Prep coach confident Hamidou Diallo will return to Kentucky

[BigBlueFanGA]

I don't know what you were thinking, but that video proved my point.
You're making it sound like the kid was asked to enter a game and told Cal "NO".
Diallo said Cal gave him two CHOICES prior to his arrival.
-come here and play now
Or
-practice with the team and play next year

HD chose to wait til next year.
Again, this is prior to his arrival on campus. So, you're calling him out and saying he is hiding? You're kidding.
#donewiththisconversation

I never said, nor inferred that. I said he didn't want to play. When or how he said it makes little difference to me. What are you talking about saying I'm calling the kid out? Show me where I did that. Also, those were not his only two options. Didn't you read the entire article? Did you read it at all?

“He respected that and told me whenever I feel like I’m ready, and if I wanted to play I could just come and talk to him about it."

The choice was Hami's to make. He chose not to. That's not a team first position. Wouldn't it be better for the coach to let the player know when he is ready? Even if Cal had, Hami would not have played which takes me back to my original point.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I don't know what you were thinking, but that video proved my point.
You're making it sound like the kid was asked to enter a game and told Cal "NO".
Diallo said Cal gave him two CHOICES prior to his arrival.
-come here and play now
Or
-practice with the team and play next year

HD chose to wait til next year.
Again, this is prior to his arrival on campus. So, you're calling him out and saying he is hiding? You're kidding.
#donewiththisconversation

Ok, I'm not sure why you're acting annoyed at me. I'm not even mad at Hami. It's not ok to have a difference of opinion?

 

[floatingyou]

I guarantee that some have already pret-yped their threads and responses to themselves on their multiple accounts

legit laugh out loud!!

 

[GonzoCat90]

Also, our guys arrive in August and look rough in games in November, right? What do you think is being worked on during those months?

Diallo arrived in December/January. What do you think was being worked on during those months in practice? Do you think the team had advanced to more complex practices? If someone were to walk in new to the team, do you think they could just pick up where the team was at that point? If so, why would Cal waste those early months doing the building block practices?

So, at best, he'd look like our guys look in November. At worst, he was trying to play catch up while the rest of the team was learning the intricacies of what we do and opponent tendencies and would have been a total disaster.

That it has somehow morphed among some of you that he did the selfish, wrong thing by not playing, is pretty astounding. As good as we were, and with the groove that we were in, I wouldn't have wanted him to play. If we wanted a long, raw freshman with an inconsistent jumper to be thrown in to give us minutes at the 3, we had Gabriel who had a full slate of practices, real game experience, size, and a better jumper. To take minutes from Monk, Willis, Briscoe or even Hawkins would have been a downgrade.

 

[floatingyou]

Also, our guys arrive in August and look rough in games in November, right? What do you think is being worked on during those months?

Diallo arrived in December/January. What do you think was being worked on during those months in practice? Do you think the team had advanced to more complex practices? If someone were to walk in new to the team, do you think they could just pick up where the team was at that point? If so, why would Cal waste those early months doing the building block practices?

So, at best, he'd look like our guys look in November. At worst, he was trying to play catch up while the rest of the team was learning the intricacies of what we do and opponent tendencies and would have been a total disaster.

That it has somehow morphed among some of you that he did the selfish, wrong thing by not playing, is pretty astounding. As good as we were, and with the groove that we were in, I wouldn't have wanted him to play. If we wanted a long, raw freshman with an inconsistent jumper to be thrown in to give us minutes at the 3, we had Gabriel who had a full slate of practices, real game experience, size, and a better jumper. To take minutes from Monk, Willis, Briscoe or even Hawkins would have been a downgrade.

Well said. 100%

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Also, our guys arrive in August and look rough in games in November, right? What do you think is being worked on during those months?

Diallo arrived in December/January. What do you think was being worked on during those months in practice? Do you think the team had advanced to more complex practices? If someone were to walk in new to the team, do you think they could just pick up where the team was at that point? If so, why would Cal waste those early months doing the building block practices?

