Cheick Diallo

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Cheick Diallo

| image = Cheick Diallo (38294986885).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Diallo playing for the Pelicans in 2017

| position = Center / power forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 8

| weight_lbs = 219

| league = BSN

| team = Osos de Manatí

| number = 33

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|9|13}}

| birth_place = Kayes, Mali

| high_school = Our Savior New American School
(Centereach, New York)

| college = Kansas (2015–2016)

| draft_year = 2016

| draft_round = 2

| draft_pick = 33

| draft_team = Los Angeles Clippers

| career_start = 2016

| years1 = {{nbay|2016|start}}–{{nbay|2018|end}}

| team1 = New Orleans Pelicans

| years2 = 2016

| team2 = →Austin Spurs

| years3 = 2017

| team3 = →Long Island Nets

| years4 = 2017

| team4 = →Greensboro Swarm

| years5 = {{nbay|2019|start}}–{{nbay|2019|end}}

| team5 = Phoenix Suns

| years6 = 2021

| team6 = Avtodor Saratov

| years7 = 2021

| team7 = Fuenlabrada

| years8 = 2021–2022

| team8 = Motor City Cruise

| years9 = {{nbay|2021|full=y}}

| team9 = Detroit Pistons

| years10 = 2021–2022

| team10 = Motor City Cruise

| years11 = 2022

| team11 = Cangrejeros de Santurce

| years12 = 2022–2023

| team12 = Kyoto Hannaryz

| years13 = 2023

| team13 = Cangrejeros de Santurce

| years14 = 2023

| team14 = Sioux Falls Skyforce

| years15 = 2023–2024

| team15 = Kyoto Hannaryz

| years16 = 2024

| team16 = Osos de Manatí

| years17 = 2024–2025

| team17 = Converge FiberXers

| years18 = 2025–present

| team18 = Osos de Manatí

| highlights = * First-team Parade All-American (2015)

McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2015)

| bbr = diallch01

}}

Cheick Diallo (born September 13, 1996) is a Malian professional basketball player for the Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). Diallo was a five-star recruit and the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the 2015 McDonald's All-American Boys Game. He played one season of college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks before declaring for the 2016 NBA draft, where he was selected with the 33rd overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Early life

Diallo was born and raised in Kayes, Mali. It took approximately 15 hours to drive from his hometown to Bamako, the country's capital city. He was the youngest in his family and had five brothers. He often played basketball with his older friends and family which brought out his skills. Diallo moved to the United States in February 2012 in pursuit of a basketball career. He was not fluent in the English language at the time. He recalled the time, "It was so tough. I left my parents, my friends, my brothers, everything, just to come here.'" Diallo began playing basketball in 2010.

High school career

File:20150401 MCDAAG Cheick Diallo up close.JPG]]

Through its international program, Diallo began attending Our Savior New American School in Centereach, New York. He played with Chris Obekpa in his freshman season and, at first, was dominated by the fellow African big man. Diallo said, "I didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't make a point. [Obekpa] blocked me every time."{{cite web|first=Franklyn|last=Calle|title=Mali Music|url=http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/cheick-diallo-interview/#hw7IAQcDofPrkLi7.97|work=SlamOnline.com|date=February 25, 2015|access-date=April 20, 2015}} In later seasons, he became more effective for his team and attracted attention through his shot-blocking, rebounding, and versatility. Diallo was invited to the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2013 and went on to become its first MVP from Africa.{{cite web|first=Zach|last=Braziller|title=From Mali to L.I., Diallo leaps to top tier of HS hoopers|url=https://nypost.com/2013/09/06/from-mali-to-l-i-diallo-leaps-to-top-tier-of-hs-hoopers/|website=NYPost.com|date=September 6, 2013|access-date=April 20, 2015}} As a junior in 2014, he averaged 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game while leading his team to a 28–3 record and a division championship. As a senior, Diallo averaged 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Diallo was named MVP of the 2015 McDonald's All-American Boys Game after scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds leading the East team to a 111–91 win over the West.{{Cite news |date=April 1, 2015 |title=Undecided Cheick Diallo leads East over West in McDonald's game |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/12602592 |access-date=April 2, 2015}} Diallo was also named MVP of the 2015 Jordan Brand Classic, tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds. Diallo was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 7 overall recruit and No. 3 power forward in the 2015 high school class.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/167305|title=Cheick Diallo – Basketball Recruiting – Player Profiles|work=ESPN.com|access-date=October 27, 2020}} On April 28, 2015, Diallo committed to Kansas.{{Cite news |last=Biancardi |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Biancardi |date=April 28, 2015 |title=No.7 recruit PF Cheick Diallo says he has committed to Kansas Jayhawks |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/12781732 |access-date=April 28, 2015}}

