2023 NBA Draft Ignite Profile: Sidy Cissoko

A standout international prospect from France, Sidy Cissoko became the first European-born prospect to join Ignite. In 2021, he was a part of the Iraurgi Saski Baloia in the second division of the Spanish Basketball League. That same year, he competed with France at the 2021 FIBA U18 European Challengers, where he averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.4 steals in five games. Cissoko was also selected to play for the World Select Team in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit. In addition, he represented France at the 2022 FIBA U18 European Championship, where he averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

Cissoko signed with Ignite in the summer leading up to the 2022-23 season. In 43 appearances, he averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 assists per game while leading the team in total steals (43) and blocks (40) on the year. He logged at least 15 points 11 times, including four games with at least 20 points and five assists. He also had five games with at least three steals in addition to 11 games with at least two blocks.

At 6-foot-6, Cissoko made strong impressions on both ends of the court. Given his size, he’s a physical defender that excelled both on and off the ball, while capable of causing a healthy amount of chaos. On offense, he’s an excellent downhill scorer capable of finishing through contact. His scoring prowess down low allowed him to showcase his strong passing ability, as he’s able to find both shooters on the perimeter and guys cutting to the rim.

2022-23 Season Averages: 43 GP, 11.6 PTS, 3.3 AST, 2.9 REB, 1.0 STL, 0.9 BLK, 43.4% FG

Top Performance:

Cissoko’s two-way game was on full display during Ignite’s Feb. 24 matchup against Memphis. He scored 24 points while racking up six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block in 30 minutes of action. It was one of his four games with at least 20 points and five rebounds during the season.

All-Star Weekend 2023: 

Just like his three fellow Ignite teammates, Cissoko took part in Jordan Rising Stars during All-Star Weekend this season. He also was one of 24 players named to the G League Next Up Game, where he scored six points on 3-of-5 shooting to go along with two assists and one steal. He also dished one of the flashiest dimes of the weekend, finding teammate Scoot Henderson in transition.

Draft Prep Chatter: