Hamidou Diallo’s Bold Euroleague Move: What Does Signing with Baskonia Mean for His Career?

I’m sure we’ll hear of more deals as training camps start up across Europe this month.

Diallo played with the Thunder for a few more seasons before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in March 2021. He dealt with injuries throughout his time with the Pistons and eventually signed with the Wizards, spending the majority of his time with their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. In 2024, he made the move to China.

Last season, Diallo played for the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Premier League, averaging 22.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He dropped a career-high 46 points in a game vs. Zhejiang. After playing a season and a half at Kentucky from 2017-18, Diallo was selected No. 45 in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets, who traded his rights to the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2019, Diallo won the NBA Slam Dunk contest, memorably jumping over Shaquille O’Neal on one dunk and rapper Quavo for another.

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Hamidou Diallo is headed to Spain. The former Cat signed a two-year deal with Baskonia, a professional club in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain that competes in the Liga Endesa and Euroleague, the most prestigious league in Europe.

Former Cats playing overseas

Hamidou Diallo is packing his bags for Spain, folks—yeah, you heard that right. The former Kentucky standout just inked a two-year contract with Baskonia, a top-tier club nestled in Vitoria-Gasteiz, competing in both Spain’s Liga Endesa and Europe’s revered Euroleague. This move isn’t just another stop on his journey; it’s a fresh chapter in a career that’s already seen quite the odyssey. After putting up impressive numbers last season with the Shanxi Loongs in China, where he averaged 22.5 points, 7.3 boards, and 3.1 assists, and dropped a massive 46-point game, Diallo’s trajectory is anything but ordinary. Let’s not forget his NBA days—drafted 45th in 2018, a memorable 2019 Slam Dunk Champion who soared over legends like Shaq and rapper Quavo. From Kentucky courts to NBA hardwoods, then a leap to China, and now sailing into European waters, Diallo’s story is a testament to resilience, grit, and a touch of showmanship. Curious to dive deeper into his career and what’s next? LEARN MORE.