Sept. 12, 2011

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University learned today that freshman forward/center Aiche Ndao (Mbour, Senegal/Stoneridge (Calif.) Prep) has been ruled a partial qualifier by the NCAA.

As a partial qualifier, Ndao will be on scholarship and will be eligible to practice with the team this season. She will not be permitted to travel or play in games.

"We are excited to have Aiche join the team," said head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio. "Although she won't be able to play in any games this season, having her practice with the team will certainly make all of our players better. She is going to be a big part of our future and having a year to learn our system will be very beneficial to her."

The 6-3 Ndao did not play basketball in high school because Stoneridge Prep did not field a girl's team. She played AAU basketball for OC Elite (coach Matt Houser).

A native of Mbour, Senegal, Ndao came to the United States last year.

Ndao, who chose Duquesne over Baylor, USC, California and UNLV, will major in communications.

Duquesne will host an exhibition game on Oct. 29th against California, Pa. at the Palumbo Center before opening up the 2011-12 season at Saint Francis, Pa. on Nov. 11th. The home opener is Nov. 14 against Buffalo.