College career

Diallo missed the first five games of his freshman season with Kansas after the NCAA failed to clear him to play due to eligibility concerns.{{cite web|first=Ricky|last=O'Donnell|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/8/5/9100067/kansas-cheick-diallo-yet-to-be-cleared-by-the-ncaa|title=Star Kansas freshman Cheick Diallo yet to be cleared by the NCAA|work=SBNation.com|date=August 5, 2015|access-date=August 5, 2015}} On November 25, 2015, he was cleared to play for the Jayhawks in their game against Loyola on December 1, after the NCAA ultimately ruled Diallo had received a limited amount of impermissible benefits.{{cite web |date=November 26, 2015 |others=Contributed by Jeff Goodman & Andy Katz |title=NCAA says Cheick Diallo can suit up for Kansas starting Tuesday |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14223325 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}}{{cite web|first=Rustin|last=Dodd|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article44309049.html|title=Cheick Diallo's eligibility case at Kansas raises questions about NCAA's mission|work=KansasCity.com|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 11, 2015}} In his lone season at Kansas, Diallo averaged 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per game.

In April 2016, Diallo declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Borzello|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2016/story/_/id/15084394|title=Cheick Diallo to declare for NBA draft|work=ESPN.com|date=April 7, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2020}} In May 2016, at the NBA Draft Combine, Diallo registered a 7-foot-4½-inch wingspan and an 8-foot-11½-inch standing reach.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Goodman|url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/draft2016/story/_/id/15533328|title=Cheick Diallo to keep name in NBA draft pool|work=ESPN.com|date=May 14, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2020}}

Professional career

=New Orleans Pelicans (2016–2019)=

On June 23, 2016, Diallo was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 33rd overall pick in 2016 NBA draft.{{cite web|first=John|last=Reid|title=Pelicans acquire former Kansas power forward Cheick Diallo's draft rights in trade with Clippers|url=http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/06/pelicans_acquire_former_kansas.html|work=NOLA.com|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}} Diallo was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans later that night.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Eichenhofer|title=Pelicans land Cheick Diallo in second-round trade with Clippers|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-land-cheick-diallo-second-round-trade-clippers/|work=NBA.com|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}} On July 22, 2016, he signed with the Pelicans after averaging 10.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in five Summer League games.{{cite web |date=July 22, 2016 |title=Pelicans Sign 2016 Second Round Draft Pick Cheick Diallo |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-2016-second-round-draft-pick-cheick-diallo |access-date=July 22, 2016 |work=NBA.com}} He made his NBA debut on October 29, 2016, recording one rebound and one block in six minutes off the bench in the Pelicans' 98–79 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web|title=Pelicans vs. Spurs – Box Score|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899482|work=ESPN.com|date=October 29, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2020}} Diallo played in just two games for a total of seven minutes over the Pelicans' first 23 games of the season.{{cite web|title=Cheick Diallo 2016–17 Game Log|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/diallch01/gamelog/2017/|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=December 11, 2016}} On December 10, 2016, he played in just under 31 minutes off the bench and scored 19 points in the Pelicans' 133–105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|title=Clippers score season-high 133 points in win vs. reeling Pelicans|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899797|work=ESPN.com|date=December 10, 2016|access-date=December 11, 2016}} He also recorded 10 rebounds and shot 8-of-15 from the field. On April 11, 2017, he scored 19 points in a 108–96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|title=Metta scores 18 in possible farewell, Lakers top Pels 108–96|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900593|work=ESPN.com|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017}} The following day, in the Pelicans' season finale, Diallo had 12 points and 16 rebounds in a 103–100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|title=Pelicans end the season with a 103–100 win over the Blazers|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900608|work=ESPN.com|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2017}} During his rookie season, he had multiple assignments with the Austin Spurs, Long Island Nets and Greensboro Swarm of the NBA Development League, pursuant to the flexible assignment rule.{{cite web|title=2016–17 NBA Assignments|url=http://dleague.nba.com/assignments/|work=NBA.com|access-date=January 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126075350/http://dleague.nba.com/assignments/|archive-date=January 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}

