Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball at Rice on February 11, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET
8 p.m. ET
Men's Basketball
at Rice
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Meet Redshirt Freshman Guard Amar Amkou
2/5/2026 2:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Q: How did you begin playing basketball?
A: My dad used to play basketball, and when he retired, he became a coach. I grew up playing basketball with him, so he was a big part of my development. We always went to the courts together. I also grew up playing soccer, but I realized I was going to have more opportunities with basketball, so I decided to stick with it.
Q: When did you start playing and training with the NBA Academy in Senegal, and what was that like?
A: Before the NBA Academy came to Senegal, there was the SEED project, and that is where my dad coached. I grew up playing there and one summer the NBA Academy came to Senegal and partnered with the SEED project, so I began playing for them. We did both school and basketball. There were some online classes along with local teachers who would come and teach us.
Q: What was the 2024-25 season like for you?
A: I came into last season injured, so I knew I wasn't going to be playing. I tried to be a helpful teammate, always talking to them and being encouraging. You see different things when you are not on the court, so I tried to help in that way.
Q: How did you deal with the mental challenges of not being able to play?
A: I tried to be very mentally strong. If you are mentally weak, it makes it a lot harder. I was focused on working hard no matter what because going to the gym every day to work out and get healthy again is tough, but I had to put the work in.
Q: How are you taking the lessons you learned last season and using them this year?
A: I got to see the different competition, cultures, and playing styles last year to help me prepare. Basketball in America is more physical and aggressive, so that is one of the biggest adjustments. I am taking what I was able to watch last season and applying it to this season.
GET TO KNOW AMAR AMKOU
GalleryGallery: (2-5-2026) Amar Amkou
SCHEDULE
Click here for the 2025-26 schedule.
ROSTER
Click here for the full 2025-26 men's basketball roster.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men's basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
Florida Atlantic's 2025-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
A: My dad used to play basketball, and when he retired, he became a coach. I grew up playing basketball with him, so he was a big part of my development. We always went to the courts together. I also grew up playing soccer, but I realized I was going to have more opportunities with basketball, so I decided to stick with it.
Q: When did you start playing and training with the NBA Academy in Senegal, and what was that like?
A: Before the NBA Academy came to Senegal, there was the SEED project, and that is where my dad coached. I grew up playing there and one summer the NBA Academy came to Senegal and partnered with the SEED project, so I began playing for them. We did both school and basketball. There were some online classes along with local teachers who would come and teach us.
Q: What was the 2024-25 season like for you?
A: I came into last season injured, so I knew I wasn't going to be playing. I tried to be a helpful teammate, always talking to them and being encouraging. You see different things when you are not on the court, so I tried to help in that way.
Q: How did you deal with the mental challenges of not being able to play?
A: I tried to be very mentally strong. If you are mentally weak, it makes it a lot harder. I was focused on working hard no matter what because going to the gym every day to work out and get healthy again is tough, but I had to put the work in.
Q: How are you taking the lessons you learned last season and using them this year?
A: I got to see the different competition, cultures, and playing styles last year to help me prepare. Basketball in America is more physical and aggressive, so that is one of the biggest adjustments. I am taking what I was able to watch last season and applying it to this season.
GET TO KNOW AMAR AMKOU
Gallery
SCHEDULE
Click here for the 2025-26 schedule.
ROSTER
Click here for the full 2025-26 men's basketball roster.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men's basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
Florida Atlantic's 2025-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
Players Mentioned
G
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