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Mouhammadou Jaiteh
View on WikipediaMouhammadou Einstein Jaiteh (born 27 November 1994), commonly known as Mam Jaiteh, is a French professional basketball player for Dubai Basketball of the ABA League and EuroLeague. He is of Senegalese and Gambian descent.[1]
Key Information
Early life and career
[edit]In his youth, Jaiteh originally played soccer with friends, before beginning his basketball career at 13.[2] After playing for INSEP for a few years, Jaiteh would participate in the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, and then the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championships in 2011 and 2012. The 2012 championship had Jaiteh leading all competitors in rebounds per game.
Professional career
[edit]After being recruited by the Connecticut Huskies, Washington Huskies, Gonzaga Bulldogs, and Virginia Tech Hokies, Jaiteh decided to sign a two-year contract to play with the Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais of the LNB Pro B (French 2nd Division), where he would get more playing time. During that period, Jaiteh was considered as a finalist for France's Pro B MVP award, due to his performance of averaging 16.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, in 27.6 minutes of play per game.[3] On May 3, 2013, Jaiteh ended up being declared the winner of the 2013 LNB Pro B French Player's MVP award, as well as the winner of the LNB Pro B Most Improved Player award.[4]
In 2013, Jaiteh was selected to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit. During the competition, he would score 6 points and grab 9 rebounds, to help the World Team win the competition. Two days after performing in the competition on April 20, Jaiteh decided to officially declare for the 2013 NBA draft.[5] He was projected to go between the late first round and the second round of the draft, but Jaiteh wanted to be convinced that he would be drafted in the first round by somebody. Ultimately, Jaiteh ended up withdrawing from the draft, because of that issue, and he ended up withdrawing alongside fellow Frenchmen Louis Labeyrie and Axel Toupane.[6][7]
On July 28, 2013, Jaiteh signed a contract with the French team JSF Nanterre.[8] Jaiteh would officially declare for the 2015 NBA draft, in April 2015, after trying to gain earlier recognition as a prospect in the 2014 NBA draft. A few weeks before the 2015 NBA draft took place, Nanterre would win the 2014–15 EuroChallenge championship, with Jaiteh helping the team by grabbing 7 timely rebounds in a close, buzzer-beating 64–63 victory over Trabzonspor Medical Park. As an early entrant in the 2015 NBA draft, he went undrafted.
On July 28, 2016, Jaiteh signed with SIG Strasbourg.[9]
On November 8, 2018, Jaiteh signed a deal with Auxilium Torino.[10]
On July 29, 2019, he signed with Avtodor Saratov of the VTB United League.[11]
On June 30, 2020, he signed with Gaziantep Basketbol of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).[12] During the season he was with the team, Jaiteh was the Basketbol Süper Ligi's leading rebounder for that season.
Virtus Bologna (2021–2023)
[edit]On July 20, 2021, he signed a two-year deal with Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA).[13] On September 21, the team won its second Supercup, defeating Olimpia Milano 90–84.[14] Moreover, after having ousted Lietkabelis, Ulm and Valencia in the first three rounds of the playoffs, on 11 May 2022, Virtus defeated Frutti Extra Bursaspor by 80–67 at the Segafredo Arena, winning its first EuroCup and qualifying for the EuroLeague after 14 years.[15] However, despite having ended the regular season at the first place and having ousted 3–0 both Pesaro and Tortona in the first two rounds of playoffs, Virtus was defeated 4–2 in the national finals by Olimpia Milano.[16]
On 29 September 2022, after having ousted Milano in the semifinals, Virtus won its third Supercup, defeating 72–69 Banco di Sardegna Sassari and achieving a back-to-back, following the 2021 trophy. However, Jaiteh did not play in that game due to an injury.[17] However, despite good premises Virtus ended the EuroLeague season at the 14th place, thus it did not qualify for the playoffs.[18] Moreover, the team was defeated in the Italian Basketball Cup final by Brescia. In June, after having ousted 3–0 both Brindisi and Tortona, Virtus was defeated 4–3 by Olimpia Milan in the national finals, following a series which was widely regarded among the best in the latest years of Italian basketball.[19][20]
