Hamidou Diallo Commits to KENTUCKY

[George]

And here we thought '17-'18 was going to be a transition year.

CATS.

[justford]

We just got fed some more

[SCBlu]

WONDERFUL!!!! Go CATS!

[uglyduckling]

Now have a 5 star at every position with the new recruits. And I bet Cal ain't done!

[Catsrock]

Wrap it up with Bamba. Come on big fella!

[TrueblueCATfan]

So he is not playing this year

[George]

So he is not playing this year

Doesn't sound like it.

[Friendsofcoal]

I just feel like he's on campus to practice with the big leagues then dive into the draft without ever playing a game in Lexington. I hope I'm wrong but it won't surprise me at all. You can say the scouts won't see him play all you want but if he impresses Cal in practice then he's going to brag on him to the right people and somebody will roll the dice on him.

[Lighthouse]

I can't see Cal taking a commitment from any kid without an agreement to play at least a year, which for Diallo would mean he plays next season. Of course with these kids you never know. One question for Will or anybody. Diallo is listed as a shooting guard, and some say he can't shoot. I haven't seen him play so I look to you who have. Is this the right ranking for him?,

[KCKUKFan]

I can't see Cal taking a commitment from any kid without an agreement to play at least a year, which for Diallo would mean he plays next season. Of course with these kids you never know. One question for Will or anybody. Diallo is listed as a shooting guard, and some say he can't shoot. I haven't seen him play so I look to you who have. Is this the right ranking for him?,

I've seen him play a few times and the ranking is correct, and it's because he's such an explosive athlete with ridiculous upside. In the games I saw his outside shooting wasn't terrible, although his stats would argue otherwise. But his ability to slash up defenders, his first step, and his "get ups" -- WOW. He also didn't seem to get lost in the game like a lot of kids his age. He pretty much was the best player on the floor for the entire time. The kid is a phenomenal player who has a lot of upside.

With a half-a-year head start, he should be an explosive player for Kentucky.

[catfan]

Seth Greenberg was going on about him practicing with and against Fox, Monk and Briscoe.

[George]

I just feel like he's on campus to practice with the big leagues then dive into the draft without ever playing a game in Lexington. I hope I'm wrong but it won't surprise me at all. You can say the scouts won't see him play all you want but if he impresses Cal in practice then he's going to brag on him to the right people and somebody will roll the dice on him.

This'll be the one time when Cal doesn't brag on a kid to draw interest from scouts, because Cal's counting on Diallo to fill the (very thin) guard spot next season. Taking a commitment from him now pretty much shuts down the recruitment of any other SGs, so if he up and leaves, Cal's screwed at guard. He wouldn't have taken Diallo if he thought that was going to be the case.

[Joneslab]

I just feel like he's on campus to practice with the big leagues then dive into the draft without ever playing a game in Lexington. I hope I'm wrong but it won't surprise me at all. You can say the scouts won't see him play all you want but if he impresses Cal in practice then he's going to brag on him to the right people and somebody will roll the dice on him.

This deal has been set up for next year. That's why he's coming. This is a guy who doesn't register at all in this year's draft.

Cal's not going to take a guy that we desperately need to round out our backcourt and then "brag on him" so he can jump to the NBA. That would destroy the very firmament of the deal that's been cut with this kid.

[Lighthouse]

^I hope you're right, and Diallo has bought in.

[Friendsofcoal]

Guys and gals please remember that we ARE a "players first" program. If a player is capable of getting drafted in the lottery or first round then Cal won't cheat them from it...He will encourage it.

I pray that I'm wrong on this but I just have a funny feeling that he'll never suit up unless it's for a photo of some kind.