Profile: From NBA dunk champion to CBA star, Diallo finds new role in N China's Shanxi

TAIYUAN, China, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Hamidou Diallo's game-high 41 points at the CBA All-Star Game on Sunday night showcased the former NBA Slam Dunk champion's explosive talent and underscored his growing influence in the Chinese Basketball Association.

For basketball fans across China, Diallo has become one of the league's most exciting foreign players. Known for his athleticism and powerful dunks, he has also built strong ties with supporters and teammates since joining the Shanxi Fenjiu Professional Basketball Club.

His latest All-Star display was another milestone in a career that has taken him thousands of kilometers from his hometown of New York City to northern China, where he says he has found a sense of belonging.

Diallo rose to prominence during NBA All-Star Weekend when he won the Slam Dunk Contest while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He later spent time with the Detroit Pistons and earned a reputation as one of the league's most athletic players.

Like many professionals seeking new opportunities, Diallo eventually looked beyond the NBA and considered a move overseas.

Reflecting on his decision to join the CBA for the first time last season, he said the move initially brought mixed emotions.

"Coming to the CBA last season, I was very worried and a little scared," he said. "It was my first time playing basketball in another country, and China was so far from New York City."

Diallo said curiosity about a new basketball culture and the chance to keep competing at a high level ultimately convinced him.

"I really wanted to keep playing the game I love," he said. "When I started learning more about the CBA and its fan base, it made me want to explore and take on the challenge."

In 2024, Diallo joined Shanxi Fenjiu, based in Taiyuan, the capital of north China's Shanxi province. What began as a new chapter soon developed into a deeper connection with the city and its people.

"I love Shanxi, from the people to the basketball culture," he said. "It's a beautiful place filled with hardworking and passionate people."

The 27-year-old said the welcome he received helped ease the challenge of adapting to life in a new country.

"The best thing about Shanxi for me is that whenever I land here, I feel like I'm at home," Diallo said. "There is always a feeling of love and kindness."

During the latter half of 2025, Diallo briefly joined a European league and stepped away from the CBA. He later returned to Shanxi, a decision he said was driven largely by the relationships he had built.

"The main reason I came back to China, especially Shanxi, was because I missed the fans, the people and most importantly my teammates," he said.

"I wanted to be somewhere where I felt loved and cared about," he added. "Shanxi is a place that truly feels like home to me."

Diallo said Shanxi's supporters, who are regarded as among the most dedicated in the league, have left a lasting impression on him.

"When I landed back in Shanxi and saw the fans greeting me, it was a very special moment," he said. "It's definitely one of the top moments in my basketball career."

"It shows the connection that we've built between me and the city," he added. "That's why I always try to do everything I can on the court to leave the best fans in China happy and give them something to cheer about."

Diallo said his focus remains on the team rather than individual statistics.

"My goal this season is to keep giving our fans something to cheer about," he said.

"I treat every game like it could be the last game," Diallo added. "I want to play with passion, win more games and keep Shanxi a strong and competitive team in the CBA."

Off the court, Diallo said he has enjoyed life in Shanxi.

"I love living here," he said. "It really makes me feel like I'm at home."

Looking ahead, he said he hopes to continue enjoying his time in China while helping the club build for the future.

"My plan for the future is to have fun in China and enjoy my time here every day," he said. "I want to bring a strong competitive spirit and help make Shanxi basketball one of the top teams in China for a long time." ■