Aliou Diarra

Aliou Fadiala Diarra (born 31 December 2001) is a Malian professional basketball player for Stade Malien. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and 192 pounds (87 kg), he plays as center and gained attention in 2023 for his performance in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Aliou Diarra
No. 15 – Stade Malien
PositionCenter
LeagueBAL
Ligue 1
Personal information
Born (2001-12-31) 31 December 2001
Listed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight192 lb (87 kg)
Career information
Playing career2022–present
Career history
2022–presentStade Malien
Career highlights and awards
  • Ligue 1 champion (2022)
  • Malian Super Cup winner (2023)

Early life

After initially playing soccer, Diarra picked up basketball in his village in Bamako. There, he made a name for himself in the local community by playing on open courts and was eventually recruited by coach Kaba Kanté of Stade Malien.[1]

Career

Diarra, who says he models his game after Anthony Davis,[2] made his first notable appearances in professional basketball with Stade Malien in the 2023 Road to BAL games. With 11.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, he helped Stade qualify for their first-ever BAL season on 19 November 2022.[3] Diarra scored 16 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in the decisive third place game against Bangui Sporting Club.[4]

On 18 March, Diarra had 20 points and 16 rebounds in a surprise win over REG.[2] He led the Sahara Conference in rebounds and blocks per game.

National team career

Diarra was selected for the Mali men's national basketball team for the first time in 2023, when he was selected for the 2023 FIBA AfroCan roster.[1]

References
  1. "Basketball Africa League: Stade Malien's dynamic duo are Mali's finest". NBA.com. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  2. "Diarra makes strong case to be Sahara Conference's most impactful player". The BAL. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  3. "Aliou Fadiala DIARRA at the Africa Champions Clubs ROAD TO B.A.L. 2023 2022". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  4. "Stade Malien pick last ticket from West Division for BAL 2023". FIBA.basketball. 19 November 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
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