Hamidou Diallo withdrew from the 2017 NBA Draft to return to Kentucky with the objective of improving his game and seeding. The opposite happened.
It’s funny the difference one year can make. In some cases players who weren’t even on anyone’s radar last year are suddenly in the conversation to be a lottery pick at this year’s NBA Draft. In the case of Hamidou Diallo the opposite is true.
Last season Diallo initially considered the draft prior to withdrawing to return to Kentucky. Although he hadn’t played with the Wildcats there was enough buzz over the youngster’s potential and athleticism to warrant a first round selection. Flash forward one season and all of the shooting guards flaws have been exposed.
Knowing this Diallo arrived at the NBA Draft Combine with an opportunity to raise his profile. Instead, prospects like Donte DiVincenzo, who wasn’t considered in the same realm as Diallo athletically surpassed him in virtually every skill. Suffice to say, Diallo enters the 2018 NBA Draft with more questions than answers.
Although there will always be room for defensive specialists, unless there is a belief the prospect can add at least one offensive skill it is tough to reconcile conceding a roster spot.
Player specifics:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Wingspan: 6’11.5″
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Age: 19.10
- College: Kentucky, Freshman
- Home town: Queens, New York City
Statline:
| Season | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 37 | 24.8 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | 0.7 | 2.1 | .338 | 2.1 | 3.4 | .616 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 10.0 |
| Career | 37 | 24.8 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | 0.7 | 2.1 | .338 | 2.1 | 3.4 | .616 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 10.0 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2018.