Dubai Basketball (2025–present)
[edit]On July 14, 2025, he signed with Dubai Basketball of the ABA League.[21]
Personal life
[edit]Jaiteh's father descended from Senegal, while his mother descended from the Gambia. Although he is of both Senegalese and Gambian descent, he does not officially hold any Senegalese or Gambian nationality.[citation needed]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | PIR | Performance index rating |
| Bold | Career high |
EuroLeague
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG | PIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Nanterre | 10 | 0 | 12.6 | .559 | .000 | .727 | 3.7 | .3 | .4 | .4 | 4.6 | 6.1 |
| 2022–23 | Virtus Bologna | 33 | 32 | 18.6 | .591 | — | .565 | 4.7 | .7 | .6 | .2 | 8.4 | 9.6 |
| 2023–24 | Monaco | 25 | 7 | 8.2 | .587 | — | .450 | 2.2 | .2 | .2 | .1 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| Career | 68 | 39 | 13.9 | .586 | .000 | .560 | 3.6 | .5 | .4 | .2 | 6.0 | 7.0 | |
EuroCup
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG | PIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Nanterre | 8 | 0 | 17.0 | .455 | — | .667 | 3.8 | .4 | .6 | 1.0 | 3.5 | 4.3 |
| 2015–16 | 10 | 9 | 26.9 | .619 | — | .621 | 6.8 | 1.1 | .7 | 1.1 | 12.2 | 15.9 | |
| 2017–18 | Limoges CSP | 14 | 11 | 23.2 | .548 | — | .587 | 6.0 | 1.3 | .6 | .9 | 9.2 | 11.4 |
| 2018–19 | 4 | 2 | 15.3 | .600 | — | .833 | 4.8 | 1.5 | .3 | .3 | 4.3 | 6.3 | |
| 2021–22 | Virtus Bologna | 21 | 17 | 22.0 | .691 | — | .569 | 7.6 | 1.0 | .5 | .7 | 12.8 | 17.8 |
| Career | 57 | 39 | 22.0 | .623 | — | .600 | 6.3 | 1.0 | .6 | .8 | 9.9 | 13.2 | |
Basketball Champions League
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | SIG Strasbourg | 16 | 13 | 21.7 | .516 | — | .643 | 5.7 | 1.4 | .7 | .6 | 7.6 |
| Career | 16 | 13 | 21.7 | .516 | — | .643 | 5.7 | 1.4 | .7 | .6 | 7.6 | |
FIBA EuroChallenge
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Nanterre | 16 | 16 | 18.9 | .612 | — | .577 | 5.5 | .5 | .4 | .5 | 8.8 |
| Career | 16 | 16 | 18.9 | .612 | — | .577 | 5.5 | .5 | .4 | .5 | 8.8 | |
Domestic leagues
[edit]| Year | Team | League | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | NM1 | 30 | 17.3 | .382 | .500 | .523 | 5.6 | .3 | .4 | .3 | 4.5 | |
| 2011–12 | NM1 | 28 | 30.1 | .549 | .250 | .695 | 10.3 | 1.1 | 1.0 | .9 | 14.7 | |
| 2012–13 | Pro B | 30 | 27.8 | .635 | .000 | .676 | 9.7 | .9 | .9 | .9 | 16.2 | |
| 2013–14 | Pro A | 30 | 16.7 | .500 | .500 | .638 | 4.3 | .6 | .5 | .6 | 6.7 | |
| 2014–15 | Pro A | 34 | 22.5 | .599 | — | .586 | 6.5 | .7 | .6 | .5 | 11.3 | |
| 2015–16 | Pro A | 36 | 25.6 | .550 | .000 | .667 | 8.0 | 1.0 | .8 | .8 | 12.7 | |
| 2016–17 | Pro A | 47 | 19.4 | .527 | .000 | .595 | 5.1 | 1.3 | .3 | .6 | 8.9 | |
| 2017–18 | Pro A | 38 | 22.2 | .523 | .000 | .585 | 6.1 | 1.3 | .7 | .6 | 9.3 | |
| 2018–19 | LNB Élite | 6 | 17.5 | .515 | .000 | .833 | 4.5 | .7 | .5 | — | 6.5 | |
| 2018–19 | LBA | 25 | 20.2 | .678 | .000 | .500 | 7.0 | 1.1 | .5 | .4 | 10.9 | |
| 2019–20 | VTBUL | 18 | 29.1 | .660 | — | .560 | 9.9 | 1.2 | .8 | .9 | 13.4 | |
| 2020–21 | TBSL | 30 | 30.8 | .638 | .667 | .514 | 10.8 | 2.1 | .7 | .9 | 16.7 | |
| 2021–22 | LBA | 38 | 21.4 | .662 | .000 | .571 | 7.2 | .6 | .4 | .4 | 11.5 | |
| 2022–23 | LBA | 35 | 18.2 | .633 | — | .484 | 6.0 | .6 | .3 | .6 | 7.9 | |
| 2023–24 | LNB Élite | 31 | 14.9 | .592 | — | .553 | 4.0 | .5 | .4 | .5 | 6.8 |
Honours
[edit]- French 2nd Division French Player's MVP (1): 2013
- French 2nd Division Most Improved Player (1): 2013
- French LNB All-Star Game (3): 2013 (Pro B), 2015 (Pro A), 2016 (Pro A)
- FIBA EuroChallenge Champion (1): 2015
References
[edit]- ^ "DraftExpress - Mouhammadou Jaiteh DraftExpress Profile: Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook". DraftExpress. Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ "ITW Mam' Jaiteh, à la découverte d'un futur grand". Archived from the original on 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
- ^ "Soirée des Trophées : MVP Français Pro B | LNB.fr". www.lnb.fr. Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ "LNB (@LNBofficiel) | Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ Price, Satchel (2013-04-22). "Mouhammadou Jaiteh to enter 2013 NBA Draft". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ "Draft 2013 : Mouhammadou Jaiteh retire son nom". Basket USA (in French). Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ "HoopsHype". HoopsHype. Retrieved 2019-08-19.
