Just two months after winning the Italian Cup with Aquila Trento, Senegalese wing Saliou Niang took to Instagram to announce his decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Italian Cup Winner Saliou Niang Makes 2025 NBA Draft Decision
“At this moment I want to take a moment to look back and remember that little boy who fell in love with basketball,” Niang begins.
“That same passion fuels every single day I spend in the gym. I could never have made it here alone, and that’s why I want to thank my family from the bottom of my heart for always standing by my side through the toughest moments, and for celebrating with me through the best ones, like winning the Italian Cup this year. I also want to thank all my friends, teammates, coaches, teams, agents, and my family (sic) who are an essential part of this journey.”
View this post on Instagram
“Today, with the same humility and the awareness that there’s still room to grow, I’m officially declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft!”
Personal References
Italian-Senegalese wing Dame Sarr was among those to congratulate Niang. California native Jordan Ford, a college standout who played for the Sacramento Kings on a two-way contract in 2023-24, commented that he needs Niang “in a Sacramento jersey.” Barring a trade, the Kings will have just one selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, which will be the 42nd overall pick.
As Ford was on the Aquila Trento roster in 2024-25, he could have just been supporting a teammate. However, with Sarr playing for FC Barcelona in 2024-25, his camaraderie can’t be questioned the same way. Sarr’s support of Niang is also interesting because the former has the attention of NBA scouts. In fact, ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony’s latest Big Board put him on the bubble of first round prospects, ranked at No. 31.
With that being said, Ford and Sarr are willing to prop up Niang for good reason.
Scouting Report
Niang’s counting stats aren’t eye-popping. In 2024-25, he averaged 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game, while converting 32.4 percent of his 3s. Advanced stats tended to favor him more, especially in terms of his offensive rating (120.7) and defensive rating (92.8). The relatively outmoded but nevertheless intriguing player efficiency rating (PER) also paints a promising picture, as he posted a 24.5.
Where he really stands out is on tape.
At 6-foot-5, Niang has an intriguing set of skills.
A smooth driver, he has an attacking mindset, preferring to get into the teeth of the defense. Yet, he’s a three-level scorer, capable of stopping on a dime for a pull-up or pirouetting around a defender to create space. His mindset reflects not only his confidence but his awareness of his physical tools. He’s too long for guards and too agile for forwards. He has enough core strength to score through contact but rises above the rim with ease.
It’s probably surprising given that he only averaged 1.5 assists per game in 2024-25. However, his playmaking potential is easy to spot as well. His placement and creativity as a passer can be utilized whether he has a live dribble, is standing at the top of the key, or he’s inbounding the ball.
Niang can undoubtedly polish his game. Nonetheless, he has the baseline of a potential role player.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
The post 2025 NBA Draft: Italian Cup Winner Makes Major Decision appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.