LONDON, England - After a stellar 2023-24 season with the Malone University men's basketball team, alumni Aaron Badibo has signed a professional overseas contract with the London Lions in the United Kingdom.
 
The London Lions are a member of the Super League, which is the top professional league in the United Kingdom. Last year, they had a 38-3 record as they finished as the British Basketball League (BBL) Champions.
 
"I'm excited to start this new chapter of my basketball career, especially it being back home where it all started," Badibo said. "I am grateful for all the experiences and support I've had along the way, and my time in the United States perfecting my craft. This is just the beginning and I am ready for all the challenges ahead. Thank you to all who believed in me. I can't wait to continue growing."
 
Head Coach Charlie Wallrapp had this to say on Badibo signing a professional contract, "Aaron had a phenomenal season for us last year. He went from someone who wasn't even in a college rotation two years ago to a professional basketball player. I couldn't be more proud of him and that speaks to his level of work ethic in the offseason and the confidence that he has in himself. We can't wait to follow his career as he kicks it off in his home country. We will be rooting for him from across the pond."
 
Last season for the Pioneers, Badibo averaged 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and shot 49.2% from the field. In the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), he finished 2nd in rebounding, 10th in scoring, 9th in field goal percentage, and 8th in blocks.
 
He was named the G-MAC Athlete of the Week on Feb. 12 after averaging 21 points and 14.5 rebounds per game while leading the team to two wins over the University of Findlay and Ohio Dominican University. Badibo was credited with the buzzer-beater to get Malone's second-ever win at Findlay.