Freshman guard Mama Dembele comes to Columbia with a long list of accomplishments from her prep career in Spain. A multiple-time national team member and bronze medalist, Dembele was invited to the 2020 NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp hosted by FIBA during the 2020 NBA All-Star weekend and was named as the best student athlete for the 2019-2020 season at IES Joaquim Blume.

She impressed at the 2018 U16 European Championships, where she filled the stat sheet to the tune of 5.4 points, 5.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. She then returned to the national stage at the 2019 U18 European Championships, where she helped led the Spanish national team to a bronze medal after averaging of 3.3 points and 3.7 assists per game.

"My national team experience really helped my game," said Dembele. "Playing against the USA team really helped me see how the game is played and how they talk in the United States. Playing in those tournaments helped me learn the different rules that are played in America."

Originally born in Mali, Dembele moved to Spain when she was one year old where lived in a small village. Her experience in this small village helped shape her growth as a child, and she contributes her mother to being her biggest influence as she has taken over her household's responsibilities. That leadership shown by her mom taught her to approach her challenges head on and to face her adversities with a fearless eye.

"I just want to do the best for my family," said Dembele. "My mother has been a really good example for me growing up and showing how to live my life."

She believes going away to play basketball continues to make her family proud as she is following her dreams while pursuing an education. Her comfort level with the coaching staff and her teammates at Mizzou have made the transition to the United States a smooth one.

"I felt so comfortable as this could be my family," said Dembele.  "They are always going to be there to help you and are there to count on."

The togetherness and family atmosphere of the team was a contributing factor to Dembele's decision to come to Mizzou.

"My teammates and coaches are my family and they continue to support me," said Dembele. "It's not easy to be a freshman, but it is easier when you have other teammates around to support you."