Eli John Ndiaye Faye Biography
Eli John Ndiaye Faye is a Senegalese-Spanish professional basketball player who most recently played for the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League. Standing at 2.04 meters, Ndiaye serves as a power forward and has developed his career through Real Madrid’s renowned youth system before advancing to professional basketball in both Europe and the United States. He was born in Guédiawaye, Senegal, in 2004 and later gained Spanish citizenship through naturalization in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Ndiaye was born on June 26, 2004, in Guédiawaye, Senegal. His journey to professional basketball began at a remarkably young age when he joined Real Madrid’s youth team in 2017, just thirteen years old at the time. His early immersion in one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball academies set the foundation for his future development as a player.
During his formative years in Madrid’s youth program, Ndiaye quickly distinguished himself as a talented prospect. He played a key role in helping the team secure the 2018 Minicopa championship, showcasing the skills and basketball intelligence that would characterize his later career. His progression through the youth ranks demonstrated consistent improvement and adaptability to the European style of play.
In the summer of 2020, Ndiaye achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Spanish citizenship through naturalization. This status granted him expanded opportunities within European basketball competitions and reflected his deep integration into Spanish basketball culture following years of development in Madrid’s system.
Path to Professional Basketball
The 2020-21 season marked a breakthrough period in Ndiaye’s development. As a key member of Real Madrid’s junior team, he participated in several high-profile tournaments where he earned multiple MVP awards. His exceptional performances during this season not only established him as one of Spain’s top young prospects but also demonstrated his ability to compete against peers in his age group at the highest levels of European youth basketball.
Ndiaye also contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup victory during this period. The combination of his individual accolades and team success positioned him perfectly for the transition to professional basketball, with the club’s coaching staff recognizing his potential to make an impact at the senior level.
Eli John Ndiaye Faye Career
Real Madrid B (2021-2022)
In the 2021-22 season, Ndiaye took his first step into professional basketball by joining Real Madrid’s Liga EBA subsidiary team. This transition allowed him to experience competitive senior basketball while continuing his development under the club’s guidance. Playing for the reserve team provided him with valuable minutes and experience against more physically mature opponents, bridging the gap between youth and professional competition.
Real Madrid Breakthrough (2022-2025)
Ndiaye made his EuroLeague debut in September 2021 while playing for Real Madrid’s senior team, facing Fenerbahce. His opportunity arose when veteran center Edy Tavares took paternity leave, and Ndiaye seized the moment to prove his capabilities. He became the seventeenth young player to make his debut under head coach Pablo Laso, joining an impressive lineage of Madrid academy products who advanced to the senior team.
During the 2022-23 season, Ndiaye established himself as a regular member of Real Madrid’s first team in the Liga ACB, Spain’s top professional basketball league. His progression reflected the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent, and his versatility as a power forward allowed him to contribute in various situations throughout the season.
Throughout his tenure with Real Madrid, Ndiaye accumulated an impressive collection of team championships and individual honors. The 2023 EuroLeague championship represented the pinnacle of his European career, showcasing his ability to perform on basketball’s biggest club stage.
Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks (2025)
On July 3, 2025, Ndiaye signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association, joining the NBA ranks after going undrafted in the 2025 draft. This move represented the next step in his basketball journey, transitioning from European basketball to pursue opportunities in the world’s premier basketball league. The two-way contract allowed him to develop with both the NBA team and its NBA G League affiliate.
However, before making his NBA debut, Ndiaye underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. Following the procedure, he was waived by the Hawks on December 31, 2025, after appearing only for the College Park Skyhawks. This setback marked a challenging chapter in his career as he focused on recovery and rehabilitation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ndiaye’s physical profile as a 2.04-meter power forward provides him with the size to compete in the paint while maintaining the mobility to affect the game in multiple areas. His development within Real Madrid’s system equipped him with a strong foundation in European tactical concepts and team-oriented basketball. His experience winning at various levels, from youth championships to EuroLeague titles, demonstrates his ability to contribute to winning cultures.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ndiaye has accumulated an impressive array of accomplishments at both individual and team levels. His EuroLeague championship in 2023 stands as his most prestigious club achievement, while his MVP performance at the EB Next Generation Tournament in 2021 highlighted his individual excellence as a young prospect.
Eli John Ndiaye Faye Career Wins
Across his time in European basketball, Ndiaye has established himself as a winner at every level he has competed in, from youth championships to professional league titles.
Real Madrid Highlights
Ndiaye’s most significant career victory came in 2023 when Real Madrid captured the EuroLeague championship, Europe’s most prestigious club basketball competition. This achievement demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels of international club basketball. Additionally, he contributed to three Liga ACB championships in 2022, 2024, and 2025, establishing himself as a key contributor to one of Spain’s most successful basketball programs.
His trophy cabinet also includes the 2024 Spanish Cup winner title and three consecutive Spanish Supercup championships from 2021 to 2023. At the youth level, his 2021 EB Next Generation Tournament championship and MVP honors provided early validation of his exceptional talent and competitive drive.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his championship success, Ndiaye’s 2021 EuroLeague debut against Fenerbahce marked a significant milestone in his professional career. This appearance represented the culmination of his youth development journey and the beginning of his transition to senior professional basketball. His consistent performances in Liga ACB competition throughout the 2022-23 and subsequent seasons further solidified his reputation as a reliable contributor at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a major transition for Ndiaye as he pursued his NBA ambitions. Signing with the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way contract in July 2025 marked the start of his professional journey in the United States. Despite the excitement surrounding this opportunity, the season took an unexpected turn when he suffered a torn labrum injury that required season-ending surgery.
Following the injury and subsequent surgery, Ndiaye’s recovery became his primary focus. His time with the College Park Skyhawks was limited as he worked through the rehabilitation process. The Hawks’ decision to waive him on December 31, 2025, concluded his first NBA chapter, though he remained in the basketball world with hopes of future opportunities as he continued his recovery.
The experience in the United States, despite its challenges, provided Ndiaye with valuable exposure to NBA-level training and development methodologies. His resilience in facing the injury and rehabilitation process demonstrated the mental toughness required for professional athletics. As he continues his recovery, basketball observers remain interested in his potential to return to form and pursue future professional opportunities at the highest levels of the sport.