When I first watched Hamidou Diallo play during USA Basketball’s FIBA U18 Americas tournament tryouts at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs last June, I thought the 6-5 guard was the most electrifying player in the gym, ranking right up there with 6-6 guard Markelle Fultz, a Washington recruit who could go No. 1 overall in the NBA draft, and 6-10 forward Michael Porter Jr., the best prospect in the class of 2018.
When Diallo graduated Putnam Science Academy (CT) early so he could enroll at Kentucky in January, I thought he had a chance to become as exciting as any one of John Calipari’s six five star recruits. The 19-year old Diallo worked out with the team but chose not to play second semester when Kentucky won the SEC title and made a run to the Elite Eight. Then, like six of his teammates, he declared for the NBA draft. He has not signed with an agent yet, leaving his options open.
But now, after a spectacular performance during drills in the first day of the NBA Combine in Chicago, there is a growing chance he could leave Big Blue nation in a blue mood. Diallo, a freak athlete who has a 6-11 wing span, took off for a combine best 44 1/2 vertical leap, the second fastest spring and fifth-best lane agility time. Those numbers could push Diallo into the late first round, based on upside potential.
Diallo claims he still hasn’t made any decision about his future. He is close friends with many of the incoming freshmen from this year’s top-ranked recruiting class.
“I one hundred percent have both doors open,” he said during a media session at the combine.
In an effort to make a knowledgeable decision, we expect him to consult with Calipari. But this may be an offer he can’t refuse.
“I love those guys like brothers, so I’d definitely miss them if I stay in the draft,” Diallo said. “But at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s right for me and my family, whether it’s go to the NBA or come back to Kentucky. Those guys are really supportive of me. They understand as basketball players and when they see an opportunity like this, I got a text from almost all the guys today just telling me, ‘Hey, man, go out there and kill it. Do it for you family.”