- ^ "Nanterre adds young star Mouhammadou Jaiteh". Sportando. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ "MOuhammadou Jaiteh rejoint la SIG Strasbourg" (in French). sigstrasbourg.fr. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
- ^ "La Fiat Torino ingaggia il pivot Mouhammadou Jaiteh" [Fiat Torino signed Mouhammadou Jaiteh] (in Italian). legabasket.it. 8 November 2018.
- ^ Borghesan, Ennio Terrasi (July 29, 2019). "Avtodor Saratov sign Mouhammadou Jaiteh". Sportando. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
- ^ "Gaziantep adds Jaiteh to their roster". Eurobasket.com. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ "MOUHAMMADOU JAITEH NUOVO ACQUISTO DI VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA". virtus.it (in Italian). 20 July 2021.
- ^ Basket, la Virtus Bologna vince la Supercoppa: Milano ancora ko, la Repubblica
- ^ "Game Night: Virtus is the 7DAYS EuroCup champion and headed back to the EuroLeague!". euroleaguebasketball.net. 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Olimpia Milano campione d'Italia, Virtus Bologna ko 81-64 in gara-6". Sky Sport. 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Supercoppa, trionfa la Virtus Bologna! Canestro decisivo di Mickey, Sassari cede 72-69". Gazzetta dello Sport. 29 September 2022.
- ^ Virtus, il punto a fine EuroLega. BolognaBasket
- ^ Basket, Milano batte Bologna nella decisiva gara 7 e vince il suo 30esimo scudetto. Gli highlights. la Repubblica
- ^ Basket, Milano batte Bologna 67-55 nella finalissima e si conferma campione per la trentesima volta. Rai News
- ^ "Mam Jaiteh, the fifth new player for Dubai Basketball". Sportando. July 14, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Mam Jaiteh at draftexpress.com
- Mam Jaiteh at eurobasket.com
- Mam Jaiteh at euroleague.net
- Mam Jaiteh at lnb.fr
- Mouhammadou Jaiteh on Instagram
Mouhammadou Jaiteh
View on GrokipediaEarly life and career
Early life
Mouhammadou Jaiteh was born on November 27, 1994, in Pantin, a commune in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, France.[8] His parents were immigrants from West Africa, with his father hailing from Senegal and his mother from the Gambia, which shaped his multicultural upbringing in a diverse urban environment.[9] Growing up in the Paris suburbs, Jaiteh was influenced by his parents' emphasis on perseverance and resilience, values they instilled in him from an early age as they navigated life as immigrants.[10] During his childhood, he was initially drawn to sports through playing soccer with friends in the local community, reflecting the common recreational activities available in his neighborhood. Around the age of 13, his interest shifted to basketball, marking the beginning of his involvement in organized training at local clubs.[11][12]Youth and amateur career
Jaiteh developed his basketball skills through elite youth programs in France, attending the Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et du Performance (INSEP) from 2010 to 2012, a prestigious academy focused on nurturing top athletic talent.[13] During his time at INSEP, Jaiteh emerged as a key player for the French youth national teams. He debuted internationally at the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, appearing in all nine games for France and contributing averages of 7 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest.[2] The following year, at the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, he elevated his performance, averaging 11.7 points and 9.8 rebounds across another nine games.[2] Jaiteh returned for the 2012 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where he showcased his scoring ability by recording a tournament-high 31 points in France's home win over Latvia on August 8.[14] Transitioning to professional competition, Jaiteh signed with Stade Olympique Marbastel Basket (SOMB) of Boulogne-sur-Mer for the 2012–2013 season in France's Pro B league, marking his debut in senior-level play as a 17-year-old rookie. In 30 games, he averaged 16.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per outing, establishing himself as a dominant interior presence and was named the French LNB Pro B Player of the Year.[15][16] His standout individual effort came on November 24, 2012, when he scored a career-high 33 points in SOMB's victory over Aix-Maurienne Savoie Basket.[8] In April 2015, Jaiteh entered the NBA Draft as an early entrant after three professional seasons in France, but he went undrafted in the second round. Despite not being selected, his 6-foot-11 frame, rebounding prowess, and athleticism drew scouting attention from NBA teams as a potential undrafted free agent.[17][18]Professional career
Early years in France (2012–2018)
