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13 - Cheick Diallo

6-9, 220 Power Forward/Center
Kansas Freshman
Birthday
09/13/96 (27.5 yrs)
Hometown
Bamako, Mali
High School
Our Savior New American
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
8
Size
9
Defense
8
Strength
7
Quickness
8
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
6
NBA Ready
6
Rebounding
8
Potential
9
Post Skills
6
Intangibles
9

NBA Comparison: Kenneth Faried

Strengths: When comparted to other 6’9’’ players, Diallo has both terrific end to end speed, and a motor to keep him going. His stride is both effortless, and his constant effort re-affirms all the ravings about his motor dating back to his high school days. These traits make Diallo a transition threat as a big man, and also aid him as a chase down shot blocker in the open court. Cheick also has good length. Sporting a 7’4’’ wingspan and a 9’1’’ standing reach (according to the 2015 Hoop Summit) he sizes up pretty favorably for an NBA 4 man. While probably not an elite leaper, he gets off the ground very quickly, and is easily a good jumper for a 6’9’’ player. Transitioning his length and athletic ability to the NBA should not be an issue with continued physical maturity. He has great timing as a shot blocker, especially from the weak side. Despite limited minutes as a freshman, Diallo blocked 4.2 shots per game per 40 minutes, and actually would have done so without projecting to foul out (3.7 fouls per 40 minutes). He possesses a knack for rebounding the ball despite not always being in the best position. Cheick’s per 40 minute rebound numbers would come right in at 13.3 per game. His long arms, really aid in his ability to grab misses on the defensive end. He also showed the ability to finish strong around the hoop, and good hands catching alley oops. It should also be noted that despite a season in which he probably tallied a lot fewer minutes than he expected, Cheick was an engaged player off the bench, and showed positive body language and overall team support when his minutes began to fade during Big 12 play.

Weaknesses: Cheick’s decision making offensively is really far away from being much of an asset at the NBA level. His usage percentage was 21.7% was 2nd only on the team to Perry Ellis’ 25.5% and Diallo only dished out 1 assist on the season to pair with 17 turnovers. Despite sporting a good overall FG% (54.7%) his shot selection showed he had little grasp of the flow of the game, and good ball movement. He was also prone to lazy passes due to lack of adjustment to the offensive speed of college basketball. He can hit a 15 footer at a decent clip, which is a positive sign for his shot development, but he’s got a bit of a hitch in his shot movement that would benefit him if he corrected. Diallo must also continue to hit the weights, he’s not ready for a major NBA role next season, but has a nice frame to add muscle. An extra 15 pounds and some physical maturity would do him wonders.

Overall: Cheick Diallo is an upside pick at this point in his development. With the ball in his hands, he’s very far away from being a factor outside of dunking and playing very close to the rim right now. It’d be best if Diallo can learn to stick to simplicity until he can further hone his game on that end. On the other hand, defensively and collecting misses he shows considerable potential. His calling card at the next level will probably by weak side shot blocking, defensive rebounding, and hustle. There’s still plenty to like despite an underwhelming freshman season at Kansas, and all in all Cheick handled it with maturity many teenagers wouldn’t.

Notes: Measured 6’9’’ in shoes with a 7’4’’ wingspan, a 9’1’’ standing reach, and 220 pounds at the 2015 Hoop Summit. MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, and the Jordan Brand Classic in 2015. Measured 6’8.5 (in shoes) 208 lbs, with a 7’3 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Big Man Skills Academy … Measured 6’9 (in shoes) 218 lbs, with a 7’3 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Big Man Skills Academy

Dave Ray 4/13/16

Strengths: The 6’9 big man from Mali is known for his high energy and nonstop motor. Gives 110% every time he takes the floor. Can outscore opponents from simply outhustling … Long and athletic. Good combination of size and speed … Runs the floor as well as any big in the class … Very good defender. Active hands. Challenges everything at the rim, isn’t afraid to get dunked on … Very good rebounder … Aggressively attacks the rim. Good leaping ability. Finishes dunks with either hand … Has a nice spin move in the lane when finishing in traffic … Plays his game, doesn’t try to do too much … Doesn’t back down from competition.

Weaknesses: Still very raw in many aspects. Isn’t a strong shooter or ball handler. Shot mechanics could use some tweaking. Doesn’t have a polished low post or back to the basket game. Other than his spin move, he doesn’t have the footwork or technique to beat defenders, at this point he relies on his physical tools and natural ability … Isn’t a scoring threat away from the basket … His feel for the game is still in early stages of development … Can’t create on offense … Will need to get stronger working in the paint as his career progresses.

Notes: Diallo has played himself into one of the best players of the 2015 high school class. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, he brings a consistent effort every time he steps on the floor. Already an effective player, if/when he develops and utilizes his raw talent he will be a handful for opponents. The Kansas commit led his Our Savior New American team against some of the nation’s best and never failed to assert himself as a top prospect. His effort earned himself MVP of the McDonald’s All American game and Jordan Brand Classic.

Evan Tomes 6/18/15

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