So, at best, he'd look like our guys look in November. At worst, he was trying to play catch up while the rest of the team was learning the intricacies of what we do and opponent tendencies and would have been a total disaster.

That it has somehow morphed among some of you that he did the selfish, wrong thing by not playing, is pretty astounding. As good as we were, and with the groove that we were in, I wouldn't have wanted him to play. If we wanted a long, raw freshman with an inconsistent jumper to be thrown in to give us minutes at the 3, we had Gabriel who had a full slate of practices, real game experience, size, and a better jumper. To take minutes from Monk, Willis, Briscoe or even Hawkins would have been a downgrade.

Oh, I'll be the contrarian again I guess. It is much easier to work a single player into the flow than it is to get the entire group on the same page. What we see in November is the group not understanding everything yet. I understand what you're saying but I don't necessarily apply it to a single player. Cal wanted Wynyard to play last year. Wynyard wasn't ready then and isn't ready now, but Cal still wanted him in. If you're saying Diallo didn't have something to offer this year, I don't think we can make that assumption.

 

[Jbapp1978]

Again, excuse us idiots, nimrods and "morons, not true fans, posers, trolls" ect....for actually wanting a player to actually play games here (when they were eligible to play but chose not to because they wanted to protect their draft stock) before entering the draft.

thats all i wanted was just have him help us. No offence to Keyser ive yet to see a link, or somthing explaining the plan was to keep a high school all american(he would have been Mcd, Jbc all american had he stayed through his year) on the bench just so he could what? Leave? Im not mad, i just wish i seen clarification. If he leaves great if he comes back great, the bottom line is we REALLY could have used his help.

 

[brianpoe]

thats all i wanted was just have him help us. No offence to Keyser ive yet to see a link, or somthing explaining the plan was to keep a high school all american(he would have been Mcd, Jbc all american had he stayed through his year) on the bench just so he could what? Leave? Im not mad, i just wish i seen clarification. If he leaves great if he comes back great, the bottom line is we REALLY could have used his help.

Multiple posters have quoted Cal and HD throughout this thread.


"When Diallo originally told Coach Cal that he was thinking about enrolling early, Calipari figured he wanted to play right away. Instead, Diallo made the choice because he wanted to push himself on the court and get a head start the following year with a semester of weight training, basketball, classes and knowledge under his belt.

“It was ultimately my call. Cal just respected it,” Diallo said. “I mean, he didn’t know what I wanted to do at first. When I told him I was thinking about coming early he thought I wanted to play, but I told him I just wanted to come and get better on the court and just develop my skills and get prepared for next year. He just respected that and told me that if I felt like that was the best decision for me then so be it.” >

By arriving on campus in January, Diallo will already have the collegiate transition under his belt and could actually serve as a leader to the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation.

“Me and Coach Cal spoke about that,” Diallo said. “I’m going to have to step in and be a leader for those guys because they’re going to look up to me when they come here and I’m going to have a head start on everybody. I’ll basically have to show them the ropes now when they come.”

Diallo said he keeps in touch with all the Kentucky recruits and signees on a near-daily basis. He lets them know what UK’s like and tells them to be prepared to put in the work when they arrive. With their talent, he believes the sky is the limit.

“I can’t wait to play with that group,” Diallo said. “I feel like once we get in the gym we’re going to be a great team. We’re just all going to want to play for each other. I just can’t wait to get with that group in the gym and just see everyone and be with everyone every day, just like I am with these guys every day.”"

http://www.coachcal.com/43281/2017/02/meet-the-wildcats-diallo-patiently-waiting-for-his-time/

 

[BBUK]

Multiple posters have quoted Cal and HD throughout this thread.


"When Diallo originally told Coach Cal that he was thinking about enrolling early, Calipari figured he wanted to play right away. Instead, Diallo made the choice because he wanted to push himself on the court and get a head start the following year with a semester of weight training, basketball, classes and knowledge under his belt.

