Former Anchorman basketball player Ousmane Kourouma discusses his RIC experience

Aboulaye Kourouma

Anchor Contributor

Playing college basketball for Rhode Island College from 2020-25, Ousmane Kourouma amassed an impressive resume with the Anchormen. The Woonsocket native joined the program’s 1,000-point and 1,000-rebound club over his five-year career, and was the nation’s leading rebounder at the Division-III level in his final season of collegiate play. The Anchorman alum was able to share with The Anchor Newspaper his on-and-off the court experiences at Rhode Island College and what he’s doing currently.

Ousmane Kourouma with Avenida Xoborg (cred. Ousmane Kourouma)

What is your life like outside of basketball?

“I don't really do too much when I'm not playing basketball. l’m always usually watching it, but if I had to give a realistic answer, I’m a big TV guy. I usually just binge watch a lot of TV, from live-action TV all the way to reality TV. I’m also big on hanging out with family, like my little sisters and my younger brother. Family is huge for me as well. I’m also always around my teammates, creating that personal bond with them.”

What was your freshman year at RIC like?

“My freshman year at RIC was full of challenges. This was actually when COVID was around, so it limited me from a lot of things. I was dealing with a knee injury that kept me out of practices, and I never told people I came back. My knee wasn't a hundred percent, but I played through it and I made a name for myself in the playoffs vs UMass Dartmouth, dropping 12 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, as well as two assists and four blocks.  It also just felt a bit weird because nothing was really in-person from academics, and even on the court at times. It was really a weird time for me. I just thank God I got through that year.”

Can you talk about campus life at RIC and your experience as a full-time commuter?    

“Being a full-time student athlete and commuter was really hard for me. Having classes that are almost two hours can be a headache, but I've really adapted to it being there for five years. Most of the time I’m usually at Rhode Island College all day, but I had some pretty great teammates over the years that I will have a lifetime bond with that used to just let me crash at their place while I have a break in between classes or even when we have earlier practices.”

What are the ups and downs of basketball season?

“Basketball season can be filled with a lot of positive things and a lot of negative things, well, at least for me. For example, you can have a really bad game and that can really have a major effect on you and make you feel down on yourself, but the thing about the game of basketball there are so many more games to be played, and you just gotta think about the next game and can't let the past affect you”.

How was it hosting your first playoff home game?

“Hosting our first playoff home game was an incredible experience. It was honestly a great and new feeling, having a playoff game in your home crowd is just another level of energy, and your confidence tremendously goes up just by all the fans cheering you on and encouraging you as well.”

How did it feel being the fourth player in RIC history to get 1,000 points as well as 1,000 rebounds?

“That was just an unreal moment for me. If I had to be completely honest with myself, I would have never imagined that would have happened to me, that’s a moment I will always cherish for the rest of my life”.

How do you feel now that you graduated and won’t play another basketball game at RIC?

“Yeah, it's pretty crazy to think about sometimes. Being there for 5 years, it's safe to say I have really been through a lot there on and off the court, from injuries, wins, and losses. Coming here as a freshman, I really progressed as a player and even a better person. It is bizarre to know that all of this is over. I will forever be blessed to say I have played for the Rhode Island College men's basketball team”.

What are you doing now?

“I am currently in Spain playing professional basketball for a team in Salamanca called Avenida Xoborg.”

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