On March 9, 2018, Diallo scored a season-high 14 points in a 116–97 loss to the Washington Wizards.{{cite web|title=Without Davis, Pelicans' win streak ends at 10 vs Wizards|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975728|work=ESPN.com|date=March 9, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2018}} On March 18, 2018, he set a new season high with 17 points in a 108–89 win over the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|title=Davis leads Pelicans past Celtics 108–89|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975793|work=ESPN.com|date=March 18, 2018|access-date=March 18, 2018}}

On February 6, 2019, Diallo scored a season-high 18 points in a 125–120 win over the Chicago Bulls.{{cite web|title=New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls Box Score|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201902060CHI.html|work=Basketball-Reference.com|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019}} On February 22, he had 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in a 126–111 loss to the Indiana Pacers.{{cite web|title=New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers Box Score|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201902060CHI.html|work=Basketball-Reference.com|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=February 22, 2019}} Diallo matched his season high of 18 points with perfect shooting in a 128–115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 23.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans Box Score|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201902230NOP.html|work=Basketball-Reference.com|date=February 23, 2019|access-date=February 23, 2019}}

=Phoenix Suns (2019–2020)=

On July 23, 2019, the Phoenix Suns signed Diallo to a two-year contract.{{cite web|title=Suns Sign Cheick Diallo|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-sign-cheick-diallo|website=NBA.com|date=July 23, 2019|access-date=July 23, 2019}} On November 24, Diallo scored a career-high 22 points in a 114–102 loss to the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|title=Nuggets rally to beat Suns for 5th straight victory|url=https://www.nba.com/games/20191124/PHXDEN#/boxscore|date=November 24, 2019|website=NBA.com|access-date=November 26, 2019}}

=Avtodor Saratov (2021)=

On February 2, 2021, Diallo signed with Avtodor Saratov of the VTB United League.{{cite news|first=Emiliano|last=Carchia|title=Cheick Diallo signs with Avtodor Saratov|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/cheick-diallo-signs-with-avtodor-saratov/|newspaper=Sportando|date=February 2, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021}}

=Fuenlabrada (2021)=

On April 14, 2021, Diallo signed with Fuenlabrada of the Spanish Liga ACB.{{cite web|title=Cheick Diallo from Avtodor to Fuenlabrada|url=https://www.latestbasketballnews.com/cheick-diallo-from-avtodor-to-fuenlabrada/|website=LatestBasketballNews.com|date=April 14, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021}}

=Motor City Cruise / Detroit Pistons (2021–2022)=

On November 8, 2021, Diallo signed with the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League.{{cite web|title=Motor City Cruise Claim Cheick Diallo Off Waivers|url=https://detroit.gleague.nba.com/news/motor-city-cruise-claim-cheick-diallo-off-waivers/|website=NBA.com|date=November 8, 2021|access-date=November 15, 2021}} In 13 games, he averaged 14.4 points on 71.4% shooting and 8.5 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Pistons Sign Cheick Diallo To 10-Day Deal|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/12/pistons-to-sign-cheick-diallo-to-10-day-contract.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=December 23, 2021|access-date=December 23, 2021}}

On December 23, 2021, Diallo signed a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons via the hardship exemption and after his expired, he was re-acquirerd by Motor City.{{cite web|title=2021-22 NBA G League transactions|url=https://gleague.nba.com/transactions/|website=NBA.com|access-date=January 3, 2022}}