“It was ultimately my call. Cal just respected it,” Diallo said. “I mean, he didn’t know what I wanted to do at first. When I told him I was thinking about coming early he thought I wanted to play, but I told him I just wanted to come and get better on the court and just develop my skills and get prepared for next year. He just respected that and told me that if I felt like that was the best decision for me then so be it.” >

By arriving on campus in January, Diallo will already have the collegiate transition under his belt and could actually serve as a leader to the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation.

“Me and Coach Cal spoke about that,” Diallo said. “I’m going to have to step in and be a leader for those guys because they’re going to look up to me when they come here and I’m going to have a head start on everybody. I’ll basically have to show them the ropes now when they come.”

Diallo said he keeps in touch with all the Kentucky recruits and signees on a near-daily basis. He lets them know what UK’s like and tells them to be prepared to put in the work when they arrive. With their talent, he believes the sky is the limit.

“I can’t wait to play with that group,” Diallo said. “I feel like once we get in the gym we’re going to be a great team. We’re just all going to want to play for each other. I just can’t wait to get with that group in the gym and just see everyone and be with everyone every day, just like I am with these guys every day.”"

http://www.coachcal.com/43281/2017/02/meet-the-wildcats-diallo-patiently-waiting-for-his-time/

Is "" quoting, lying? Just curious...

 

[kyjeff1]

Ok, I'm not sure why you're acting annoyed at me. I'm not even mad at Hami. It's not ok to have a difference of opinion?

The bottom line is, you accused the kid of "refusing to play". You definitely said that.

But that's not what happened. Cal gave him choices and he chose to graduate early and come to UK to get a head start on the 17/18 season.

When you say "REFUSING to play", you're saying Cal tried to put him in and he crossed his arms, shook his head and said "nope, I ain't going in Cal". There's a big difference. You're making it seem much worse than what it is.

I'm with you on the staying in the draft part, if he stays in the draft I will not like it, there's nothing I can do about it, but I'll just hate it.

I'm just more willing to understand the decisions he has made up to this point, I would have made the same choices.

 

[Jbapp1978]

Multiple posters have quoted Cal and HD throughout this thread.


"When Diallo originally told Coach Cal that he was thinking about enrolling early, Calipari figured he wanted to play right away. Instead, Diallo made the choice because he wanted to push himself on the court and get a head start the following year with a semester of weight training, basketball, classes and knowledge under his belt.

“It was ultimately my call. Cal just respected it,” Diallo said. “I mean, he didn’t know what I wanted to do at first. When I told him I was thinking about coming early he thought I wanted to play, but I told him I just wanted to come and get better on the court and just develop my skills and get prepared for next year. He just respected that and told me that if I felt like that was the best decision for me then so be it.” >

By arriving on campus in January, Diallo will already have the collegiate transition under his belt and could actually serve as a leader to the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation.

“Me and Coach Cal spoke about that,” Diallo said. “I’m going to have to step in and be a leader for those guys because they’re going to look up to me when they come here and I’m going to have a head start on everybody. I’ll basically have to show them the ropes now when they come.”

Diallo said he keeps in touch with all the Kentucky recruits and signees on a near-daily basis. He lets them know what UK’s like and tells them to be prepared to put in the work when they arrive. With their talent, he believes the sky is the limit.

“I can’t wait to play with that group,” Diallo said. “I feel like once we get in the gym we’re going to be a great team. We’re just all going to want to play for each other. I just can’t wait to get with that group in the gym and just see everyone and be with everyone every day, just like I am with these guys every day.”"

http://www.coachcal.com/43281/2017/02/meet-the-wildcats-diallo-patiently-waiting-for-his-time/

Thanks for that. I truly am not bothered if he leaves, i just thought he could have helped. Thanks.

 

[jockstrap_mcgee]

If Diallo stays in and gets picked...if I'm a top high school recruit I find my way to Lexington, don't enroll anywhere D1 and just play play pick up games on campus with other elite recruits waiting for the draft all day every day until the draft.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Nope, i'm saying he could play but didnt and the choice was his. Interpret that as you wish.

