Diallo still plans to attend college, he says

One of the top stars in high school basketball has intentions of attending college next season, although the option to go straight to the NBA is there, if he desires.

Hamidou Diallo, arguably the most athletic and explosive player in the Class of 2017, is eligible to enter next summer’s NBA draft, just as Thon Maker, another prep star, did last season.

However, Diallo wrote in his most recent blog entry for SLAM Online that playing college basketball has always been a goal of his and he intends to fulfill that goal:

“I definitely want to go to college. That’s my goal–it’s been since I was young. I don’t think I should skip a step but then again it’ll depend on what’s the right thing for me at the moment. So I’m just seeing how the process goes. I don’t want to rule anything out quite yet. I’m just happy to be in the position I am today. Hopefully one day soon I get to support my family from it.” [SLAM]

Diallo is ranked as the 11th overall player in ESPN’s rankings for the class, but there’s no player I’d rather see John Calipari add more than him. Like we’re seeing with Malik Monk this season, Diallo is an absolute freak, athletically. Just watch his first basket of his senior season:

Jaheam Cornwall leading @PSAhoops who trail Sunrise 42-40 @ half. Hamidou Diallo with the monster breakaway dunk, had 7 Pts @NERRHoops #NPS pic.twitter.com/1F3kXdoZjQ

— Mike Yagmin (@MikeYagmiNERR) November 19, 2016

Quade Green and Shai Alexander are a good foundation for the next backcourt, but Diallo will make a lethal addition to the group as the starting two-guard.

It’s good to hear he still plans to go to college, although he did leave the option open to skip straight to the league.