=Cangrejeros de Santurce (2022)=

On May 1, 2022, Diallo signed with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the BSN.{{cite tweet|author=La Guerra del BSN|number=1520844157417369600|title=#BSNPR OFICIAL: El ex-NBA Cheick Diallo es el nuevo refuerzo de los Cangrejeros de Santurce en sustitución de Alade Aminu. Diallo, de 25 años, 6'8 y un wingspan de 7'4, estuvo activo en la NBA G-League con el equipo Motor City Cruise.|user=LaGuerraBSN|date=May 1, 2022|access-date=May 1, 2022}}

=Kyoto Hannaryz (2022–2023)=

On July 26, 2022, Diallo signed with Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japanese B.League.{{cite web|first=Donatas|last=Urbonas|title=Two former NBA players signing with Japanese team Kyoto Hannaryz|url=https://basketnews.com/news-175716-two-former-nba-players-signing-with-japanese-team-kyoto-hannaryz.html|website=BasketNews.com|date=July 26, 2022|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

=Return to Cangrejeros de Santurce (2023)=

On May 26, 2023, Diallo re-signed with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the BSN.{{cite tweet|author=La Guerra del BSN|title=#BSNPR OFICIAL: El centro Cheick Diallo regresa como refuerzo de los Cangrejeros de Santurce en sustitución de Kenneth Faried. Diallo promedió 16.2 PPJ y 13.5 RPJ en 22 partidos con los Cangrejeros de Santurce en la pasada temporada 2022.|number=1662202226415157250|user=LaGuerraBSN|date=May 26, 2023|access-date=September 28, 2023}}

=Sioux Falls Skyforce (2023)=

On September 27, 2023, Diallo signed with the Miami Heat,{{cite web|title=HEAT Make Roster Moves|url=https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-make-roster-moves-20230927|website=NBA.com|date=September 27, 2023|access-date=September 27, 2023}} but was waived on October 21, prior to the start of the 2023–24 season.{{cite web|title=HEAT WAIVE CHAMPAGNIE AND DIALLO|url=https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-waive-champagnie-and-diallo|website=NBA.com|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=October 21, 2023}} On October 30, he joined the Sioux Falls Skyforce,{{cite web|title=Skyforce Announces Training Camp Roster Ahead of 2023-24 Season|url=https://siouxfalls.gleague.nba.com/news/skyforce-announces-training-camp-roster-ahead-of-2023-24-season|website=NBA.com|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2024}} but left the team on November 16.{{cite web|title=Skyforce Acquires Manny Camper|url=https://siouxfalls.gleague.nba.com/news/skyforce-acquires-manny-camper|website=NBA.com|date=November 17, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2024}}

=Return to Kyoto (2023–2024)=

On November 30, 2023, Diallo returned to Kyoto Hannaryz.{{cite web|title=シェック・ディアロ選手加入のお知らせ|url=https://hannaryz.jp/news/detail/id=20275|website=Hannaryz.jp|date=November 30, 2023|access-date=December 11, 2023|language=Japanese}}

=Osos de Manatí (2024)=

On May 25, 2024, Diallo signed with the Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.{{cite tweet|author=La Guerra del BSN|title=#BSNPR {{¡}} OFICIAL: El centro Cheick Diallo regresa al BSN para reforzar a los Osos de Manatí. Diallo promedió 17.5 PPJ y 8.8 RPJ durante la pasada temporada 2023 con los Cangrejeros de Santurce.|number=1794383765344760070|user=LaGuerraBSN|date=May 25, 2024|access-date=May 26, 2024|language=Spanish}} He had a great season individually, often leading the team in scoring, and the Osos reached the BSN finals for the first time in their history. They would lose 3–4 however, against the Criollos de Caguas.

= Converge FiberXers (2024–2025) =

On October 30, 2024, Diallo signed with the Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the team's import for the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.{{Cite news |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Converge brings in Cheick Diallo for PBA Comm's Cup |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/converge-brings-in-cheick-diallo-for-pba-comms-cup/318111 |access-date=October 30, 2024 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}