Mouhammadou Jaiteh began his professional career with Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais (SOMB) in the French LNB Pro B during the 2012–2013 season, marking his debut in paid basketball after youth development at INSEP. In his breakout year, he averaged 16.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a dominant center. His performance earned him the LNB Pro B French Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards in 2013, highlighting his rapid ascent in the second division. In 2013, Jaiteh moved to JSF Nanterre in the top-tier LNB Pro A, signing a multi-year deal that elevated his competition level. Over three seasons with Nanterre (2013–2016), he contributed to the team's European success, including a pivotal role in their 2015 FIBA EuroChallenge championship victory, where he averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds across 16 games. His consistent play in Pro A led to selections for the French LNB All-Star Game in 2015 and 2016, recognizing his emergence as a key big man. These accolades underscored his growing impact, with representative games featuring double-digit scoring and rebounding efforts. Jaiteh transferred to Strasbourg IG in July 2016, joining a competitive Pro A squad aiming for domestic and European contention. During the 2016–2017 season, he averaged 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in league play, while in the FIBA Basketball Champions League, he posted 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds over 16 appearances, aiding Strasbourg's group stage progress and playoff qualification. His defensive presence and rebounding helped stabilize the frontcourt, contributing to the team's overall success in reaching the Pro A semifinals. In 2017, Jaiteh signed with Limoges CSP for the 2017–2018 season, continuing his Pro A tenure with a focus on consistent production. He averaged 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game, providing reliable interior scoring and rim protection for a team that competed in the playoffs. Building on his 2016 All-Star appearance, Jaiteh's time in Limoges further honed his professional routines amid the league's physical demands. Throughout his early professional years in France, Jaiteh developed into a 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) center, leveraging his INSEP foundation to address challenges like adapting to the pro level's intensity and physicality. His growth emphasized rebounding prowess and defensive versatility, establishing him as a foundational talent in French basketball before broader opportunities arose.Moves abroad (2018–2021)
In November 2018, Jaiteh signed with Auxilium Torino of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, marking his first professional stint outside France. During the 2018–19 season, he adapted to the competitive Italian league, averaging 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 25 appearances while shooting 67.8% from the field. This period also provided his initial exposure to European club competition through the 7DAYS EuroCup, where Torino struggled with an 0–10 record, but Jaiteh contributed as a key interior presence in limited minutes. Seeking further development, Jaiteh moved to Avtodor Saratov in the Russian VTB United League on July 29, 2019. In the 2019–20 season, he posted solid numbers with 13.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game across 18 contests, showcasing his rebounding ability and defensive impact with 0.9 blocks per outing at 66.0% field goal efficiency. However, the campaign was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the league's suspension in March 2020 and ultimately its early termination, limiting Jaiteh's opportunities to establish a longer rhythm in the physically demanding Russian style of play. Jaiteh continued his international journey by joining Gaziantep Basketbol of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi on June 30, 2020. The 2020–21 season represented a breakout abroad, as he emerged as a dominant force, averaging 16.1 points and a league-leading 11.0 rebounds per game in 28 outings, including strong EuroCup performances that highlighted his versatility as a big man capable of scoring efficiently (63.5% FG) and protecting the rim (0.9 blocks). These moves across Italy, Russia, and Turkey helped Jaiteh navigate varying league paces and cultures, solidifying his reputation as a rebounding specialist while overcoming language barriers through on-court contributions.Virtus Bologna (2021–2023)
On July 20, 2021, Mouhammadou Jaiteh signed a two-year contract with Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, marking his return to European basketball after a stint in Turkey. As the team's starting center, Jaiteh anchored the frontcourt in both the domestic league and the EuroCup, providing rim protection and rebounding while facilitating plays for teammates like Milos Teodosic. In the 2021–22 season, Jaiteh emerged as a dominant force in the EuroCup, averaging 12.