What seemed like the worst-kept secret in recruiting (at least, according to all the gurus saying “it’s a sure thing, just wait) is now public knowledge, as 247 five-star prospect Mamadi Diakite ended a long courtship process by committing to Virginia this afternoon.
Diakite projects as a 2016 enrollee, but he told Jamie Oakes at 247 that “it’s an 80-percent chance I enroll in 2015,” which would mean he could redshirt this season to add some much-needed bulk in Mike Curtis’s laboratory and learn the defense in order to be ready to team up with Austin Nichols to reject every shot taken within 10 (12? 15? on our side of halfcourt?) feet of the basket in 2016-2017. I’m turning the amps to 11.
Diakite is a reedy (180-190 pounds, so reedy is being kind) 6’9,” but is one of the more explosive leapers you’ll see (I’m more impressed by his second and third jumps than his initial jumps, which is saying something) and can run like a gazelle. If his skills (he’s already showing a soft touch around the rim and out to 15-18 feet, good positioning for blocks, and a nice passing sensibility) and body catch up to his raw athletic gifts, he’ll be special. He’s only been playing basketball for five years, so some things have to play out, but there’s a lot — and I mean a lot — to like here.
Diakite joins four-stars Kyle Guy (setting the world ablaze on the 2015 summer camp circuit), Ty Jerome, and Jay Huff in the 2016 class (unless he joins Jarred Reuter in 2015). USC, Washington, and NC State had also offered. Watch him below.
