News Summary
Jaedon LeDee, a 6’9″ rookie forward and former standout at San Diego State University, has signed with Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga. After a challenging stint in the G League, LeDee is moving overseas, lured by better compensation and a playing style that suits him as a traditional post player. While he faced competition for playing time in the G League, he hopes to thrive in the BBL and continues to pursue his master’s degree in business. His move reflects a broader trend of players transitioning from college basketball to international leagues for better opportunities.
Frankfurt, Germany – Jaedon LeDee, a rookie forward standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and a former standout at San Diego State University, has signed a contract with the Skyliners Frankfurt, a team competing in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). This transition comes after LeDee’s tenure in the G League, where he was recently traded from the Iowa Wolves to the Salt Lake City Stars.
The trade took place following a road game against the Maine Celtics and required the player to take two flights to Des Moines, Iowa, to pack his belongings before heading to Salt Lake City. Despite his commitment to playing in the G League for at least a year, LeDee has made the move overseas, drawn by the BBL’s advantages.
Players in the BBL typically earn better compensation compared to their counterparts in the G League. While G League players without NBA affiliations earn a minimum of $40,500, BBL players can earn low to mid-six figures, and top import players can make up to seven figures annually. The BBL is known not just for its financial rewards but also for its emphasis on winning games and championships as opposed to focusing primarily on individual player development.
LeDee enjoyed a successful college career, averaging 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and was honored with the Karl Malone Award. However, his transition to the G League has been challenging, as he struggled with adjusting to a playing style heavily influenced by analytics and perimeter shooting. In 24 games post-trade, he averaged 6.6 points and 5.7 rebounds, facing decreased playing time and shooting only 20% from behind the NBA three-point line.
Furthermore, LeDee encountered a competitive environment where two-way contract players received preferential treatment, complicating his efforts to secure consistent playing time. Despite these challenges, he believes that European basketball aligns better with his playing style, embracing a methodical and physical approach that suits traditional post players.
In his pursuit of playing opportunities in Europe, LeDee considered offers from several countries, including Belgium, Greece, and Israel, before ultimately choosing to join Skyliners Frankfurt. His decision also coincides with a trend as other former Aztecs players, like Malachi Flynn and Jordan Schakel, are heading overseas.
Aside from his basketball career, LeDee is completing a master’s degree in business at San Diego State University this summer. Although the future of his NBA ambitions remains uncertain, he is dedicated to training hard and preparing for the upcoming season. LeDee had previously signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which could pave the way for a potential two-way contract if he secures a position with the team.
LeDee’s collegiate journey included stints at Ohio State, Tulane, and San Diego State. While he views his transition to Europe as a fresh start, he feels equipped to seize this opportunity in Frankfurt as he aims to develop further in the sport.
Meanwhile, in the world of college basketball, the Mountain West Conference is finalizing its conference schedule, and San Diego State is expected to announce its upcoming schedule soon. The landscape of collegiate and professional basketball continues to evolve with new opportunities emerging for players like LeDee, as seen in recent developments within the sport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Jaedon LeDee Leaves G League for Europe
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Notebook on Nick Boyd and Jaedon LeDee
- San Diego Union-Tribune: City Financial Advice
- Wikipedia: Jaedon LeDee
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
