Tag: Babacar Sane

Jazz sign former G League Ignite forward Babacar Sanè to Exhibit 10 contract

Sanè averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds on 44.5% shooting from the field in 31 games last season with the Ignite.

Former G League Ignite forward Babacar Sanè, who went undrafted this year, signed a contract with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, the team announced.

Sanè, who was born in Senegal, reportedly agreed to sign an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic after playing the past two seasons with the Ignite. He averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds on 44.5% shooting from the field in 31 games last season.

The 6-foot-8 standout scored in double figures 18 times, including three 20-point performances. He registered three double-doubles, including a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds on Feb. 13 in a loss to the Indiana Mad Ants.

Sanè debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 5.7 points and three rebounds on 46.2% shooting from the field in three games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He produced his best game on July 21 with 10 points and five rebounds.

The 20-year-old joined the Ignite in October 2022 after three years with the NBA Academy Africa. He was the fifth NBA Academy graduate to sign with Ignite, joining Efe Abogidi, Mojave King, Dyson Daniels and Princepal Singh.

Sanè will participate with the Jazz in training camp and spend next season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars as part of his Exhibit 10 contract. He can receive a bonus of up to $75,000 if he is waived and stays with the Stars for at least 60 days.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]

G League Ignite’s Babacar Sane had predraft workout with Thunder

G League Ignite’s Babacar Sane had predraft workout with Thunder.

The calendar has flipped to June, which means NBA teams are intensifying their predraft process and hosting players for workouts and visits. The 2024 NBA draft will take place from June 26-27.

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this year’s class with a sole draft pick of the No. 12 selection. OKC was gifted the free lottery pick via the Houston Rockets.

The Thunder will host several meetings with draft prospects in the coming weeks. This includes players outside the lottery range as OKC will likely seek to add undrafted free agents or even buy back into the second round if it likes someone enough.

One possibility is G League Ignite forward Babacar Sane. He posted on social media he had a predraft workout with the Thunder.

The 20-year-old spent the last two seasons with the now-debunk Ignite program. He went to the NBA Academy Africa school before that.

In 31 games last season, Sane averaged 10.6 points on 44.5% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists. He shot 26.3% from 3 on 1.8 attempts. At 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, he has solid size for a forward.

Sane is a potential undrafted free agent target. He has a shot to join the Thunder’s summer league squad and possibly be added to the G League’s OKC Blue for next season if he impresses enough.

A full list of 2024 NBA draft prospects that have worked out or visited the Thunder in the predraft process can be viewed here.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

All-American Caleb Love headlines list of invitees for G League Elite Camp

Arizona senior Caleb Love was among the 45 players invited to participate in the G League Elite Camp on May 11-12 in Chicago, Illinois.

Arizona senior Caleb Love was among the 45 players invited to participate in the 2024 NBA G League Elite Camp May 11-12 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Love was voted a third-team All-American by the Associated Press and the Pac-12 Player of the Year after averaging 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 41.3% shooting from the field with the Wildcats. He finished fourth in the conference in scoring.

The 6-foot-4 guard transferred to Arizona in May 2023 after spending three years at North Carolina. He finished with 1,476 career points in 101 games with the Tar Heels and made 200 3-pointers, which ranks eighth in program history.

The full list of players invited to the G League Elite Camp:

Player Previous
Mark Armstrong Villanova
Taran Armstrong Cairns Taipans (NBL)
Adama Bal Santa Clara
Keion Brooks Jr. Washington
Terrell Burden Kennesaw State
Branden Carlson Utah
Walter Clayton Jr. Florida
Isaiah Crawford Louisiana Tech
Yongxi Cui Guangzhou (China)
Clarence Daniels New Hampshire
Thierry Darlan G League Ignite
Garwey Dual Providence
Sean East II Missouri
Jesse Edwards West Virginia
Boogie Ellis USC
Tristan Enaruna Cleveland State
Aaron Estrada Alabama
Allen Flanigan Mississippi
Enrique Freeman Akron
Blake Hinson Pitt
Jaelen House New Mexico
Isaac Jones Washington State
Arthur Kaluma Kansas State
Chaz Lanier North Florida
Jaedon LeDee San Diego State
Xaivian Lee Princeton
Jalen Lewis Overtime Elite
Malique Lewis Mexico City Capitanes (G League)
Caleb Love Arizona
Baba Miller Florida State
Emanuel Miller TCU
Judah Mintz Syracuse
Matthew Murrell Mississippi
Baye Ndongo Georgia Tech
Jameer Nelson Jr. TCU
Ugonna Onyenso Kentucky
Wooga Poplar Miami (Fla.)
Zyon Pullin Florida
Mantas Rubstavicius NZ Breakers (NBL)
Babacar Sane G League Ignite
Isaiah Stevens Colorado State
Jarin Stevenson Alabama
Nae’Qwan Tomlin Memphis
Bryson Warren Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League)
Anton Watson Gonzaga