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game across 21 appearances, often delivering double-doubles that powered Virtus through the playoffs. His standout performances earned him the 2021–22 EuroCup MVP award, along with selection to the All-EuroCup First Team, as he led Virtus to the championship title with a 80–67 victory over Frutti Extra Bursaspor in the final on May 11, 2022—the first EuroCup win for an Italian club. In the Italian Serie A playoffs, Jaiteh contributed key rebounding and scoring efforts, helping Virtus reach the finals, though they fell to Olimpia Milano in six games. During the 2022–23 season, Jaiteh transitioned to the EuroLeague with Virtus, appearing in 34 games and averaging 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, including several efficient outings near the rim that supported the team's balanced attack. Despite Virtus finishing 14th in the regular season with a 14–20 record and missing the playoffs, Jaiteh maintained strong production in Serie A, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over 35 games. In the domestic playoffs, he again played a pivotal role in Virtus's run to the finals, where they were defeated by Milano for the second straight year. Over his two seasons with Virtus, Jaiteh's consistent interior presence and growing versatility solidified his reputation as a reliable elite center in European basketball.AS Monaco (2023–2025)
In the summer of 2023, Mouhammadou Jaiteh returned to French basketball by signing a two-year contract with AS Monaco, joining the team's EuroLeague roster as a seasoned center to bolster their frontcourt depth following his stint in Italy. His integration was seamless under coach Saša Obradović, where he quickly adapted to the team's high-tempo, defensive-oriented system, providing physicality and versatility in the paint alongside forwards like Donatas Motiejūnas. During the 2023–24 season, Jaiteh played a pivotal role in AS Monaco's success, appearing in 22 EuroLeague games with averages of 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per game at 59.6% two-point shooting, contributing to the team's strong continental campaign. In the French LNB Pro A, he featured in 34 games, averaging 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15 minutes, while his defensive presence helped anchor the interior during Monaco's dominant run to the league championship, their first since 1953. Jaiteh's efforts extended to the playoffs, where his rebounding and shot-blocking proved instrumental in securing the title against Nanterre in the finals. In the 2024–25 season, Jaiteh continued to make significant contributions despite injury challenges, including a knee issue; he appeared in 24 EuroLeague games, averaging 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. In LNB Pro A play, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 22 regular-season games in 17.6 minutes, serving as a reliable defensive anchor with 1.0 steals per game. His impact carried into the playoffs, where he started in the finals against Paris Basketball, tallying 8 points in Game 3, helping Monaco reach the championship series before their defeat to Paris Basketball. Throughout his tenure, Jaiteh emerged as a veteran leader in Monaco's rotation, mentoring younger players like Alpha Diallo with his experience from prior EuroCup success at Virtus Bologna, while his physicality and positioning solidified the team's defensive interior against elite opponents. In June 2024, Monaco activated the option on his contract, committing him through the 2024–25 season. However, following the expiration of his deal in summer 2025, Jaiteh opted to depart the club, seeking new opportunities abroad after two impactful years.Dubai Basketball (2025–present)
In July 2025, Mouhammadou Jaiteh signed a two-year contract with Dubai Basketball, joining the newly formed club competing in the Adriatic League (ABA League) with aspirations for EuroLeague participation. The move represented a bold step into a developing basketball scene in the United Arab Emirates, where Jaiteh expressed enthusiasm for contributing to a pioneering project aimed at establishing a lasting presence in European competitions. He highlighted the appeal of Dubai's long-term vision, which offered family stability alongside the opportunity to "make history" beyond his on-court role. Jaiteh's tenure began promisingly, but a severe Achilles tendon injury sustained during a preseason game against CSKA Moscow in September 2025 sidelined him for the entire 2025–26 season. The injury occurred just ahead of Dubai's EuroLeague debut, depriving the team of his anticipated contributions in rebounding and interior defense. Despite the setback, Jaiteh has focused on rehabilitation, with medical updates indicating an expected return during the 2026–27 campaign. On October 20, 2025, Dubai Basketball extended Jaiteh's contract through the end of the 2027–28 season, a gesture underscoring the club's confidence in his veteran leadership drawn from prior stints at AS Monaco. In his off-court capacity amid recovery, Jaiteh has supported team building efforts for the influx of international newcomers, fostering cohesion within the multicultural roster. He has shared positive initial impressions of Dubai's vibrant culture, noting its blend of modernity and hospitality as a refreshing contrast to European basketball environments. Looking ahead, Jaiteh aims to anchor Dubai's frontcourt upon his return, helping elevate the franchise toward sustained competitiveness in elite leagues.International career
