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2016 NBA Draft: Cheick Diallo’s decision is the right one

By Carmine Carcieri

Feb 23, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) shoots as Baylor Bears forward Rico Gathers (2) defends during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) shoots as Baylor Bears forward Rico Gathers (2) defends during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a dramatic season that featured an NCAA suspension and limited minutes off the bench, Cheick Diallo will leave Kansas for the 2016 NBA Draft. 

Before last season, Kansas thought they snagged their next big time big man in five-star Our Savior New American recruit Cheick Diallo.

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Instead, Diallo was dealt a five game suspension by the NCAA for $165 worth of improper benefits, and was unable to get off the bench (playing 7.5 minutes per game) to help the Jayhawks achieve their 12th straight Big 12 title.

The forward from Mali averaged just 3.0 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game and didn’t participate in Kansas’ final three NCAA Tournament outings. When he touched the court, he was often lost on both ends of the floor, showing that he remains a raw player that needs more experience playing basketball at a high level.

Diallo decided to enter the 2016 NBA Draft following the season, but his options remained open without signing an agent.

At least until yesterday…

Diallo told Jeff Goodman of ESPN at the NBA Combine on Friday that he will officially sign with an agent in the coming days, ending his career with the Jayhawks after one year.

Kansas fans and college basketball fans in general may knock Diallo for this decision, but it was honestly the right one.

The forward was rather impressive in two five-on-five scrimmages in Chicago, scoring 27 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, showing off his undeniable motor and proving that he can develop into an excellent rim protector at the next level.

There is no doubt that Diallo needs improve his feel for the game of basketball and has to receive more reps to take the next step offensively, but the potential is there. He has great length, size, toughness and heart, so throwing him into the mix with a professional organization will help speed up his development process.

It’s unlikely that Diallo will receive minutes at the next level immediately – he is likely to start in the D-League or at the end of the bench – but the Mali native will be around the best trainers and coaches in the world. He can put more muscle onto his frame, work on the nuances of the game and mold into a post presence with NBA caliber moves.

Diallo is currently projected as a late first round pick, at the worst, and could easily move into the middle of the first round after his productive Combine performance.

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Next year’s draft class is loaded with names like Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Markelle Fultz, Harry Giles, Jonathan Isaac, Ivan Rabb and more, so this is a perfect opportunity for Diallo to take advantage of his stock.

Also, if Diallo were to return to Kansas the front court is loaded once again. Carlton Bragg Jr. is expected to take a major leap as an inside-outside forward, Ole Miss transfer Dwight Coleby is eligible after sitting out a season and Landen Lucas is returning to provide energy, rebounding and chemistry on defense.

In addition to the returnees, Bill Self reeled in four-star power forward Mitch Lightfoot and McDonald’s All-American and four-star recruit Udoka Azubuike (center). Lightfoot is an explosive power forward with good length and the ability to score at ease in transition, while Azubuike is a massive body on the interior who is capable of battling on the glass and using his soft hands/touch to score around the basket.

In other words, it wasn’t even a guarantee for Diallo to START next season. He wasn’t going to be a 30-minutes-a-night type of player, making it easier to make the decision to earn a pay check now.

Next: Isaiah Miles has a dominant day at the NBA Combine

Diallo has a long way to go in order to be a rotation player and a consistent contributor at the NBA level, but there is no way you can fault him given the situation and the circumstances that surround it.

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