From Senegal to Panathinaikos: Branco Badio's Incredible Journey
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Senegalese basketball player Branco Badio, now a guard for Panathinaikos, will face Hapoel Tel Aviv tonight. His journey began in Rufisque, Senegal, where he overcame early family hardships and discovered basketball through his sister. An unconventional video submission led him to Spain's Canary Islands Academy, followed by a move to Barcelona, where he earned praise from coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. Badio's career has since included stops in Germany and Spain before his current role with Panathinaikos.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Branco Badio, a 27-year-old guard for Panathinaikos, is set to play against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- His basketball journey started in Rufisque, Senegal, after losing his father at age ten.
- A friend's video sent to the Canary Islands Basketball Academy led to his move to Spain.
- He later joined Barcelona, receiving praise from coach Sarunas Jasikevicius.
- Badio has played for teams in Germany and Spain before joining Panathinaikos.
- He credits his sister Marito for introducing him to basketball.
Branco Badio, a 27-year-old guard for Panathinaikos, is set to face Hapoel Tel Aviv tonight, marking a significant milestone in his basketball career. His journey began far from the EuroLeague arenas, in the coastal city of Rufisque, Senegal. Growing up in a large family of eight siblings, Badio lost his father at the age of ten, forcing him to adapt to a challenging family reality from a young age. His path has since taken him from Spain to one of Europe's top basketball clubs, but he consistently acknowledges the family and individuals who supported his rise.
Badio discovered his passion for basketball through his older sister, Marito, who played for a local team. Initially drawn to soccer, he also played basketball on the beach and began playing both sports until age 12. By 15, he was playing for his club's senior team, impressing with his speed and ball-handling skills despite his relatively modest stature for European basketball.
His big break came unconventionally when a friend sent a video of Badio to the Canary Islands Basketball Academy. An academy official, Rob Oriola, observed him play, leading to an offer to move to Spain. The transition was difficult, both physically and culturally, as Badio adjusted to a new training regimen and life away from his large family. Fortunately, the presence of other Senegalese players at the academy helped him with the language and adapting to his new environment.
Another chance encounter further propelled his career. Christian Diaz, a player who also acted as a scout, noticed Badio at a tournament and recommended him to agent Juan Laso. This recommendation paved the way for an opportunity with Barcelona. Upon joining Barcelona's senior team for a preseason game in August 2020, Badio received praise from coach Sarunas Jasikevicius for his impact on both defense and offense.
Following his time at Barcelona, Badio played in Germany, then returned to Spain for stints with Manresa and Valencia before joining Panathinaikos last summer. Throughout his career, he has maintained close bonds with teammates, notably Jean Montero, whom he considers a brother, reflecting the importance of family and close relationships that have guided him from Senegal to the pinnacle of European basketball.