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2016 NBA Draft: Who Are The Top Incoming Freshman?

By Ezra Siegel

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Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Cheick Diallo (13) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Cheick Diallo (13) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Cheick Diallo, Forward — Kansas

High School: Our Savior New American School (Centereach, N.Y.)

Perhaps the biggest standout from this past spring’s high school showcases was incoming Kansas freshman and No. 7 ranked recruit Cheick Diallo.

Diallo put in huge performances everywhere he went – he was named MVP at the McDonald’s All American Game and the Jordan Classic – and sent his future NBA Draft stock soaring. His best game came at the Jordan Classic, where he put up 26 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block.

While Diallo is a bit undersized for a big man at 6’9”, he has excellent athleticism which allows him to excel as a rebounder, shot blocker and finisher. He has extremely long arms with a 7’4” wingspan and 9’1” standing reach, which help him make up for his lack of height.

Offensively, Diallo is an electrifying dunker and will be a target for lobs and dives to the rim, while also excelling on the offensive glass. While he will primarily earn his money inside, he has shown flashes as a floor spacer with a capable jump shot, which could go a long way for his NBA Draft stock if it translates as a freshman.

On defense, Diallo projects to be a solid weak side defender, as he’s a capable shot blocker despite his shorter frame. He’s also shown good instincts as a defensive playmaker using his long arms to deflect passes and strip the ball for steals.

Diallo will be joining an experienced Kansas team with a staple in rising senior big man Perry Ellis in the starting frontcourt. He will have to compete with the likes of rising senior Jamari Traylor for the other big man starting spot, but his upside and star potential should make him a threat to take that spot.

Kansas has a long line of early picks in the NBA Draft, and if things go right for Diallo, he may find himself up there next June.

Next: Miami Heat: Grading The Offseason

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