 

[JC43]

http://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article124934574.html
Everytime Diallo is interviewed he mentions his "plan". One he has formulated for a long time. Plan to get ready for college ball and plan to test waters. Cal mentioned that the coaches weren't focusing on get Diallo up to speed but to get the team to work on what they started on.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

The bottom line is, you accused the kid of "refusing to play". You definitely said that.

But that's not what happened. Cal gave him choices and he chose to graduate early and come to UK to get a head start on the 17/18 season.

When you say "REFUSING to play", you're saying Cal tried to put him in and he crossed his arms, shook his head and said "nope, I ain't going in Cal". There's a big difference. You're making it seem much worse than what it is.

I'm with you on the staying in the draft part, if he stays in the draft I will not like it, there's nothing I can do about it, but I'll just hate it.

I'm just more willing to understand the decisions he has made up to this point, I would have made the same choices.

Well that's the difference, I wouldn't make the same choices.

 

[EclipsingYou]

brianpoe,

BRAVO! Nailed it 100%! I wish that was the reply to every thread questioning where Diallo will be playing next year in the 2nd post following the OP.

Cal and Diallo have had the same plan during this entire process. I cannot imagine Diallo wavering from the path that they have spent 5 months planning on how to A. Get Diallo's name out there amongst all NBA scouts and other types. B. Further establish what Diallo needs to focus his game on in order to establish himself as a lottery pick in next year's draft.

Him remaining in the draft makes so little chance as he isn't even likely to be drafted in the first 50 picks in this year's draft compared to spending a year in the spotlight and entering next year's weak draft with tons of momentum. I don't see any way...

 

[kyjeff1]

Well that's the difference, I wouldn't make the same choices.

The transition from HS to college is much more difficult than you think it is. He would have been lost and would have gotten schooled if he attempted to play. He was way too far behind at that point.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Only UK fans can see a 2018 recruit enrolling early to prepare for next season as anything but a bonus.

Can't believe Saban didn't play his January enrollees in the national title game. Probably cost him the title, to be honest.

 

[brianpoe]

Thanks for that. I truly am not bothered if he leaves, i just thought he could have helped. Thanks.

He still might help...in a big way this year if he comes back.

I will be frustrated if he goes but with a 1st round guarantee I cant blame him, I would as well.

I will be a little more than frustrated if he leaves without a 1st round guarantee. This is truly our only problem, kids leaving for 2nd round or worse.

We fix this issue we will be in great shape.

Add Lamb and Teague to Archie, WCS, Alex, Wiltjer & Noel....2013 would have been much better.

Add Dakari to 2016.. still not a title team but Poythress would have been much better playing off a true big, and Lee would have as well. Skal would also have been more effective, imo.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Only UK fans can see a 2018 recruit enrolling early to prepare for next season as anything but a bonus.

Can't believe Saban didn't play his January enrollees in the national title game. Probably cost him the title, to be honest.

Ha ha, the title game isn't played in the 2nd semester. But that begs the question, how many oads does he have?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

The transition from HS to college is much more difficult than you think it is. He would have been lost and would have gotten schooled if he attempted to play. He was way too far behind at that point.

Possibly but you really don't know.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Ha ha, the title game isn't played in the 2nd semester. But that begs the question, how many oads does he have?

More than Cal. Also has lots of none and dones that never play and leave the program. Five star recruits, too. Wild that Saban can't develop or win more with all that talent.

It's almost as if a single-elimination tournament relying on 20 year olds is random and unpredictable.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Possibly but you really don't know.

Do the people criticizing him for not playing know then?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

More than Cal. Also has lots of none and dones that never play and leave the program. Five star recruits, too. Wild that Saban can't develop or win more with all that talent.

It's almost as if a single-elimination tournament relying on 20 year olds is random and unpredictable.

Come on Gonzo. It's too early for trolling.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Do the people criticizing him for not playing know then?

Nope. I'm critical of his decision to not be available. Whether or not he played should be up to Cal.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Come on Gonzo. It's too early for trolling.

It's never too early to make a reciprocal argument to point out how irrational and inconsistent a stance is.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Nope. I'm critical of his decision to not be available. Whether or not he played should be up to Cal.

