𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐦: A Symbol of Unity in European Basketball

2 novembre 2025

Tala Fam Thiam is more than just a promising athlete — he is a symbol of unity in European basketball. His journey across nations reflects the new face of the sport: borderless, multicultural, and deeply human. From his beginnings in Spain, where he built his foundation of discipline and tactical intelligence, to his time in Ireland, where passion and teamwork became part of his identity, and now through his experience competing in Germany, Tala embodies the spirit of a continent connected through the game.

On every court he steps onto, Thiam carries a mix of influences that mirror the diversity of modern Europe. His story isn’t only about basketball — it’s about identity, adaptation, and the power of sport to bridge cultures. Whether in Alicante, Dublin, or Berlin, his commitment, humility, and drive to inspire others have made him a true ambassador of European unity through basketball.

Among Europe’s emerging basketball players, Tala Fam Thiam stands out for his determination and power. Born in 2001and raised in Alicante, Spain, the 1.95-meter swingman has created his own path, merging the technical finesse of Spanish basketball with the energy and community values of Ireland.

From Santa Pola to the Blue Demons: A Leap of Faith

Tala Fam began his basketball journey in the youth teams of Santa Pola, but basketball wasn’t his first love.
“I actually started playing football,” he recalls. “In Spain, that’s the main sport — I was always chasing the ball. But when I was around 11, things changed. I didn’t make the team, and since I was tall for my age, someone suggested I try basketball. From the first moment, I loved it.”

Between the ages of 11 and 17, Tala developed his game in Santa Pola and later began training with Lucentum Alicante, one of the region’s top basketball programs. It was there that fate stepped in.

During a local tournament, Stephen O’Sullivan, a former member of the Blue Demons, and his wife María, spotted him and approached him after a game.
“They told me they liked my game and wanted to offer me a scholarship to play basketball in Ireland while studying,” Tala remembers. “At 17, it was a big decision — leaving home, my friends, everything — but I decided to take the opportunity. It was a new adventure.”

Adapting and Thriving in Cork

Tala arrived in Cork, in southern Ireland, with almost no English and no idea what to expect.
“I didn’t even know where Ireland was on the map,” he laughs. “The first days were tough. I couldn’t communicate — the only word I knew was yes.”

But over time, the warmth of the people around him made all the difference.
“Michael and Colette O’Leary have looked after me since day one,” Tala says gratefully. “They are an incredible family. I could never repay the kindness they’ve shown me.”

Life in Cork became more than just basketball — it was a cultural and personal transformation. He immersed himself in Irish life, learning English, studying, and becoming an essential part of the UCC Blue Demons organization.

A Leader on and off the Court

Tala quickly evolved from a promising junior player into one of the most athletic and consistent talents in Irish basketball. Known for his high-flying dunks and tireless defense, he soon became a fan favorite at Mardyke Arena.

By his fourth season, Tala had grown into a leader. He played a pivotal role in the Demons’ unbeaten campaigns, winning league titles, earning MVP honors, and helping secure the club’s return to Ireland’s top division.

But his motivation went beyond trophies:
“I’ve heard the stories about how hard it was when the Demons had to leave the Super League,” he said. “I want to bring silverware back and help this club return to the top.”

His dedication, humility, and gratitude turned him into a role model for younger players.

Family, Culture, and Motivation

Behind Tala’s success lies a strong foundation — his family. His mother Arame, one of his biggest supporters, has often traveled from Spain to watch his games.
“I desperately wanted to show her how much I’ve improved,” Tala said before one of his finals.

He also has younger siblings — including a sister who is following in his basketball footsteps in Spain. Those family ties keep him grounded, no matter how far basketball takes him.

And it’s not just his skills that people remember. Coaches and teammates often describe him as one of the kindest and most genuine players around. “Tala is one of those people who makes you happy to be on the court,” one of his former coaches said. “He’s humble, hard-working, and always lifts others up.”

Returning to Spain: A New Chapter

When the pandemic hit, Tala decided to return home. Back in Spain, he joined CB Ilicitano, becoming one of the key players who led the team to promotion to Liga EBA.
“That season was amazing,” he recalls. “We didn’t lose a single game. It was victory after victory, and reaching the playoffs undefeated was something unforgettable.”

His former coach Cuco and teammates like Andrei, Antonio Guilló, and Micky Ortín remember that campaign as one of the most exciting in the club’s history — and Tala was right at the center of it.

Growing Physically and Mentally

Unlike many players who start intense gym work early, Tala admits he began training seriously around age 18, once he was in Ireland.
“At Blue Demons, I had access to a gym, so I started taking strength training seriously,” he explains. “Before that, I was just tall and fast, but I needed to build my body. Over the past two or three years, I’ve seen a big change.”

His evolution shows in his versatility — from guarding smaller players on the perimeter to posting up inside, Tala adapts quickly to different styles of play. “In Santa Pola, I played every position,” he says. “Sometimes I was a forward, sometimes a guard, sometimes even a center. That helped me understand the game from every angle.”

The Next Step: Competing in Germany

After success in Spain and Ireland, Tala took another step in his European journey, joining BG TVO / TV Jahn Lindhorst in Germany’s Regionalliga. Competing in a new country added to his experience and sharpened his skills against a different style of basketball — faster, more physical, and tactically demanding.

Now, with his international résumé growing, Tala represents the modern European athlete: adaptable, ambitious, and constantly evolving.

A Player Driven by Passion

When asked how he would define himself, Tala’s answer comes straight from the heart:

“I’d say I’m ambitious, a person who loves sport and never stops training. I’m kind, and for me, basketball is everything. I can’t live without it — even in summer, I need to play. It’s in my veins.”

That relentless passion is what has carried him from small-town Spain to international arenas — and what continues to drive him toward new heights.

As he once said about Cork: