MACOMB, Ill.  -  Western Illinois University head men’s basketball coach Jim Molinari has announced the signing of Abdou Niang to the 2009-10 Fighting Leatherneck roster.

“Abdou has a tremendous attitude,” Molinari said. “He shows up with the desire to help the team in any way possible and become the best player he can be.”

Niang, a 195-pound, 6-foot-9 forward comes to Western Illinois from Stoneridge Prep (Calif.). He was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, the largest city located on the Cape Verde Peninsula, which is on the western edge of Africa. Niang started school at Western in the fall and joins six other newcomers on the 2009-10 roster.

“Before he can help the team, he will need to gain more strength and I am confident in coach (Chris) Anderson (Western Illinois strength and conditioning coach) that he can progress in time for the season,” Molinari explained. “He is a forward that has the ability to step out on the floor and shoot the basketball.”

The 2009-10 Fighting Leatherneck basketball program returns three starters and five total letterwinners from last season.