Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo redshirted last spring before becoming a key contributor this season.
On a Kentucky roster with eight freshmen, freshman guard Hamidou Diallo is one of the more experienced Wildcats. That's because he enrolled at the school last January and redshirted in the spring. The 6-5 Queens, N.Y., native has a chance to be one of the best freshmen in the country this season, given his extra time on campus learning Kentucky's system, his ridiculous athleticism and his opportunity for playing time in Lexington.
Through Kentucky's first nine games, he's averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 47 percent from the field.
Diallo was a two-time all-state honoree at Putnam Science Academy, where he averaged 19 points and six rebounds per game as a senior. He also has international playing experience with USA Basketball, including his participation in the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup.
He attended the NBA Draft Combine in the offseason and was among the top performers in the athletic testing phases, thanks to his 44.5-inch vertical leap. Diallo can continue to improve his jump shot, but he has the physical tools – including an insane 6-11 wingspan – that could make Kentucky games must-watch television this season.
The Journey took us to New York this weekend and the Mecca of basketball. It’s a big stage with bright lights, but our guys performed. They were made for this. #EmbraceTheStage #EmbraceTheJourney pic.twitter.com/Q1v8UFeZCM
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 11, 2017