He's available just like every other 2018 recruit. He enrolled to get a jump start on the upcoming season, not to play catch up on a title contender that had a set rotation.

Everyone knew this from the beginning, but now that they think he might leave, they need something to be upset about because saying "I'm disappointed that a top-10 recruit might leave and therefore we won't be as good" is too hard.

 

[brianpoe]

The transition from HS to college is much more difficult than you think it is. He would have been lost and would have gotten schooled if he attempted to play. He was way too far behind at that point.

I think this point is being way overlooked as well.

HD's AAU Coach:

Diallo — pending what should be routine clearance by the NCAA — would be eligible to play immediately for the Wildcats, but, again, that’s not the plan.

Borman said that would be a tough transition for Diallo to make in the middle of the season. And the Cats already have Isaiah Briscoe, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk playing great basketball at the guard positions, with seniors Dominique Hawkins and Mychal Mulder offering veteran backcourt help off the bench.

“It would be hard for everybody involved,” Borman said. “These kids have been lifting, running, doing conditioning, practicing, doing skill work together since the summer. They know every set, every audible, offensive and defensively, that Coach Cal has put in.

“So, for a kid like Hamidou, he needs to just come in and learn. Instead of playing second semester and playing catch-up, why not just play next year and have him be ahead of the curve.”


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/coll...tball-men/article125194849.html#storylink=cpy


After one of his last high school games:

The general consensus among the NBA personnel who watched Diallo over the weekend: Stay in school.

“He looked like he was just kind of out there coasting,” DraftExpress.com analyst Jonathan Givony told the Herald-Leader. “He knew that there were dozens of NBA scouts watching him, and for him to just kind of go through the motions, that kind of told me everything that I needed to know. That was the word anyway — that he’s really leaning toward the college route. I would think that this kind of sealed it.”

In addition to that sometimes-waning level of interest, the main criticism of Diallo is his outside shooting ability. He was a 16.7 percent three-point shooter on the Nike circuit this summer. That’s a curious number for the player ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard in the country.

“The biggest problem is he shoots it differently, almost every time,” Espinosa said. “He needs to be more consistent with his form. Every shot should be the same, whether you’re 5 feet away or 20 feet away. … The numbers don’t lie.”


HS coach:

"One reason they said Hamidou left us and is going to Kentucky and not playing is somewhat to hide a little bit [to cover his deficiencies]," Espinosa said. "His stock was dropping at times with us. Almost every game we had NBA scouts, even college coaches, saying why isn't Hamidou starting or playing as much? He had bad games. He was in foul trouble. NBA scouts, analysts, we kind of killing him in a lot of articles. I think some people said you staying at PSA isn't helping you."

"It's also maturity on the court. People ask me what are you going to do without Hamidou? We've been playing without Hamidou for the last two years. He has been in my doghouse at times. Discipline issues, he hasn't played. He has been in foul trouble a lot, missed half the game. We're used to playing without him. We are going to be fine."

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

It's never too early to make a reciprocal argument to point out how irrational and inconsistent a stance is.

Football and basketball have few parallels. It isn't a reciprocal argument. Football has no oads. They do have transfers but that is a totally different matter.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

He's available just like every other 2018 recruit. He enrolled to get a jump start on the upcoming season, not to play catch up on a title contender that had a set rotation.

Everyone knew this from the beginning, but now that they think he might leave, they need something to be upset about because saying "I'm disappointed that a top-10 recruit might leave and therefore we won't be as good" is too hard.

He isnt an 18 recruit unless he comes back and I still don't think he will. I've said that since January I think.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I think this point is being way overlooked as well.

HD's AAU Coach:

Diallo — pending what should be routine clearance by the NCAA — would be eligible to play immediately for the Wildcats, but, again, that’s not the plan.

Borman said that would be a tough transition for Diallo to make in the middle of the season. And the Cats already have Isaiah Briscoe, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk playing great basketball at the guard positions, with seniors Dominique Hawkins and Mychal Mulder offering veteran backcourt help off the bench.

