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Virginia Basketball: Setting 2019 offseason priorities for the Cavaliers

By Lukas Harkins

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers cuts down the net after his teams 85-77 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers cuts down the net after his teams 85-77 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Diakite of the Cavaliers reacts. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Diakite of the Cavaliers reacts. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Figure out Diakite’s draft decision.

Figuring out whether or not Mamadi Diakite will be staying in the NBA Draft or returning to school is the first step for the program moving forward. This is due to the impact that his decision has not only on next season with him in the fold but also the future with regards to available scholarships. With Diakite on the roster, the floor for the Cavaliers significantly raises but they are down to just two available scholarships for the rest of this offseason. This means that their options could be limited. I will dive into the potential scholarship plan with regards to transfers/recruits later, though.

Diakite’s decision might not be a “priority” due to the fact that it is his own decision but it is a step that needs to occur in order to move forward. It will be almost impossible for the coaching staff to really set up a plan for the future without knowing whether or not the talented big man will once again roam the paint in the John Paul Jones Arena. During this past season, Diakite averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game. He also started each of the team’s final five NCAA Tournament games and played a pivotal role in each.

https://twitter.com/VirginiaSports/status/1124071066207490048

Although Diakite is far from a lock to be selected in the NBA Draft, he could also simply elect to forgo his final year of eligibility and begin playing professionally. Even if it is not in the United States, he is certainly talented enough to earn play overseas. Diakite has been confirmed to be attending the G-League Elite Camp and we could learn about his future prospects following the event.

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