NBA draft prospect Sidy Cissoko signs with G League Ignite program

Sidy Cissoko, the No. 25 prospect in the ESPN 2023 mock draft, told ESPN that he has signed with the NBA's G League Ignite program.

«We explored several options with my agents and I was convinced G League Ignite was the best opportunity to achieve my goals,» Cissoko said Tuesday. «The ability of this program to maximize the potential of its players on and off the court convinced me. Even more, the tailor-made development program and opportunity to start my transition to the US game style, 3-point line and off-court life is a key asset. I felt during our conversations with the staff that I was a priority.»

The 18-year-old Cissoko, the No. 3 ranked prospect in his generation in Europe after fellow Frenchmen Victor Wembanyama and Rayan Rupert, continues an increasing shift the G League Ignite have made in prioritizing international players in the wake of Name, Image and Likeness deals that have altered the landscape of American and college recruiting.

Cissoko will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Australian Dyson Daniels, who was similarly projected upon signing with Ignite a year ago, but ended up boosting his draft stock dramatically and was selected No. 8 overall in this year's draft by the New Orleans Pelicans.

«Dyson shows the ability of the G League to get international players drafted high,» Cissoko said. «It was interesting to see how he was used on the court, as we play the same position, even though our games are different. He had a great season and improved a lot during his year with Ignite. Improvements and hard work are what I am looking for.»

Cissoko joins projected 2023 draft No. 2 pick Scoot Henderson on Ignite's roster for the 2022-23 season, as well as 6-foot-10 forward Leonard Miller from Canadian