Undrafted to unforgettable: Ibou Badji’s stellar NBA debut despite blazers’ loss

In a standout performance, Ibou Badji, who went undrafted in June 2022 but was later picked up by the Portland Trail Blazers in November of the same year, showcased his skills on the court. Despite being waived by the Blazers in October and re-signed shortly after, the 21-year-old Senegalese center made a significant impact during his 14 minutes on the floor.

In a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, Badji marked several milestones, scoring his first NBA points with an impressive 7 points on a perfect 3/3 shooting.

Additionally, he demonstrated his prowess in rebounding by securing 9 boards, including an impressive 5 offensive rebounds. Defensively, Badji also left his mark by registering 3 blocks.

However, despite Badji’s notable performance, the Portland Trail Blazers ultimately fell short, facing a 118-105 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs also delivered a remarkable performance with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Currently, the Blazers hold the 14th position in the Western Conference with an 8-22 record, while the Spurs occupy the 15th and last spot with a 5-25 record.