Ibou Dianko Badji, a Senegalese professional basketball player, stands tall both on and off the court with his imposing stature of 2.13 meters (7 feet 0 inches) and a commanding presence. With a career spanning multiple teams and leagues, including notable stints with FC Barcelona and the Portland Trail Blazers, Badji has emerged as a rising star in the basketball world. Known for his defensive prowess and versatility, Badji’s relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence continue to propel him toward success at the game’s highest levels. Off the court, Badji focuses on personal development and remains grounded in his pursuit of greatness. As he continues to make waves in professional basketball, Ibou Dianko Badji stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport for years to come.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Ibou Dianko Badji
Date of Birth	October 13, 2002
Birth Place	Dakar, Senegar
Nick Name	Ibou Badji
Religion	NA
Nationality	Senegalese
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Age	21
Height	2.13m (7ft 0in)
Weight	109kg (240lb)
Hair Color	NA
Eye Color	Na
Build	Athletic
Education	NBA Academy Africa
Marital Status	Single
Sexual orientation	Straight
Girlfriend’s Name	None
Kids	None
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
NBA Draft	2022: NBA draft
Position	Center
League	NBA
Active Years	2020-Present
Net Worth	$1 million – $5 million
Currently Plays For	Portland Trail Blazers
Jersey Number	41
Social Media	Instagram  Twitter  LinkedIn
Merch	NA

Ibou Badji Early Life and Career

Born on October 13, 2002, in Senegal, Ibou Dianko Badji’s journey into basketball began to take shape at a young age. His exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of scouts when he started training with the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, during the 2017–18 season. At the academy, he showcased his potential and emerged as one of the most promising prospects in his age group. Even at the tender age of 15, Badji possessed remarkable physical attributes, standing at an impressive height of 2.16 meters (7 feet 1 inch) with an astounding wingspan of 2.29 meters (7 feet 6 inches).

In December 2018, Badji’s talent was recognized internationally when he signed with the prestigious Spanish basketball club FC Barcelona. He commenced his professional journey by representing the club in various youth sections, laying the foundation for his future sports career. Notably, in December 2019, Badji made a significant impact while playing for the U18 FC Barcelona team at ANGT Valencia, showcasing his versatility by averaging eight points, 8.8 rebounds, and an impressive five blocks per game.

Professional Career

FC Barcelona (2019–2021)

Badji’s professional journey began with FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s most renowned basketball clubs. Ahead of the 2019–20 season, he underwent rigorous training with Barcelona’s first team, immersing himself in the elite basketball environment. While primarily affiliated with FC Barcelona B, the club’s reserve team competing in the LEB Plata league, Badji showcased his talent and potential numerous times. Notably, on October 26, 2019, he delivered a stellar performance against Prat, posting a season-high stat line of 12 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. Another standout moment came on January 18, 2020, when Badji recorded eight points and an impressive eight blocks in a decisive victory over Prat, highlighting his defensive prowess and ability to influence the game.

Força Lleida CE (2021–2022)

In search of new challenges and growth opportunities, Badji moved to Força Lleida CE of the LEB Oro league in October 2021. Joining a team competing in one of Spain’s most competitive basketball divisions, Badji embraced the chance to elevate his game further and contribute to his new team’s success. His tenure with Força Lleida CE provided him invaluable experience competing against high-caliber opponents, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in Spanish basketball.

Wisconsin Herd (2022–2023)

Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Badji’s talent did not go unnoticed. He seized the opportunity to join the Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, after signing an Exhibition 10 contract on November 3, 2022. Badji’s impressive performances with the Herd quickly garnered attention, leading to his signing a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on November 18, 2022. However, his season was marred by a setback when he underwent surgery on his left knee in March 2023, forcing him to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Return to the Portland Trail Blazers (2023–Present)

Despite the challenges he faced, Badji’s resilience and determination remained unwavering. In July 2023, he returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing another two-way contract with the team. His perseverance paid off when he made his NBA debut for the Trail Blazers on December 26, 2023, contributing to a convincing victory over the Sacramento Kings. Two days later, Badji showcased his potential with an impressive performance against the San Antonio Spurs, tallying seven points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in limited playing time. As Badji continues his journey with the Portland Trail Blazers, he looks to make a lasting impact in the NBA and fulfill his potential as a dynamic and impactful player on the court.

National Team Career

Badji’s talent extended beyond club basketball as he proudly represented Senegal internationally. In 2019, he showcased his skills at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Heraklion, Greece. His contributions were instrumental in Senegal’s campaign, where he averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and an impressive 3.1 blocks per game, earning recognition as one of the standout performers of the tournament. Despite facing tough competition, Badji’s stellar performance reflected his commitment to representing his country with pride and dedication on the global basketball stage.

Physical Attributes and Relationship Status

Standing tall at an imposing height of 2.13 meters (7 feet 0 inches) and weighing in at 109 kilograms (240 pounds), Ibou Dianko Badji possesses a commanding presence on and off the basketball court. His towering stature and his athletic build make him a formidable force in the paint and a dominant figure in the game.

Beyond his impressive physical attributes, Badji’s relationship status is that of a single individual. Despite his rising prominence in professional basketball, he focuses on his career and personal development, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to pursuing excellence in his chosen field.

While Badji’s commitment to basketball is undeniable, he also values a balanced lifestyle. As he navigates the demands of his professional career, he remains grounded and focused on his goals, channeling his energy into honing his skills and making a lasting impact in the sport he loves.

Salary and Contract 

For the 2023-24 NBA season, Ibou Badji is playing under a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, earning approximately $559,782. This arrangement allows him to split his time between competing for the Trail Blazers in the NBA and representing their G League affiliate team.

This marks Badji’s fourth NBA contract, with an overall contract value estimated at around $2.6 million. Throughout his career, Badji has demonstrated his talent and potential, earning him successive opportunities to showcase his skills at the professional level.

Net Worth

As a professional athlete and rising star in the basketball world, Ibou Badji’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His earnings from salary contracts, endorsements, and other ventures contribute to his financial success, reflecting his growing stature in the sports industry.

While Badji’s career trajectory continues to ascend, his net worth reflects the culmination of his hard work, dedication, and success in the competitive realm of professional basketball. His net worth is poised to grow with his sports achievements as he continues to excel on the court and expand his professional endeavors.