Atlantic 10 Basketball: Top 5 freshmen for 2018-19

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 13: A detailed view of a Spalding basketball during a quarterfinal game between the Davidson Wildcats and La Salle Explorers in the 2015 Men's Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at the Barclays Center on March 13, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

5. Samba Diallo, UMass

6-foot-7 forward Samba Diallo is one versatile prospect to keep an eye on in 2018-19 for the UMass Minutemen. Diallo ranked 171st overall in 247Sports’ 2018 recruiting class entering his first season of college basketball.

He was the first pledge in their 2018 class back in August 2017 and hasn’t wavered since expanding his game. He’s listed as a forward but has the skill set of a guard, something that will be put to great use at UMass.

The Senegal native has a high motor and a knack for getting to the rim. He’s a guy with a nice mid-range game and tremendous finishing ability as well. Ironically, he chose UMass over VCU, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph’s and Hofstra. Coaches from those programs will become familiar with him in no time once the season starts. Diallo will be a nice mix to an addition of four transfers that sat out last season.

Home/Atlantic 10