BAL Stars Aliou Diarra And Jean Jacques Boissy Selected In NBA G-League International Draft After Dominant Seasons

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) was established with a clear vision: to create a professional pathway for African talent to reach the world’s premier basketball stage. This vision is coming to life as two of its brightest stars, Aliou Diarra and Jean Jacques Boissy, take significant steps towards their NBA dreams.

Both players were recently selected in the NBA G-League International Draft, shortly after earning NBA Summer League opportunities. Their rise signals a pivotal moment not just for their careers, but for African basketball as a whole, proof that the BAL is emerging as a credible pipeline to the NBA’s global ecosystem.

From BAL Dominance to G-League Prospects

Aliou Diarra | Texas Legends | Two-Time BAL Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive and All-BAL First Team Selection

Malian forward Aliou Diarra was selected first overall in the G-League International Draft by the Texas Legends, the affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Known for his dominance on both ends of the floor, Diarra was named the Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his BAL career.

Diarra had a stellar 2025 campaign, helping Rwandan champions APR secure third place. He averaged 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 blocks, and one steal per game over eight appearances, while maintaining a 55.6% field goal percentage and posting five double-doubles. His efficiency rating was among the highest in the league at 27 per game, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court.

Remarkably, despite his physical defensive style and nearly 30 minutes per game, Diarra never fouled out. He also set a BAL record with eight blocks in APR’s narrow 77-74 win over Nairobi City Thunder, surpassing the previous record of seven set by Anas Mahmoud and Khaman Maluach in past seasons.

In his first season, winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in 2023, Diarra recorded eight double-doubles, leading Stade Malien to a third-place finish. He also earned a spot on the Milwaukee Bucks’ Summer League roster that year. Now, following his call-up to the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks, his selection by the Legends positions him to continue progressing in the NBA development system.

Jean Jacques Boissy | Memphis Hustle | Season 5 BAL MVP, Leading Scorer, All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Selection

Senegalese point guard Jean Jacques Boissy, the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player and leading scorer, was drafted fifth overall by the Memphis Hustle, the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. Boissy, who is also playing in the NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks, delivered his most impressive campaign to date with Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya.

This year, Boissy was visibly in the best physical condition of his career, armed with a different psychological approach to the game that fuelled his MVP run. Coming off the bench, he averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game, leading his team with consistency and versatility.

In previous BAL campaigns, Boissy was often tasked with shutting down opponents’ best scorers. This season, his role shifted from game to game, and he rose to each challenge, maintaining his defensive edge while expanding his offensive repertoire. His adaptability earned him spots on both the BAL All-Defensive First Team and the BAL All-First Team, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top two-way guards.

For the Hustle, Boissy’s mature playmaking, defensive tenacity, and scoring versatility could make him an immediate asset in their guard rotation, particularly as the G-League continues to prioritise developing dynamic playmakers for NBA systems.

A Pivotal Year for BAL Players

While BAL players have previously joined Summer League rosters, few have made a lasting impact due to limited minutes and adjustment periods. This year feels different. Diarra and Boissy arrive with major accolades, record-setting performances, and proven leadership in Africa’s premier basketball competition.

Their G-League draft selections, combined with NBA Summer League exposure, mark a significant milestone for the BAL as a credible pipeline for the NBA and its affiliates. It comes amid a year of growing global recognition for African basketball, following Khaman Maluach’s selection as the tenth overall pick in the NBA Draft and Rueben Chinyelu’s NCAA championship with the Florida Gators, both of whom spent time within NBA Academy Africa structures linked to the BAL ecosystem.

What’s Next?

For Diarra and Boissy, their immediate focus will be on delivering strong Summer League performances to build momentum heading into their G-League seasons. Success there could open doors to training camp invites, two-way contracts, or full G-League deals that keep them firmly within NBA development pathways.

As Aliou Diarra and Jean Jacques Boissy take these next steps in their professional journeys, they carry with them not only personal dreams but the aspirations of African basketball. Their achievements are a testament to what is possible when investment, opportunity, and talent align – and proof that the bridge from the BAL to the NBA is becoming stronger with every season.