“It would be hard for everybody involved,” Borman said. “These kids have been lifting, running, doing conditioning, practicing, doing skill work together since the summer. They know every set, every audible, offensive and defensively, that Coach Cal has put in.

“So, for a kid like Hamidou, he needs to just come in and learn. Instead of playing second semester and playing catch-up, why not just play next year and have him be ahead of the curve.”


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/coll...tball-men/article125194849.html#storylink=cpy


After one of his last high school games:

The general consensus among the NBA personnel who watched Diallo over the weekend: Stay in school.

“He looked like he was just kind of out there coasting,” DraftExpress.com analyst Jonathan Givony told the Herald-Leader. “He knew that there were dozens of NBA scouts watching him, and for him to just kind of go through the motions, that kind of told me everything that I needed to know. That was the word anyway — that he’s really leaning toward the college route. I would think that this kind of sealed it.”

In addition to that sometimes-waning level of interest, the main criticism of Diallo is his outside shooting ability. He was a 16.7 percent three-point shooter on the Nike circuit this summer. That’s a curious number for the player ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard in the country.

“The biggest problem is he shoots it differently, almost every time,” Espinosa said. “He needs to be more consistent with his form. Every shot should be the same, whether you’re 5 feet away or 20 feet away. … The numbers don’t lie.”


HS coach:

"One reason they said Hamidou left us and is going to Kentucky and not playing is somewhat to hide a little bit [to cover his deficiencies]," Espinosa said. "His stock was dropping at times with us. Almost every game we had NBA scouts, even college coaches, saying why isn't Hamidou starting or playing as much? He had bad games. He was in foul trouble. NBA scouts, analysts, we kind of killing him in a lot of articles. I think some people said you staying at PSA isn't helping you."

"It's also maturity on the court. People ask me what are you going to do without Hamidou? We've been playing without Hamidou for the last two years. He has been in my doghouse at times. Discipline issues, he hasn't played. He has been in foul trouble a lot, missed half the game. We're used to playing without him. We are going to be fine."

Most of that has been my argument for why he is leaving in this draft. He has all the physical tools, he needed elite coaching and competition. He got that at UK's NBA prep camp. It's a 4 month crash course.

 

[GonzoCat90]

He isnt an 18 recruit unless he comes back and I still don't think he will. I've said that since January I think.

He's an 18 recruit in the same way guys like Mudiay or Ferguson or Maker were recruits of their respective classes. If Quade Green gave up basketball today, he'd still be an 18 recruit.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

He's an 18 recruit in the same way guys like Mudiay or Ferguson or Maker were recruits of their respective classes. If Quade Green gave up basketball today, he'd still be an 18 recruit.

??? Diallo joined the team in the 16-17 season. Green isn't joining until the 17-18 season. Diallo would be a sophomore during the 17-18 season, correct?

 

[GonzoCat90]

??? Diallo joined the team in the 16-17 season. Green isn't joining until the 17-18 season. Diallo would be a sophomore during the 17-18 season, correct?

I don't think so. Dennis Smith just did the same thing at NC State last year. Happens all the time in football. Granted, this situation is unique, but it's not as if he reclassified. He enrolled early as a 17-18 recruit.

 

[Cardsstink]

We need him badly as I think he's the key to getting his buddy Bamba.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I don't think so. Dennis Smith just did the same thing at NC State last year. Happens all the time in football. Granted, this situation is unique, but it's not as if he reclassified. He enrolled early as a 17-18 recruit.

Unless he redshirted, he is a 17 recruit.

 

[kyjeff1]

I think this point is being way overlooked as well.

HD's AAU Coach:

Diallo — pending what should be routine clearance by the NCAA — would be eligible to play immediately for the Wildcats, but, again, that’s not the plan.

Borman said that would be a tough transition for Diallo to make in the middle of the season. And the Cats already have Isaiah Briscoe, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk playing great basketball at the guard positions, with seniors Dominique Hawkins and Mychal Mulder offering veteran backcourt help off the bench.

“It would be hard for everybody involved,” Borman said. “These kids have been lifting, running, doing conditioning, practicing, doing skill work together since the summer. They know every set, every audible, offensive and defensively, that Coach Cal has put in.

