Mohamed Diawara is heading to the NBA after officially parting ways with Cholet Basket to sign with the New York Knicks.
The French forward, selected 51st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, earned attention in Las Vegas with his defensive energy, rebounding, and versatility during Summer League play.
On Friday, Cholet Basket confirmed Diawara’s departure in a public statement, noting his ambition to reach the NBA and thanking him for his professionalism and effort throughout the 2024–25 season.
Diawara played one season with Cholet, where he averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds over 27 French League games, then raised his production to 10.5 points per game in the playoffs.
His previous stints included time with Paris Basketball and Poitiers Basket 86, and he gained international attention in 2022 after being named MVP at the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp.
In four appearances at the 2025 Summer League, Diawara averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 22.3 minutes per game, despite limited shooting success.
The 6-foot-8 forward was part of France’s U20 EuroBasket gold medal-winning team in 2024 and has built a reputation for defensive impact and hustle plays.
While the Knicks have not yet made an official statement, all signs point toward the 20-year-old beginning the 2025–26 season in New York, potentially splitting time between the NBA roster and G League affiliate Westchester Knicks.
