Ibou Dianko Badji


Ibou Dianko Badji is a Senegalese professional basketball player for FC Barcelona B of the LEB Plata.

Early life and career

In 2017–18, Badji trained with NBA Academy Africa in Thiès, Senegal, where he emerged as one of the best prospects in his age group. By the time he turned 15 years old, he stood about with a wingspan. On 27 December 2018, Badji signed with Spanish basketball club FC Barcelona and began playing for its youth sections. In December 2019, he played for U18 FC Barcelona at ANGT Valencia, where he averaged eight points, 8.8 rebounds and five blocks per game.

Professional career

To prepare for the 2019–20 season, Badji trained with the first team. He spent much of the season playing for FC Barcelona B, the club's reserve team, in the third-tier LEB Plata. On 26 October 2019, Badji had a season-high 12 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in an 86–77 win over Prat. On 18 January 2020, he recorded eight points and a season-high eight blocks in an 88–80 victory over Prat.

National team career

Badji represented Senegal at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Heraklion, Greece. He averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, which ranked second in the tournament, as his team finished in 15th place.