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jul 28 2026Dubai Basketball continues building its new project with the signing of Mamadi Diakite, a 29-year-old, 6'11" center who arrives after an impressive debut EuroLeague season with Baskonia.
The Guinean center signs a multi-year contract with the Dubai club and joins a team looking to make a significant leap under the direction of Xavi Pascual. Dubai adds physicality, energy, intimidation, and a high-impact defensive profile.
Diakite comes off a very solid season with Baskonia. In 37 EuroLeague games, he averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 19 minutes, with a spectacular 66.2% shooting from two-point range. Additionally, he finished as the competition's fifth-best shot-blocker.
His season clearly improved as it progressed. He struggled to find his rhythm in the early months, but in the final stretch became a much more decisive piece. In his last twelve EuroLeague games, he elevated his numbers to 14 points and 5.9 rebounds, with 70.7% shooting from two and an average rating of 18.3.
Precisely against Dubai, he delivered one of his best performances of the year: 27 points, 12 rebounds, and a rating of 37—all personal highs in the competition.
Before arriving in Europe, Diakite had already accumulated experience in the United States. He was an NCAA champion with Virginia in 2019 and was also part of the championship-winning Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA in 2021. Additionally, he stood out in the G League, where he was named to the All-Star team and the All-Defensive team.
Dubai thus adds a center with immediate impact: athletic, explosive, efficient near the basket, and capable of altering shots on defense. A signing that fits perfectly into a project that wants to compete at the highest level right away.