Youth national teams
Jaiteh began his international youth career with the French under-16 national team at the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Montenegro, where he appeared in all nine games, averaging 7.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as France finished sixth overall after a quarterfinal loss to Spain and a classification defeat to Serbia. His early contributions highlighted his potential as a rebounder and interior presence, building on his development at the INSEP academy. Progressing to the under-18 level, Jaiteh competed in the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in Poland, posting averages of 11.7 points and 9.8 rebounds across nine games as France placed seventh following a quarterfinal exit against Serbia. In the 2012 edition hosted by Latvia, he emerged as a standout, leading the tournament in rebounding with 11.6 per game and scoring 16.6 points on average in nine contests, despite France's 13th-place finish after early group stage struggles. At the under-20 stage, Jaiteh participated in the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship in Estonia, contributing 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game over nine appearances as France secured ninth place with a classification win over Slovenia.[19][20] He returned for the 2014 tournament in Greece, where he averaged 11.7 points and 8.6 rebounds in 10 games, including a career-high 13 rebounds in a victory over Bulgaria, helping France to a sixth-place finish after a quarterfinal loss to Greece and subsequent classification games.[21][22] These performances solidified his role in building team chemistry with emerging talents who later joined the senior squad.Senior national team
Mouhammadou Jaiteh debuted for the French senior national team at the 2015 FIBA EuroBasket, appearing in three games as a rookie center and contributing modestly with averages of 2.0 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.[2] His limited role helped provide frontcourt depth during the tournament, where France earned a bronze medal by defeating Serbia in the third-place game.[23] Jaiteh remained part of the national team setup in subsequent years, earning spots on the rosters for EuroBasket 2017 and EuroBasket 2022, though his playing time was minimal in both events.[24][25] He also participated in FIBA World Cup qualifying campaigns, logging four games in the 2019 European qualifiers with scant production (0.8 points per game) before stepping up in the 2023 qualifiers, where he averaged 10.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist across seven appearances.[2] At the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, Jaiteh assumed a more prominent role as a starter amid absences of key players like Rudy Gobert, averaging 8.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over six games while posting an efficiency rating of 11.3.[2][26] His contributions bolstered France's frontcourt depth and cohesion during the tournament.[23] Throughout his international tenure, Jaiteh has primarily served as a reliable backup to elite centers like Gobert, offering physicality and rebounding support to maintain France's competitive edge in major FIBA competitions.[23]Playing style
Mouhammadou Jaiteh is a physical and versatile center known for his rebounding prowess and efficient interior scoring. At 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) tall with a 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) wingspan, he leverages his size, strength, and length to dominate the glass, particularly on offensive rebounds, where he excels at boxing out opponents and securing position.[15] Offensively, Jaiteh finishes effectively around the rim with either hand, utilizing a soft touch and a reliable hook shot. He is capable of stepping out for mid-range jumpers and demonstrates decent passing instincts from the post, contributing to team facilitation. His scoring is primarily inside the paint, with good footwork for his size, though his post moves remain somewhat basic.[27][15] Defensively, Jaiteh is mobile in pick-and-roll situations and shows solid timing and anticipation, but he lacks elite athleticism, explosiveness, and lateral quickness, which can limit him against more agile big men. He is willing to perform the "dirty work," including maintaining floor position and contributing to team defense.[15]Career statistics
EuroLeague
