By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Eli Ndiaye, the 19-year-old forward from Real Madrid‘s youth system, is set to join the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way contract after making a great debut in the NBA Summer League.
In just 21 minutes against the Miami Heat, Ndiaye posted 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block, earning instant admiration from Hawks coach Bryan Bailey:
“He’s super, super athletic, defensively capable of guarding many positions,” Bailey told Mundo Deportivo, adding that Ndiaye “brings energy, hard work, and effort,” and that his ability to hit corner threes “will fit well” as he adapts to the team.
The Mali-born Senegalese-Spanish forward chose two-way deal over remaining in Europe, turning down second-round NBA draft offers for an NBA opportunity.
“It was the day of the second round… Teams asked me to stay in Europe, but I wanted this experience,” Ndiaye told MD. “I said yes to Atlanta —it’s an incredible opportunity to be in the best place in the world to play basketball.”
Ndiaye’s journey from joining Real Madrid’s academy at 13, debuting in 2021, and winning the 2023 EuroLeague, sets the stage for his bold move. Though still ironing out details of his role, he expects to spend time in both the G-League and NBA:
“They’ll tell me what I need to work on and what role I’ll have… I’m very happy by how they welcomed me and this opportunity.”
Off the court, Ndiaye brings linguistic versatility—fluent in French and Spanish—making him a natural fit in a Hawks locker room featuring fellow French speakers and Spanish-acquired players.
With new additions like Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, the Hawks are building a competitive roster around Trae Young—and Ndiaye could emerge as the hidden gem of this summer’s moves.