Drafted by New York, Mohamed Diawara might stay one more season in Cholet

Selected 51st in the 2024 NBA Draft, Mohamed Diawara (6’8″, 20 years old) became the 8th player in Cholet Basket’s history to be drafted by an American franchise. However, his immediate future is not yet sealed. While waiting for the Summer League, his agent clearly leaves the door open for another season in Betclic ELITE with CB.

A surprise draft and an uncertain future

It was a short night for Mohamed Diawara. In a Parisian hotel at 2 AM on Friday, June 27, the player’s camp chose not to travel to Brooklyn to experience the NBA Draft live. A few hours later, he was selected 51st by the Los Angeles Clippers, before his rights were transferred to the New York Knicks.

« We need to realize we’re talking about a player who wasn’t even in the top 100, » recalls his agent Olivier Mazet in Ouest-France. To earn his spot, the former Paris Basketball player completed no less than 11 workouts with different NBA franchises in 20 days. Enough to convince New York to bet on him, despite their dense roster.

Very tough competition with the Knicks

Joining the Knicks is no small feat. Conference semi-finalists this season, the New Yorkers have a well-stocked roster at the 3-4 positions where Diawara plays: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby already occupy these roles, as well as his former Charenton and Paris teammate Pacôme Dadiet (6’8″, 19 years old). This suggests more of a Draft & Stash scenario.

A scenario far from being excluded, even for the Diawara camp. « They asked him to come to New York as early as Monday (June 30) to train with the Summer League group. This will be a first step, » explains Mazet. But if no contract is signed, a return to Cholet is seriously considered. « It’s absolutely not in our plans to put him on the market. If Moh has to stay in Europe, it will be in Cholet, » warns his agent.

Cholet remains alert but optimistic

In Cholet, they’re happy about this recognition while remaining cautious. « It’s very good for him. It’s recognition of our work throughout this season, » says Guillaume Costentin, CB’s sporting director. The club, which would see a player’s return as a logical continuation, remains waiting but ready to react quickly if the departure to the United States materializes.