Diego Maffia returns to professional basketball in Brazil

Diego Maffia basketball Esporte Clube Pinheiros ACL injury recovery UVic Vikes

Former University of Victoria Vikes star Diego Maffia has returned to professional basketball in Brazil after a 594-day absence. Following a devastating ACL injury that ended his collegiate career in 2025, the 25-year-old signed a contract with Esporte Clube Pinheiros in São Paulo.

Maffia competed in the Divisão Especial A-1 Championship, a pre-season tournament for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) league. In his first game against São José, he recorded 17 points in 23 minutes, including five three-pointers. He followed this with a 15-point performance against Corinthians on September 3.

Maffia described the rehabilitation process as a grueling and non-linear mental and physical struggle. During his recovery, he served as the head coach for the Oak Bay Bays senior boys team.

Entities

Diego Maffia · Esporte Clube Pinheiros · São Paulo · University of Victoria

Sources

'I'll never stop shooting': Former UVic star returns to the hardwood in Brazil [vancouverislandfreedaily.com]

16 days ago

'I'll never stop shooting': Former UVic star returns to the hardwood in Brazil - Goldstream News Gazette [goldstreamgazette.com]

16 days ago

'I'll never stop shooting': Former UVic star returns to the hardwood in Brazil [oakbaynews.com]

16 days ago

'I'll never stop shooting': Former UVic star returns to the hardwood in Brazil [saanichnews.com]

16 days ago

'I'll never stop shooting': Former UVic star returns to the hardwood in Brazil - Victoria News [vicnews.com]

16 days ago