BYU forward Aly Khalifa will play against Duquesne on Thursday without having any food or drink after sunrise as he observes Ramadan during the NCAA Tournament. The native of Alexandria, Egypt, probably could have taken an exception to one of the Five Pillars of Islam because of travel involved in the college basketball tournament.
BYU center Aly Khalifa celebrates after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. BYU center Aly Khalifa gets past Texas Tech forward Robert Jennings to put up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo.
One of the Five Pillars of Islam is the “sawm,” where during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar healthy adults are required to abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. The practice is intended to renew their awareness and gratitude for all that God has bestowed upon them, and to serve as a reminder of their religious obligation to help those less fortunate.
Cougars coach Mark Pope has provided leadership and guidance. Michael Davie, the school’s director of sports science, has been meticulously monitoring his weight and hydration level. Robert Ramos, the director of sports medicine, is providing solidarity — “He’s doing it with me,” Khalifa said with a smile. “Rob was like, ‘I got you.
“I knew that sacrifice for him,” Saunders said, “but we’re such a team of faith, all the different nuances or whatever. If that’s his choice, we’re going to be behind him. We’re going to carry him when he needs to be carried.Khalifa isn’t unique in the NCAA Tournament. Samson Johnson and Hassan Diarra of No. 1 overall seed UConn fasted last year, when the Huskies rolled to the national championship, and are planning to do the same as they defend their title.
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