Mouhammadou Jaiteh has appeared in 89 EuroLeague regular-season games over four seasons, averaging 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, while shooting 59.8% from the field and 59.5% from the free-throw line.[28] His career performance efficiency rating (PIR) stands at 7.6 across 99 total appearances, including playoffs.[1] Jaiteh made his EuroLeague debut during the 2013–14 season with Nanterre 92, appearing in 10 games off the bench and averaging 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game, contributing to the team's playoff push before their elimination in the quarterfinals.[28] In the 2022–23 season with Virtus Bologna, Jaiteh enjoyed a breakout campaign as a starter, playing in 33 games and posting career highs of 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 18.6 minutes, with a 59.1% field-goal percentage; Virtus finished 14–20 in the regular season but relied on his interior presence for key wins, including a notable victory over Bayern Munich that snapped a long drought.[28][29] Jaiteh joined AS Monaco for the 2023–24 season, where he appeared in 22 regular-season games as a reserve, averaging 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.0 minutes, helping the team secure a playoff spot; in the quarterfinals against Fenerbahce, he played three games off the bench, contributing 2.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest before Monaco's 3–1 series loss.[28] His role expanded in the 2024–25 season, starting more frequently in 24 games with averages of 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes at 64.7% shooting, powering Monaco's historic run to the EuroLeague Final Four—their first ever—where they defeated opponents in the playoffs before falling 70–81 to Fenerbahce in the championship game.[28][30] Following his move to Dubai Basketball ahead of the 2025–26 season, Jaiteh has yet to appear in EuroLeague games due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained in September 2025, which sidelined him for the entire campaign.[31][23]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Nanterre 92 | 10 | 12.6 | 4.6 | 3.7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | .559 | .727 |
| 2022–23 | Virtus Bologna | 33 | 18.6 | 8.4 | 4.7 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | .591 | .565 |
| 2023–24 | AS Monaco | 22 | 8.0 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | .596 | .450 |
| 2024–25 | AS Monaco | 24 | 14.4 | 7.4 | 3.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | .647 | .700 |
| Career | - | 89 | 14.2 | 6.5 | 3.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | .598 | .595 |
Other European competitions
Jaiteh has competed in several prominent European club competitions beyond the EuroLeague, including the EuroCup, EuroChallenge, and Basketball Champions League, where he demonstrated strong interior presence and rebounding prowess. His EuroCup career spans multiple seasons. In 2013–14 with Nanterre, he played 8 games averaging 3.5 points and 3.8 rebounds. During 2015–16, also with Nanterre, he appeared in 10 games with 12.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. In 2017–18 with Limoges CSP, he logged 14 games averaging 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds. The 2018–19 season saw limited action with Limoges (4 games, 4.3 points, 4.8 rebounds) before his mid-season transfer to Fiat Torino, though he did not feature in Torino's EuroCup games.[28] His most impactful EuroCup season came in 2021–22 with Virtus Bologna, where he averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game across 17 regular season appearances, while shooting an efficient 68.9% from the field.[28] In the postseason, Jaiteh elevated his production to 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over four playoff games, helping Virtus secure the EuroCup championship.[28] For his dominant performance, he was named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP, All-EuroCup First Team selection, and Quarterfinals MVP. In the 2014–15 EuroChallenge, Jaiteh played a key role for JSF Nanterre en route to the title, appearing in 16 games with averages of 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, posting an efficiency rating of 11.1.[2] Nanterre defeated Trabzonspor in the final to claim the championship, marking Jaiteh's first European title.[6] Jaiteh also featured in the Basketball Champions League during the 2016–17 season with SIG Strasbourg, logging 16 games with averages of 7.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, alongside an efficiency rating of 10.9; Strasbourg advanced to the quarterfinals before elimination.[2]| Competition | Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | EFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EuroCup | 2021–22 | Virtus Bologna | 21 | 12.8 | 7.6 | 1.0 | 17.8[32] |
| EuroChallenge | 2014–15 | JSF Nanterre | 16 | 8.8 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 11.1[2] |
| Basketball Champions League | 2016–17 | SIG Strasbourg | 16 | 7.6 | 5.7 | 1.4 | 10.9[2] |
Domestic leagues
