Syracuse fans should start paying attention to ’15 big man Cheick Diallo. He’s playing this summer for Team Scan, his AAU club, and tearing up the northeast. SU has offered the 6’9″ center who is originally from the Bronx, but attends Our Savior New American on Long Island. Diallo has also picked up offers from¬†Louisville, Texas and Kansas, and is opening everyone’s eyes with his play recently.
Not only has he been a double-double machine, but his passing is smooth and skilled. He’s got a huge wingspan, so he’s able to soar for rebounds and blocked shots. Diallo also has tremendous footwork for a big, and glides around the floor. He has a nice mid-range jumper, and good offensive instincts.
The Orange is a legitimate contender for the center/power forward, but SU has a lot of competition.¬†According to his coach Eriic Jaklitsch, Diallo also has offers from St. John’s, Arizona, Florida, Villanova, UConn, Iowa State, Providence, Miami, Oregon, and UNLV.
Is Kentucky in on him? The Wildcats apparently have not offered him yet, but are showing heavy interest coming along with Ohio State and Indiana.
Diallo is ranked 24th overall in his class by Rivals, and will be playing in the Mary Kline Classic tomorrow. Team Scan also has a full docket through June and July. Diallo has been improving on both offense and defense, and scored a team-high 16 points (6-8 FG, 4-5 FT) when Team Scan defeated Expressions Elite (MA) earlier in May.
Here’s the type of press Diallo has been getting, this write-up by Rivals:
“When Diallo premiered in the initial top 50 for 2015 at No. 24, it seemed like Rivals.com was being aggressive with his ranking. As it turns out, even more aggression could have been used. Diallo is a big-time shot blocker and rebounder who can move his feet and has a solid offensive game.”
The summer is just starting, and so is the excitement surrounding Diallo.
Posted: D.A.