“So, for a kid like Hamidou, he needs to just come in and learn. Instead of playing second semester and playing catch-up, why not just play next year and have him be ahead of the curve.”


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/coll...tball-men/article125194849.html#storylink=cpy


After one of his last high school games:

The general consensus among the NBA personnel who watched Diallo over the weekend: Stay in school.

“He looked like he was just kind of out there coasting,” DraftExpress.com analyst Jonathan Givony told the Herald-Leader. “He knew that there were dozens of NBA scouts watching him, and for him to just kind of go through the motions, that kind of told me everything that I needed to know. That was the word anyway — that he’s really leaning toward the college route. I would think that this kind of sealed it.”

In addition to that sometimes-waning level of interest, the main criticism of Diallo is his outside shooting ability. He was a 16.7 percent three-point shooter on the Nike circuit this summer. That’s a curious number for the player ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard in the country.

“The biggest problem is he shoots it differently, almost every time,” Espinosa said. “He needs to be more consistent with his form. Every shot should be the same, whether you’re 5 feet away or 20 feet away. … The numbers don’t lie.”


HS coach:

"One reason they said Hamidou left us and is going to Kentucky and not playing is somewhat to hide a little bit [to cover his deficiencies]," Espinosa said. "His stock was dropping at times with us. Almost every game we had NBA scouts, even college coaches, saying why isn't Hamidou starting or playing as much? He had bad games. He was in foul trouble. NBA scouts, analysts, we kind of killing him in a lot of articles. I think some people said you staying at PSA isn't helping you."

"It's also maturity on the court. People ask me what are you going to do without Hamidou? We've been playing without Hamidou for the last two years. He has been in my doghouse at times. Discipline issues, he hasn't played. He has been in foul trouble a lot, missed half the game. We're used to playing without him. We are going to be fine."

Anyone that thinks a kid can just jump right in and contribute anything at all at the college level, halfway through the season, having never played college ball, has no clue how hard it is.

The only guys that have a shot at not looking like a toddler with its thumb in its mouth would be dudes like AD, Mello, Durant, James and maybe guys like Wall, but that's about it.

HD would have gotten embarrassed out there. That's not a knock on him, it's just THAT hard.

And this is coming from someone that has no clue either, I just know it's friggin' hard.

 

[Cardsstink]

Anyone that thinks a kid can just jump right in and contribute anything at all at the college level, halfway through the season, having never played college ball, has no clue how hard it is.

The only guys that have a shot at not looking like a toddler with its thumb in its mouth would be dudes like AD, Mello, Durant, James and maybe guys like Wall, but that's about it.

HD would have gotten embarrassed out there. That's not a knock on him, it's just THAT hard.

And this is coming from someone that has no clue either, I just know it's friggin' hard.

That's why he didn't want to play, IMO. He knew all along he was going to try and go pro and didn't want to look bad in college. I hope I'm very wrong, but if he stays in the draft there's nobody in the world that convince me that he didn't totally use UK and our coaches.

 

[kyjeff1]

Possibly but you really don't know.

No, but common sense, based on what I've seen in my 44 years, is all the information I need to say that he would have looked totally lost out there and would have gotten scored on more than Christina Aguilera has.

I mean think about how much better teams and individual players get from October through February.

He would have been playing in summer mode, while the rest of the team, and more importantly, our opponents, were playing in February mode.

How do you not get that?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

No, but common sense, based on what I've seen in my 44 years, is all the information I need to say that he would have looked totally lost out there and would have gotten scored on more than Christina Aguilera has.

I mean think about how much better teams and individual players get from October through February.

He would have been playing in summer mode, while the rest of the team, and more importantly, our opponents, were playing in February mode.

How do you not get that?

I get your point but you refuse to get mine. Stokes did this at Tennessee. His freshman numbers were 9.6 pts and 7.4 rbs. His jr season was 15.1/10.6. A player is a player. Diallo is a far superior athlete and Diallo is very smart. You may be overstating the problem to fit your narrative.