Dubai Basketball has signed Mamadi Diakite to a multi-year deal.
The Guinean forward-center joins the club after an impressive first EuroLeague season with Baskonia. He averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and a PIR of 10.1 in 19 minutes per game. Diakite finished as the Liga Endesa's leading shot blocker and helped Baskonia win the 2026 Spanish Cup. His athleticism, rim protection and physical presence make him an important addition to the frontcourt.
Born in Conakry, Guinea, Diakite moved to the United States as a teenager to develop through the American basketball system. After winning the NCAA championship with the University of Virginia, he started his professional career in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was part of the 2021 NBA Championship team and continued his development across the NBA and G League.
Diakite arrives as a proven two-way player capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. One of his standout performances came against Dubai Basketball, where he posted 27 points and a PIR of 37. The club did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.
Guard reinforcements arrive
American guard Davion Mintz also joined Dubai Basketball for the 2026/27 season on a multi-year agreement. The 28-year-old arrives from Würzburg Baskets in Germany. A combo guard with a reliable mid-range game, Mintz averaged 16.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3 assists per game across 31 German League appearances.
Mintz carried that form into the playoffs, posting 15 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He also made his mark in the Basketball Champions League with averages of 15.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 14 games. Last Friday, Dubai Basketball announced that French guard Elie Okobo would also play for the club.
The 28-year-old joins from AS Monaco, where he spent the last four seasons. Okobo arrives with extensive experience at the highest level of European basketball. The 1.91-metre guard has appeared in 182 EuroLeague games during his career. The team did not specify the exact duration of the multi-year contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mamadi Diakite?
Mamadi Diakite is a Guinean forward-center who has joined Dubai Basketball on a multi-year deal. He previously played for Baskonia in the EuroLeague, where he averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
What is Mamadi Diakite's background?
Mamadi Diakite was born in Conakry, Guinea, and moved to the United States as a teenager to develop his basketball skills. He won an NCAA championship with the University of Virginia and started his professional career in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks.
What other players have joined Dubai Basketball?
American guard Davion Mintz and French guard Elie Okobo have also joined Dubai Basketball on multi-year deals. Mintz arrives from Würzburg Baskets in Germany, while Okobo comes from AS Monaco.
What is Mamadi Diakite's playing style?
Mamadi Diakite is a two-way player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is known for his athleticism, rim protection, and physical presence.
How long is Mamadi Diakite's contract with Dubai Basketball?
The exact duration of Mamadi Diakite's contract with Dubai Basketball was not disclosed.
