The 21 -year -old who grew up in the province of Lecco is the twelfth blue to answer the call in the draft. In the two years in Trento he also made himself known to the NBA scouts
Another Italian arrives in the NBA draft. Saliou Niang, a 21 -year -old center/wing, was chosen with the 58th absolute pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Trento player thus becomes the Italian 12th in history to be selected in the American professional championship. Born in Dakar in Senegal but raised in the province of Lecco, Niang is 199 centimeters high and has already been called to the national team by coach Pozzecco. An important milestone for Italian basketball who returns to see one of his representatives chosen in the Draft.
Niang’s path from the youth sector to Trento
Saliou’s career began in the youth sectors of Fortitudo Bologna and Aquila Basket. After returning to Bologna for a season, he moved to Trento where in the last two years he has found his definitive consecration. The qualitative leap with the Trento shirt was decisive to attract the attention of the NBA scouts, which appreciated its performance and its constant growth.
Cavaliers interested but Niang will probably remain in Europe
Despite the selection, Niang will hardly move to NBA immediately. Most likely he will join Cavs to play at least the Summer League, then continuing his growth in Europe. This strategy would allow the young Italian to mature further experience in European basketball, while maintaining NBA rights with Cleveland.
The emotion at the Barclays Center and the call with mother
Niang was present at the Barclays Center in New York when he was called on stage for the official presentation. A moment of great emotion for the player and for the whole Italian basketball movement. The NBA has published a video on social media where Niang shows up in English, but the most touching moment was the video call in Italian with his mother. “Have you seen?” He told her excited. “Yes love. I saw, “the woman visibly moved.
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