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Saliou Niang’s childhood dream has just come true.
“When I think of little Saliou, I say: wow, you made it!”
That’s how Saliou Niang reacted when we spoke moments after the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the 58th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It was the realization of a lifelong dream for the 21-year-old forward — a dream nurtured in Italy, where he grew up and shaped his game.
“Even though there’s still a lot of work ahead, I’m happy. This moment is going to push me to go even further, to improve, and to keep believing in myself.”
Saliou is one of the few Senegalese and Italian players ever drafted into the league. It was a powerful and emotional moment for a kid who used to shoot hoops for hours on outdoor courts, imagining America, carrying two continents in his heart.
A Story Across Borders
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Niang represents a unique blend of cultures. He moved to Italy as a child and began building his basketball foundation there. After making a name for himself at Fortitudo Bologna, he joined Aquila Basket Trento, where he truly blossomed.
This past season, he helped Trento win the Italian Cup, earning Most Improved Player honors. It was his breakout year: 8 points, 5 rebounds in 20 minutes per game—and it gave him the confidence to declare for the NBA Draft.
Draf Night Emotions
From the outside, it looked like a quiet celebration. But inside, the emotions were powerful.“These past few days I was telling my friends: it’s coming, it’s coming, it’s close… and then it happened. Hearing my name — it was an incredible feeling. I was shaking before. But yeah, it’s amazing.”“These past few days I was telling my friends: it’s coming, it’s coming, it’s close… and then it happened. Hearing my name — it was an incredible feeling. I was shaking before. But yeah, it’s amazing.”
The Secret to Success
What drives him?
“Never forgetting where I come from, why I do this, and always believing. It wasn’t easy. At times, it was really hard. But I stayed calm, I stayed focused — and I always believed.”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Niang had to wait until the final picks of the draft, but when Cleveland called at No. 58, it changed everything. Tears, hugs, phone calls to family.
He will begin his NBA journey as a draft-and-stash pick, expected to continue developing in Europe—possibly with Virtus Bologna, who hold his rights in Italy.
Still, the Cavs have high hopes for him.
“We’ve been watching him for years,” said GM Mike Gansey. “He’s an athletic forward who competes, rebounds, and plays with great energy.”
Scouting Report
Niang is praised for his motor, defense, rebounding, and ability to attack in transition. He’s still a raw offensive talent, but scouts believe he can grow into a solid modern forward if he improves his shooting and strength.
He’s described as coachable, versatile, and relentless—a player who doesn’t give up, just like his story.
Dream Big
Saliou Niang’s journey reminds us that dreams don’t start in the spotlight: They begin quietly, in daily effort, in persistence, in faith. From a young boy growing up in Italy to hearing his name on NBA Draft night, his story is proof that believing in yourself can open the biggest doors.
“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “But I stayed focused and kept believing.”
Now, the dream of making it to the NBA has come true. And with that, a new one is born: To thrive in the league, to inspire others, and to represent two nations with pride.
Because when one dream comes true… it’s time to dream even bigger.
