Cheick Diallo

Cheick Diallo's Biography

Cheick Diallo, born on September 13, 1996, has earned renown as a Malian professional basketball player currently playing for Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association. Diallo, distinguished as a five-star recruit, achieved the accolade of the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game. Following a single season of college basketball at Kansas, the young player declared for the 2016 NBA draft, where he was selected 33rd overall by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Diallo’s humble beginnings started in the town of Kayes, Mali, where he was the youngest among six boys in his family. It was here that he nurtured his love for basketball by often playing with older family members and friends, which honed his skills. After moving to the United States in February 2012, Diallo faced communication barriers as he was not fluent in English at that time. However, his passion for basketball sustained him through these trials.

Building upon his love for the sport, Diallo began playing basketball in 2010. His journey traversed many trials and miles as he began schooling at Our Savior New American School in Centereach, New York, through its international program. Despite initial challenges like being dominated by fellow African big man Chris Obekpa in his freshman season, Diallo showcased his potential through his shot-blocking prowess, rebounding ability, and versatility.

Diallo further scaled the heights of success, culminating with an invite to the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2013. He emerged as its first MVP from Africa, further underlining his rising international credentials. By 2014, as a junior, Diallo’s impressive performance of 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks accelerated his team to a 28-3 record and a division championship. His consistent performance over the years, including being named MVP of the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, earned him the No. 7 overall recruit and No. 3 power forward in the 2015 high school class.

On April 28, 2015, he committed to Kansas, although his freshman season didn’t start in earnest due to NCAA eligibility concerns. After clearance on November 25, 2015, Diallo posted an average of 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per game for the Jayhawks. In April 2016, he declared his eligibility for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining three years of college basketball.

Diallo’s professional journey in the NBA started on June 23, 2016, when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers and then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He had impressive stints with the Austin Spurs, Long Island Nets, and Greensboro Swarm of the NBA Development League, among numerous other teams, over the next few seasons. Diallo’s promising performance with the Phoenix Suns in 2019 culminated in a career-high point total against the Denver Nuggets.

Throughout the 2020s, Diallo had stints with various teams globally, from Fuenlabrada of the Spanish Liga ACB to Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japanese B.League. Despite a few setbacks along the way, including being waived by the Miami Heat, Diallo’s performance remained strong. Upon his return to Kyoto Hannaryz in November 2023, Diallo continued to exhibit his skills.

In 2024, he signed a contract with the Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional. Despite their historic run to the BSN finals, they fell 3-4 to the Criollos de Caguas. Undeterred by the setback, Diallo signed with Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association later that year. Overcoming initial struggles, Diallo has etched his name in the annals of basketball, cementing his legacy as a formidable professional basketball player. His journey from Mali to international courts serves as an inspiration to aspiring professional athletes worldwide.