Ousmane Dieng is a Frenchman who’s making it big-time in the NBA! Yes, he is one of those young hoopsters who’s promising to be the next big forward with the OKC Thunder. However, despite this promising career, he has now sustained a right ring finger fracture, which is keeping him out. Well, it’s a sure shot that Dieng will bounce back stronger, but for now, let’s divert ourselves from his on-court story and take a look at his journey off the court.

Where is Ousmane Dieng from? About the OKC Thunder star’s background

On May 21, 2003, Ousmane Dieng was born to Ababacar and Marie-Pierre in the small town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, in southwestern France. Thus making his nationality French. Talking about his ethnicity- it’s also fully French! Growing up in the nearby Lot-et-Garonne region, he always wanted to hoop. Before entering the NBA, Ousmane honed his skills in the Australian National Basketball League as he played for the New Zealand Breakers. However, with that, let’s look into his college journey and his way to the NBA.

Which college did Ousmane Dieng attend? When was he drafted in the NBA?

Growing up, Ousmane Dieng always had inspiration at home. His dad, Ababacar, hooped too. “My dad was playing basketball. I was always in the gym with him, watching his games. I just started playing really young and I fell in love with the sport… I started watching the NBA with Kobe. I watched a lot of Kobe. I watched a lot of KD. I watched a lot of Paul George. I’m taking parts of the game from Luka, KD, Ingram. I want to be an NBA All-Star. I want to be a champion. I want to be an MVP,” Ousmane revealed.

Dieng’s passion for basketball has never been in doubt, ever since playing for Villeneuve Basket Club and JSA Bordeaux. He never looked back. He naturally stood out there, which led him to catch the attention of bigger programs. Ousmane’s next step took him to the prestigious INSEP in Paris, a renowned institution for developing elite French athletes. Who knew that he would quickly make his mark in the INSEP under-18 team? Well, he didn’t stop there!

He had plans to make it even bigger by the 2020-2021 season. Guess what, he started playing for Centre Fédéral in the Nationale Masculine 1. He averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His impressive numbers showcased his versatility and ability to make an impact. However, his domestic performance didn’t only grab the attention of locals, he was also being scouted by NBA teams and college basketball programs in the USA!

But the hoopster had different plans. On June 1, 2021, as we already know, for the 2021-22 season, he joined the New Zealand Breakers. This led to his NBA draft prospects. Dieng’s never joined a college in the US. This decision was bold, but it paid off. He became the first European player to join the league’s Next Stars program, alongside his fellow Frenchman, Hugo Besson.

This move to the NBL eventually signaled that he was ready for the next big step toward the NBA. He left the Breakers, in April 2022, and the young man was all prepared for the 2022 NBA draft! The hoopster’s dream finally came true when the New York Knicks selected him as 11th overall in the 2022 NBA draft. He was immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for three future first-round picks. This was a major step for Dieng, moving him from the international stage straight to the biggest hoops league.

His time with the Thunder has been super-promising, with Ousmane Dieng proving his potential. Looking back at his incredible journey, his path showcases a player who’s willing to take risks and chart his own course. From France to New Zealand to the NBA, his story continues to unfold. Where will his career take him next? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.