
A: Oh, definitely yes. Not only do I know the players, the coaches, the city, our fans, but I also understand the language now. I like being able to express myself wherever I may be. It was really challenging for me last year. Fortunately, one of my teammates, Cata, (she played with Edna Campbell in college) could speak English. Also, last year I was going to the unknown and with those three months spent here last year I know what to expect.

Q: Do you have many of the same team members on Yaya Maria as you did last season?
A: Yes, we have 5 returning players, and 3 new additions (1 Portuguese, 1 Finlandese, and Davalyn Cunnigham from Rutgers and Orlando).

Q: What is your role with the team? You seem to be the leader in many statistical categories.
A: My role is basically to be a presence both offensively and defensively. Rebound, score, and play defense, basically everything. I'm enjoying it because it gives me the opportunity to be like I was back in Africa when I was expected to do almost everything. It's a lot of responsibility, but it's cool. It helps me be a better player.

Q: How does the game of basketball in Spain differ from the play in the WNBA?
A: Here, we play four quarters of 10 minutes each and the ball is bigger. Other than that it's kind of the same. The games here (in Spain) are also very competitive. I think that Spanish guards are very good. The WNBA of course has a better core player when you look at the teams in general.

Q: What about your national team, Mali, qualifying for the Olympics?
A: We have to first play in the African Championships, which will be from December 18-28 in Mozambique. I believe the finalists will represent Africa. I'm really looking forward to it, but my team in Spain has to play the 20th and the 22nd. I'm looking to see how it will work out because it is one of my dreams to represent Africa in general, and Mali in particular in the Olympics.

Q: What is a typical day for you while you are in Spain?
A: Well, with our practice schedule it's tough to get some things done. I wake up at 9:30am, take a shower, eat breakfast and get ready to go to (weight) lift. I eat lunch at 2:30pm, take a nap for about an hour and a half and then either use the computer, read, listen to music or rent movies. I also study some Spanish. I then go to practice at 7:15pm and eat dinner at 10:45pm. After dinner I check out the internet, watch some television and try to sleep. I like cooking too; right now I'm trying some Spanish dishes. We have Sundays off, but almost everything is closed in Spain; so, I just chill at home and maybe do some laundry. I also talk a lot on the phone with my friends and family.

Q: Do you have any funny stories or things that have happened to you since you've arrived?
A: Well, this one (story) is not funny, it's just that I never travel well and I have a problem with always loosing stuff. I was about to make it, but that was too good to be true. I actually forgot my wallet in the states and it had all my cards inside. Luckily, at the airport my family gave me couple of box just to eat in the states and a friend of mine had also had given me some Euros, which for some reason I did not keep in my wallet. I had the Euros in my passport wallet. My family actually paid to send me the wallet thru UPS, but in Spain they made me pay 41 euros ($48) to get it. I could not believe it, but I was just happy to get it (the wallet).

Q: Do you have anything you especially like in Spain (food, music, etc.)?
A: Yeah, I like Spanish food, especially Paella, that's my favorite. I like some of the music too. I am in a little city, Lugo, but it's nice. The people are very friendly. The only problem I would say is that it rains too much here. So, in case anyone feels like coming down here make sure you pack your umbrellas.