REBEL CHECK-IN

CHEICKNA DEMBELE
UNLV MEN'S BASKETBALL
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES MAJOR

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - When Cheickna Dembele arrived at UNLV in 2016 to join the men's basketball team, he had only been in the United States for seven months, his English speaking skills were minimal and he was one of the shyest freshmen you could find.

Fast forward four years and even though injuries have prevented him from continuing his playing career, the rising senior became one of the most vocal leaders on the team. Every practice, the one consistent voice that could be heard from the sidelines was Cheickna's. Encouraging his teammates, cheering them on, making sure they understood what the coaches were asking of them.

Dembele, because of injury, will no longer be in uniform for the Runnin' Rebels, but has chosen to remain with the program in a new role: student assistant coach.

UNLVRebels.com had a chance this week to check in with the 6-foot-11-inch forward, who is originally from Banamba, Mali.

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UNLVRebels.com: What was it like when you realized that because of injury, your playing career was over?

Cheickna Dembele: When I realized I couldn't play anymore, it hurt because I loved to play. But it was okay, because I quickly chose to look at it a different way. I said to myself, "now what? What can I do to help others?" I also thought of the lessons my dad taught me. How important academics are because you never know what's going to happen. I have kept a positive attitude and have focussed on the bright side. 

U: When you knew you couldn't play anymore, did you think about leaving UNLV?

CD: When I found out I thought about my options a little bit, but at the same time I thought, "why go somewhere else? What would I get out of that?" I love Las Vegas and the coaches really want to help me. I love this city and I love this community. It came to my mind but it wasn't something I wanted to seriously pursue.

U: How did it come about that you could remain with the team, just in a different way?

CD: Coach T.J. and I talked a lot. He wanted me to just keep being me and keep being an example and be a leader. I've been here for a while. My first year, we didn't have success in terms of wins. It was one of the worst records in UNLV history, so I have seen it bad, but I have also seen it good. Last year, as the season progressed, the team kept getting better and better. So I have seen the difference between a winning and losing program. That experience is valuable as I work to help the program move forward.

U: What did you think when the coaches informed you that you would be a student assistant coach?

CD: When Coach T.J. told me, I was just really happy. The fact that I could stay here and still be a part of this team and still be around the players and to be a part of it is just awesome. It really is the perfect situation for me. I feel like I can help the guys a variety of ways.

U: When did you find out that your playing career would not continue?

CD: I have played through a lot of injuries. Many times, people didn't even really know. But it just got to the point where even though it was painful and I could still play through it, I had to look at my future. If I kept going and beating my body up it could develop into something serious like someday not being able to walk or having to be helped with everything. I just didn't want to go down that road.

U: Let's talk about your future. Have your career goals changed because of this?

CD: I will be graduating in the fall, then I want to start my master's program. Hopefully I can finish that and then maybe get into coaching. That's what I am focused on right now - just working as hard as I can to become a coach. When I first came to college I was an economics major, but have since changed it to international business. My plan was to just play basketball, get to the NBA or go overseas and then return home to open my own business. I'm open to any possibilities, but coaching is what I think I want to do.

U: You became one of the most vocal players in practice this past season. How did you grow into that role?

CD: When I first got to UNLV my English wasn't good. I was young and I was so quiet and shy. I hadn't lived in this country for even a year. I just didn't really know what to do. I would hang back and watch and learn. But now, I am one of the oldest and I have learned a lot. I am in a position to really be able to say something. I don't like to talk just to talk. But now that I know what I am talking about it is easier. And because I was hurt, I felt like I had to find a way to be able to help the team. Being vocal, cheering them on, encouraging them in practice - that was my way of helping and contributing.

U: What has UNLV meant to you?

CD: It means a lot because the whole UNLV family and the whole city has treated me so well - like a part of.a family. When I first got here I was playing decent, which was great. Then the injuries came. But people still treated me the same way even though I wasn't playing. I can feel the love from everyone and I never feel left out. I really appreciate that. They could have turned their back to me but they didn't.

U: What have you been doing to keep busy during this unusual time we are all living through?

CD: I've been at The Degree on campus. Watching a lot of basketball to keep busy. Also some movies and shows. Doing pushups and situps to try to stay in shape. I was also focussed on school, but now we are on a break academically. The coaches have been there to always help whether it be to talk about the game film I'm watching or just to check in and talk about what I can do to prepare myself for when we get back. 

U: When things get back to normal, what are you looking forward to the most?

CD: Just to be with my team and help as many guys as I can. Hopefully we have a great season, contend for a Mountain West championship and make the NCAA Tournament. I've never been and have only seen it on TV, so I want to experience being a part of that.