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Diakite's Baskonia Debut Uncertain After Health Scare

New Baskonia player Mamadi Diakite's season start is in doubt after a recent hospitalization.
Diakite's Baskonia Debut Uncertain After Health Scare

As the new EuroLeague season approaches, Baskonia’s preparations have hit a snag. The team’s new forward/center, Mamadi Diakite, is facing an uncertain start to the season after a recent health issue required a short hospital stay. The team is now carefully monitoring his condition before he can return to the court.

🏥 A Sudden Health Concern

Mamadi Diakite was recently admitted to a hospital in Vigo with a high fever. Although he has since been discharged, his timeline for returning to practice and making his official debut is still unknown. The club’s medical staff is conducting further evaluations to determine the cause of the issue, and his availability will depend on the results of these tests.

✨ A Promising Addition to the Team

The 28-year-old is a key new signing for Baskonia, having joined on a two-year contract in August. He had a very productive offseason, playing for his home country of Guinea in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers. During the tournament, he showcased his all-around skills, averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, raising excitement for his upcoming EuroLeague season.

🏀 Journey to the EuroLeague

Diakite brings a wealth of experience to Europe. He won an NCAA championship in 2019 with the University of Virginia before beginning his professional career. He played in 66 NBA games for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks during their 2021 championship season, as well as the Thunder, Cavaliers, Spurs, and Knicks. His background is expected to be a major asset for Baskonia as they compete in both the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa.