Jim Dedmon - Imagn Images
Playing high-level college hoops is hard enough, given the demands on your both your academics and your athletic performance. It’s essentially like working two full-time jobs.
Cal’s Mady Sissoko, like many Muslim players, has to add in another challenge this time of year, as he is fasting for the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. On Tuesday, Sissoko broke his fast in the middle of a double overtime game and helped Cal keep their season alive with a win in the ACC Tournament over Virginia Tech.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ramadan, it’s one of the most sacred holy periods on the Islamic calendar. The monthlong period involves, among other things, mandatory fasting for all of those that are past puberty, healthy, etc etc. Fasting takes places from sunrise to sundown and includes having anything to eat or drink, even water. Traditionally, the fast is broken each night with dates, and then a full meal comes afterwards.
Fasting all day is hard enough, and can really drain energy. Imagine having to play in a high-level college hoops game with yoru season on the line while not fueling your body. And, it wasn’t a regular game. It went into double-overtime, and Cissoko had to play 35 minutes, well over his season average of 26. But, that didn’t stop him from making a huge impact, and he even got to break his fast in the middle of the game. Take a look.
Credit to Sissoko for a great game and keeping his team’s season alive.