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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Sports

Hsinchu Lioneers Sign Foreign Player Diallo to Bolster Frontcourt

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Hsinchu Lioneers have signed foreign player Cheick Diallo for the upcoming TPBL season.
  • Diallo, a 29-year-old Malian player, averaged 19 points and 11.6 rebounds last season with the Taoyuan Pauian Archiland.
  • The Lioneers aim to strengthen their interior defense and fast break efficiency with Diallo's addition, also highlighting his community work.

The Hsinchu Lioneers announced on August 5, 2026, that they have signed Cheick Diallo, a 29-year-old forward from Mali, for the upcoming TPBL season. Diallo, who previously played for the Taoyuan Pauian Archiland, will wear number 33 for his new team.

Last season, Diallo played 24 games, averaging a double-double with 19 points and 11.6 rebounds. He demonstrated consistent offensive and defensive impact, scoring over 20 points in 13 games and grabbing at least 15 rebounds in six contests.

Diallo possesses both strength and speed, effectively enhancing our interior confrontation on defense and significantly improving our transition efficiency on offense. He is a team-first player with high tactical adaptability.

โ€” Chang Shu-jenHsinchu Lioneers General Manager Chang Shu-jen on the signing of Cheick Diallo.

Lioneers General Manager Chang Shu-jen emphasized Diallo's blend of strength and speed, expecting him to bolster the team's interior defense and enhance their transition offense. "He is a team-first player with high tactical adaptability," Chang stated, noting Diallo's versatility in pairing with other big men or executing pick-and-rolls with local players.

We believe he can quickly integrate into the system, whether paired with Drew as a high-low center or in pick-and-roll plays with local players, and bring more diverse lineup options to the Lioneers.

โ€” Chang Shu-jenHsinchu Lioneers General Manager Chang Shu-jen on Diallo's versatility.

Beyond his on-court performance, Diallo is recognized for his off-court contributions. He founded the "CD13 Foundation" to support education for children in his home country and has participated in charitable activities. The Lioneers, who are committed to local community engagement through their "The Lion's Share" project, expressed admiration for Diallo's "beyond basketball" spirit and plan to collaborate with him on future initiatives.

Diallo shared his excitement about joining the Lioneers, acknowledging their passionate fanbase. He pledged to bring full energy both on and off the court, aiming to help the team win while spreading the positive energy of basketball to the children of Hsinchu.

I am very happy to join this passionate team. I know the Lioneers have the most passionate home fans in Taiwan. This season, I will continue to bring 100% energy on and off the court, not only to help the team win, but also to share the positive energy of basketball with the children of Hsinchu.

โ€” Cheick DialloCheick Diallo expressing his expectations for the new season.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.