Jaiteh's professional career in domestic leagues began in France's second division, Pro B, with SO Maritime Boulogne (SOMB) during the 2012–13 season. He earned recognition as the French Player MVP and Most Improved Player in Pro B that year, highlighting his emergence as a dominant rebounder and scorer in limited professional minutes.[4] In the French Pro A, Jaiteh joined JSF Nanterre for the 2013–16 seasons, where he developed into a key frontcourt contributor. During the 2015–16 campaign, he averaged 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game across the regular season.[8] He was selected as a starter for the French LNB Pro A All-Star Team in 2016, reflecting his impact on both ends of the court.[4] Jaiteh moved to SIG Strasbourg for the 2016–17 season, posting averages of 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 34 regular-season appearances while playing 21.0 minutes per game and shooting 53.6% from the field.[8][33] In 2017–18, he transferred to Limoges CSP, appearing in 23 games with averages of 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 22.7 minutes, while maintaining a 53% field goal percentage.[34] In 2020–21, Jaiteh was loaned from Žalgiris Kaunas to Frutti Extra Bursaspor in the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL), where he appeared in 22 regular-season games, averaging 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds (leading the league), 2.2 assists, 1.0 block, and 21.7 efficiency in 30.8 minutes per game, shooting 64.5% from the field.[35][36] In Italy's Serie A, Jaiteh signed with Fiat Torino for the latter part of the 2018–19 season, playing 25 games and averaging 10.9 points on 67.8% field goal shooting in 20.2 minutes per contest.[8] He joined Virtus Bologna from 2021–23, serving as a reliable backup center. Over those two seasons, he appeared in 73 combined regular-season games, emphasizing rebounding and shot-blocking in limited minutes around 18–21 per game, while helping Virtus reach playoff contention.[4] Jaiteh's stint in Russia's VTB United League came with Avtodor Saratov in 2019–20, where he excelled as a double-double threat. In 18 games, he averaged 13.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 29.1 minutes, shooting 66.0% from the field and 56.0% from the free-throw line.[4] Although signed by Žalgiris Kaunas for the 2020–21 Lithuanian LKL season, Jaiteh's domestic contributions there were minimal due to a mid-season loan to Bursaspor, limiting his LKL appearances to non-contributory roles without recorded averages exceeding reserve status.[6] Returning to Pro A with AS Monaco in 2023, Jaiteh provided veteran presence in the frontcourt. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds over 34 games, contributing to Monaco's league finals appearance.[37] During the 2024–25 campaign, he continued as a rotational big man, focusing on rebounding and interior defense in 27 regular-season games before departing in July 2025.[38] In the ABA League with Dubai Basketball starting in 2025, Jaiteh signed in July 2025 but has yet to appear in any games due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained in September 2025, which will sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season.[13][3]| League | Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | Notable Playoff/Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro B (France) | 2012–13 | SOMB | N/A | N/A | 16.2 | 9.9 | N/A | N/A | French Player MVP, Most Improved Player[4] |
| Pro A (France) | 2015–16 | Nanterre | N/A | N/A | 12.6 | 8.1 | N/A | N/A | All-Star Starter[4] |
| Pro A (France) | 2016–17 | Strasbourg | 34 | 21.0 | 9.5 | 5.7 | N/A | 53.6% | N/A[8][33] |
| Pro A (France) | 2017–18 | Limoges | 23 | 22.7 | 9.6 | 6.3 | 1.2 | 53.0% | N/A[34] |
| BSL (Turkey) | 2020–21 | Bursaspor | 22 | 30.8 | 16.1 | 11.0 | 2.2 | 64.5% | Rebounding leader[35] |
| Pro A (France) | 2023–24 | Monaco | 34 | N/A | 10.1 | 5.7 | N/A | N/A | League Finals[37] |
| Serie A (Italy) | 2018–19 | Torino | 25 | 20.2 | 10.9 | N/A | N/A | 67.8% | N/A[8] |
| Serie A (Italy) | 2021–23 | Virtus Bologna | 73 | 18–21 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Playoff Contention[4] |
| VTB (Russia) | 2019–20 | Avtodor | 18 | 29.1 | 13.4 | 9.9 | 1.2 | 66.0% | N/A[4] |
| LKL (Lithuania) | 2020–21 | Žalgiris | Limited | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A[6] |
| Adriatic (UAE) | 2025–present | Dubai | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Sidelined by injury[13] |
Honours
Club
- '''French League champion''': 2023–24 AS Monaco
- '''French Cup winner''': 2013–14 JSF Nanterre
- '''Italian Supercup winner''': 2021, 2022 Virtus Bologna
- '''EuroCup champion''': 2021–22 Virtus Bologna
- '''EuroChallenge champion''': 2014–15 JSF Nanterre
- '''Basketball Champions League champion''': 2016–17 SIG Strasbourg[2]
- '''LNB Pro B French Player of the Year''': 2012–13 SO Maritime Boulogne[4]
- '''LNB Pro B Most Improved Player''': 2012–13 SO Maritime Boulogne[4]
- '''Turkish Basketball Super League rebounding leader''': 2020–21 Gaziantep Basketbol (11.0 rebounds per game)[35]
- '''EuroCup MVP''': 2021–22 Virtus Bologna[5]
- '''All-EuroCup First Team''': 2021–22 Virtus Bologna[5]
- '''EuroCup Round 14 MVP''': 2021–22 Virtus Bologna[5]
- '''EuroCup Quarterfinals MVP''': 2021–22 Virtus Bologna[5]
- '''EuroLeague Playoffs Game 2 MVP (shared)''': 2024–25 AS Monaco[6]
International
- '''FIBA European Championship bronze medal''': 2015 France national team[6]
- '''European U18 Championship rebounding leader''': 2012 France U18 (11.6 rebounds per game)[6]