The 45 prospects invited to the G League Elite Camp were voted on by team executives. The list of players typically indicates those with the highest odds of being selected or signed as undrafted free agents with teams after the draft on June 27.

The event will feature 5-on-5 games, strength and agility testing, shooting drills, measurements and other related on-court exercises. Prospects will have the opportunity to improve their draft stock in a competitive environment against their peers.

The top players from the G League Elite Camp will be invited to participate in the draft combine on May 12-19. The event has helped several players advance to the combine and eventually make it to the NBA, including Jose Alvarado, Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Terance Mann.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

Jazz rookies Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh help hand Ignite 59-point loss in G League

Jazz rookies Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh combined for over 40 points in the G League to lead the Stars to a win over the Ignite.

Utah Jazz rookies Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh combined for over 40 points Monday on assignment in the G League to lead the Salt Lake City Stars to a dominating win over the Ignite.

Hendricks produced 19 points, five rebounds, three steals and three blocks, and Sensabaugh poured in a team-high 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in the 158-99 victory. In all, seven players scored in double figures for the Stars, who led by as many as 61 points in the game.

Veteran John Jenkins paced the Ignite with 20 points, while Babacar Sane had 17 points and Tyler Smith added 15 points off the bench. The 59-point result was the worst loss in Ignite history.

The contest was the second game for Hendricks and Sensabaugh in the G League. The two players have been out of the rotation to start the season with the Jazz, and project to log significant time with the Stars throughout the year.

Hendricks is averaging 12 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 steals on 42.1% shooting from the field with the Stars. Sensabaugh, who missed much of the summer with a knee injury, is averaging 26 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and two steals.

The minutes in the G League will help Hendricks and Sensabaugh log meaningful playing time against increased competition. They have each shown, in a limited sample size, that they have the talent and ability to contribute in the NBA with added development.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261571]

Babacar Sane leads G League Ignite to win to wrap up FIBA Intercontinental Cup

Sane led the G League Ignite to a win on Sunday to wrap up the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore.

Potential second-round pick Babacar Sane led the G League Ignite to a win on Sunday to wrap up the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Kallang, Singapore.

Sane produced a game-high 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in the 80-60 win over Al Manama of the Bahraini Premier League. He went 6-of-10 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line as the Ignite finished 1-2 in the tournament.

Ron Holland, the potential No. 1 pick next year, also registered a double-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, one assist and one block. London Johnson added nine points and five assists, and Izan Almansa had four points and six assists.

Matas Buzelis, Thierry Darlan and Dink Pate did not play.

The Ignite were one of six teams that competed in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup this year representing different countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Egypt and Germany. The group finished fifth with its win on Sunday.

After facing the Perth Wildcats twice earlier this month, and finishing their three-game run in Singapore, the Ignite will now look ahead to the start of the regular season in the G League. They will host the Ontario Clippers in their season opener on Nov. 10.

With several draft-eligible prospects, the Ignite will take the court with perhaps their most talented roster yet. The team figures to attract plenty of attention and should be one of the most exciting groups to watch in the G League.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

London Johnson paces G League Ignite in second FIBA Intercontinental Cup contest

London Johnson and John Jenkins combined to lead the Ignite on Saturday in a loss in the FIBA Continental Cup.

Potential second-round pick London Johnson and veteran John Jenkins combined to lead the G League Ignite on Saturday in a loss in the FIBA Continental Cup in Kallang, Singapore.

Johnson and Jenkins each scored 15 points apiece in the 98-89 loss to Sesi Franca of the Basketball Champions League in Brazil. Johnson added three assists and two rebounds, while Jenkins also had six assists and two rebounds.

Ron Holland, the potential No. 1 pick next year, chipped in 10 points and five rebounds, and Izan Almansa had 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Babacar Sane finished with 11 points and five rebounds while Tyler Smith recorded eight points and eight rebounds.

