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NBA Draft: Five hidden gems in this year’s draft

By Jono Perilli

Jan 28, 2020; New York, New York, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Saddiq Bey (41) dribbles up court during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2020; New York, New York, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Saddiq Bey (41) dribbles up court during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA draft Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
NBA draft Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA draft hidden gem No. 4: Mamadi Diakite

Projected: Late Second Round – Undrafted

You wouldn’t be forgiven to call Mamadi Diakite the most NBA ready players in this year’s draft, because it’s the truth.

A 6’9″ power forward coming out of Virginia, Diakite is an excellent defender, with an exceptional ability to tackle any assignment handed to him, whether it be on the perimeter or in the paint. His two drawing points are his athleticism and his defence, which Diakite takes advantage of. Offensively, he isn’t flashy, but he is a guy that can provide a bucket at the rim and can occasionally hit the open shot. Diakite, as mentioned earlier, is very NBA-ready, and is perfect for a contending team, since he provides second-to-none defense, suitable for big game occasions, as he’s shown in college.

The issue with Diakite is his age, as he clocks in at a ripe age of 23 years old, one of the oldest in this year’s selection. But for a player like Diakite, this isn’t that big of a problem, and only proves his case as the perfect ready-to-play prospect. He does his job on the court and is done with it, which should garner himself some NBA attention. His age is a little worrying on the front that he’s the same age as some of the NBA’s finest talent, but it won’t matter when he’s producing for a contending team.

Diakite is a surefire hidden gem, and a contending team should take advantage of him, considering his overall readiness.

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