2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Hamidou Diallo was one of the true stars of the 2017 NBA Draft Combine. He showed up with a rumored desire to forego his freshman season, and gave general managers reason to believe in his upside by flashing his all-time athleticism.

Diallo will play out his freshman season with John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats, and he’ll have a chance to justify the hype as a future Top 10 pick.

Diallo made waves by recording a 44.5″ max vertical leap at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine—the second-highest vertical in Combine history. Amongst 2017 attendees, he also ranked No. 2 in the Shuttle Run, No. 3 in the three quarter sprint, and No. 10 in the lane agility time drill.

A genuinely transcendent athlete with 6’5″ height and a 6’11.25″ wingspan, Diallo has the physical tools and measurements to be a Top 5 pick.

On the court, Diallo will need to prove that he’s more than just another explosive athlete with a prototypical body for a 2-guard. John Calipari will push him to defend, but Diallo will also need to diversify his handles and improve his defensive consistency.

If Diallo can showcase improved handles, defense, and 3-point shooting, he’ll be a legitimate option for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.