Fresh off winning the 2026 NBA Championship with the New York Knicks, Pacôme Dadiet arrived in Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, August 11, and confirmed his availability for the national team ahead of the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The young Ivorian forward made his third visit to Côte d’Ivoire, arriving at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan alongside Director General of Sports Adama Doumbia, FIBB President Moussa Diarra, and his father.
A visibly delighted Dadiet made his priorities clear upon arrival.
“I’m here in Côte d’Ivoire for my family, vacation and the national team.”
Dadiet Set to Join the Elephants
Dadiet’s statement confirms his intention to represent Côte d’Ivoire during the upcoming World Cup qualifying window.
The Elephants will play the first window of the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers from August 27-30 in Senegal, where they are scheduled to face Egypt, Mali and Angola.
His presence would provide a major boost to the Ivorian national team as the Elephants continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
NBA Champion to Support Côte d’Ivoire’s Young Generation
Dadiet’s stay in Côte d’Ivoire will not be limited to the national senior team.
The newly crowned NBA champion also confirmed that he will be at the Palais des Sports de Treichville on August 12 and 13 to support the Côte d’Ivoire U18 women’s and men’s national teams during their quarterfinal games at the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026.
His presence represents an important gesture toward the country’s emerging generation of basketball players, particularly as Côte d’Ivoire hosts both U18 continental competitions this summer.
A Promising 2025-26 Season
Dadiet averaged 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game during the 2025-26 NBA season.
He was even more productive in the G League, where he averaged 22.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
At 2.03 meters, the young forward continues to develop his game and establish himself as one of Côte d’Ivoire’s promising talents at the highest level of basketball.