Matas Buzelis, Thierry Darlan and Dink Pate did not play.

The Ignite dropped to 0-2 during their stay in the tournament after falling to Al Ahly of the Egypt Basketball Super League on Thursday. Smith led all scorers with 18 points and six rebounds, while Holland had 15 points and Johnson added 10 points.

The team will wrap up its stay on Sunday against Al Manama of the Bahraini Premier League. The Ignite are one of six teams competing in the tournament representing different countries around the world, including China and Germany.

They open the regular season on Nov. 10 against the Ontario Clippers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

Tyler Smith leads G League Ignite with 18 points in FIBA Intercontinental Cup

Smith on Thursday led the Ignite in a loss to open the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore.

Potential second-round pick Tyler Smith on Thursday led the G League Ignite in a loss to open the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Kallang, Singapore.

Smith produced a game-high 18 points, six rebounds and one assist in an 82-76 loss to Al Ahly of the Egypt Basketball Super League. He went 6-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 23 minutes off the bench.

They received other contributions from their draft-eligible prospects.

Ron Holland, the potential No. 1 pick next year, added 15 points and five rebounds, and London Johnson chipped in 10 points, six assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Babacar Sane finished with seven points and seven rebounds, and Izan Almansa had four points and eight rebounds.

Matas Buzelis, Thierry Darlan and Dink Pate did not play in the contest.

The contest continued a busy preseason for the Ignite.

They recently completed a two-game series against the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League. Holland emerged as one of the standouts, averaging 28 points, 5.5 rebounds, four steals and 1.5 assists in those two exhibition contests.

The Ignite return to action in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup with their second of three games on Saturday. They are one of six teams competing in the tournament representing different countries around the world, including Bahrain, Brazil, China and Germany.

They open the regular season on Nov. 10 against the Ontario Clippers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

G League Ignite: Ron Holland drops 33 points in preseason matchup vs. Perth

Holland had another strong performance on Friday to lead the Ignite in a preseason matchup with the Perth Wildcats.

Potential No. 1 pick Ron Holland had another strong performance on Friday to lead the G League Ignite in a preseason matchup with the Perth Wildcats of the NBL.

Holland produced 33 points, six rebounds, five steals and two steals in a 127-112 loss to the Wildcats. He once again looked comfortable on the court and showed his quick burst and ability to get downhill and draw contact at the rim. He went 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.

The 18-year-old recorded 23 points in his debut with the Ignite on Wednesday. He led all scorers and looked to be perhaps the best prospect in a game that also featured Izan Almansa, Matas Buzelis, Babacar Sane, Alexandre Sarr and Tyler Smith.

Bryce Cotton led the Wildcats with 40 points.

While the veteran Cotton stole the show for the Wildcats, Sarr, a potential lottery pick, registered a double-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. The 7-footer showed his athleticism, length and overall ability in his two games against the Ignite.

With Holland leading the way for the Ignite, Buzelis scored 17 points and four rebounds. London Johnson added 14 points, five assists and three rebounds. Almansa had 13 points and four rebounds, and Sane added nine points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

With the two-game series versus the Wildcats wrapped up, the Ignite will continue to prepare in Henderson, Nevada, for the upcoming season. The team will open its regular season on Nov. 10 at home against the Ontario Clippers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262612]

G League Ignite: How each draft prospect performed in their debut on Wednesday

Potential No. 1 pick Ron Holland led the Ignite to a win over the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday in a preseason matchup.

Potential No. 1 pick Ron Holland made his professional debut on Wednesday and led the G League Ignite to a win over the Perth Wildcats in a preseason matchup in Henderson, Nevada.

Much like when they faced Metropolitans 92 last year, the Ignite are once again beginning their season against an international opponent. This time, they are facing the Wildcats of the NBL for a two-game series with the second contest to be played on Friday (9 p.m. EDT, NBA TV).

Holland led all scorers with 23 points, five rebounds, three steals, one assist and one blocked shot in the 124-105 victory. He went 9-of-13 from the field and looked to be comfortable pulling up from all over the court throughout the contest.

Holland is among several prospects that hit the court on Wednesday, including Izan Almansa, Matas Buzelis, Thierry Darlan, Dink Pate, Babacar Sane, Alexandre Sarr and Tyler Smith. With the exception of Pate, who is draft-eligible in 2025, each player is projected to be drafted next year.

Here is how each player performed on Wednesday.