Per Jeremy Woo - Diabate Has Entered Draft With Possibility to Return
One of the decisions we've been waiting on. Per Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated, Diabate has entered the NBA Draft, but is maintaining his eligibility to return.
https://twitter.com/JeremyWoo/status/1518599259528040450?s=20&t=0Hw8IyNpYWK4DQLCso4jSw
April 25th, 2022 at 10:53 AM ^
Ha, was just about to hit 'Save' on a thread of my own.
April 25th, 2022 at 10:59 AM ^
And thus you get an upvote from me. With breaking news like this, it's a good idea for posters to check the front page in a separate window to make sure they're not duplicating a thread that just went up. Well done.
April 25th, 2022 at 10:56 AM ^
I could understand Dickerson leaving after his freshman year, but I don't get Diabate and Caleb. They are good but the NBA is next level good. Is staying around for another year that bad?
April 25th, 2022 at 10:59 AM ^
Teams place more emphasis on potential in the NBA draft. Moussa's potential is off the charts. He could be a first round pick based off that alone. It only takes one team to tell him that for him to stay in the draft.
Also going to the NBA will allow him to focus more on basketball than anything else.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:41 AM ^
D.J. Wilson to the Bucks at #17.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:27 PM ^
Jordan Poole to the Warriors at #28
A lot depends on who you get drafted by. And what you make of the situation once there.
Poole obviously had the talent but he became extremely lucky in that he went to a team where two starters had injuries that were long in duration and had the chance to develop in ways that rarely happen in the NBA. He also had an unusually good coach at GS. If Curry and Thompson had been healthy, I wonder where Poole, who has the potential to be a superstar, would be now had it been someone besides GS selecting him when they did?
The difference with Wilson and Poole compared to Mousa is that both stuck around for a couple of years (Poole 2, Wilson 3) in college before declaring. Those guys all had shown enough in college that you could see a role for them in the NBA plus potential for more; Mousa is a very blank slate with tantalizing potential but I'd be a bit nervous of team thinking they could stash him in the G League for a year or two and hoping he comes out more developed than college and that not being the case. It does feel like you hear about this plan for a lot of younger, usually international players and a lot of them just wind up bouncing around with limited skill development.
There was a guy from Indiana... I think his name was Romeo Langford? I remember him not showing much of anything in college either but he was taken in the middle of the first round by the Celtics. He was a five star recruit coming out of high school so the pick was purely based on potential.
Moussa is a much better athlete than that guy ever was and possesses some pretty damn good intangibles to boot. If that guy can get taken in the first round of the NBA draft then so can Moussa.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:00 AM ^
Financially he has upside to leave whether G league or abroad
April 25th, 2022 at 11:01 AM ^
Both were elite prospects, both played significant roles as freshman, and allegedly both are having issues getting NIL money.
It is not unreasonable to think they want to get paid to be a full time players and both will get shots at G-League at minimum.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:01 AM ^
They are good but the NBA is next level good
The NBA and college are different games in more ways than just that the NBA has more skill. The NBA has more spacing, players are more athletic, etc. We saw in this last draft that long, versatile athletes that can handle the ball, defend well, and pass are highly valued. Guys like Franz, Scottie Barnes, and Josh Giddey were all lottery picks for those attributes. Even Dalano Banton has had success. All of those guys thrived in the transition from the college game to the NBA game. I see no reason Moussa couldn't event end up similarly
April 25th, 2022 at 11:15 AM ^
I Agree..Unfortunately we live in a era where these Kids and thats what they are KIDS, they believe all the hype they hear around them..Neither one of Diabate or Caleb are NBA ready and if they go it will be the last we ever hear from them....If they stay a year or two more THEN they will have high NBA possibility after DEVELOPING a little...
April 25th, 2022 at 11:23 AM ^
and why can't they continue to develop some where other than college?
People act like there is only one way to get better and basketball, which is balancing college classes and basketball, as opposed to basketball as a full time job.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:34 PM ^
Well, Jordan Poole left too early and went to the G-League. I assume he's still there just floundering and wasting all that potential HE could have DEVELOPED at Michigan. He made a huge MISTAKE. And that's why no one has heard a peep about him the last couple years.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:27 AM ^
Or....maybe....and just stay with me on this....they want go get paid? They want to devote themselves entirely to basketball?
Honestly, that's pretty presumptuous and a bit unfair of you to automatically assume that Diabate and Houstan just "believe all the hype they hear around them" when I'm willing to bet you've never met them, interacted with them, talked to their friends or family, etc.
Diabate is testing the waters with the possibility to come back. He's doing his due diligence, which is what any smart, reasonable adult would do in his situation. The NBA drafts largely on potential, and he is oozing with potential. I don't blame him for wanting to explore his options further, and you shouldn't, either. If you're working a job and you know you have the potential to move up the ladder to the next rung and work at a higher level, get paid more, etc., you're telling me you wouldn't at least go out and interview, get some feedback, and see what's out there? I doubt it.
As for Houstan, you're probably right in that he's not NBA ready, but that's his choice to make and none of us know his thoughts or circumstances that would make him decide on the choice he ultimately makes. Just respect his choice, whatever it is, and move on.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:30 AM ^
Well, which is it? Are they "Kids" or "KIDS"? If you answer this question, THEN I will take your post MORE SERIOUSLY!!!!
April 25th, 2022 at 11:44 AM ^
What’s WITH your seemingly RANDOM USE of ALL caps????
April 25th, 2022 at 12:06 PM ^
Pseudonym troll account. Using caps on periodic words of emphasis is an easy way to disguise writing style.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
This is very backwards and self-serving "analysis." Presumably they will go if they get draftable grades and stay if they don't. People said the same BS about Jordan Poole.
What makes you think playing college ball "develops" a player any more than playing against, you know, professionals?
April 25th, 2022 at 12:07 PM ^
We all heard these same sentiments about a lot of players who left early, and even some who stayed. Jordan Poole is the best example of people saying he would disappear in the G League and we would never hear from him again. Duncan Robinson was prepared to be done with basketball and is now a star for the Heat. No one knows what's in the mind of these kids. No one know what their work ethic is off camera.
If someone has that raw skills that both Moussa and Caleb have and they put the work in in practice and camp anything is possible. They may very well disappear, but the may also blow up when 100% of their time is devoted to working on improving their skill sets and not having to split time to make sure their homework is done and that they are ready for tests and quizzes.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:11 PM ^
"Unfortunately we live in an era where these Kids...all believe the hype"
Fortunately, that never happened in the era when we were Kids because then we and everyone we knew was wise, and never believed it when someone told us we were good.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:43 PM ^
I usually just read the board and don’t even bother logging in, but your comment made me log in just to downvote you. You must be fun at parties
ah, yes, the inevitable "these kids today and they all believe all the hype and get bad advice from hangers-on and they're not ready and this is a terrible decision and they'll develop more in college and [etc]" take. did i miss any?
April 25th, 2022 at 11:24 AM ^
Dickerson only had 477 yards rushing at 4.1 yards a tote his freshmen year. How the hell could you understand him leaving after that?
April 25th, 2022 at 11:26 AM ^
Erik???
April 25th, 2022 at 12:31 PM ^
I'll take an NIL deal, but I feel like I'm missing something here.
Unless I'm mistaken on the rules/laws, neither Moussa nor Caleb are eligible for NIL, because they are in the U.S. on Visas.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:30 AM ^
The draft process is as much an evaluation process as it is an opportunity to get paid.
Presumably Hunter learned what tools he needed to add to succeed at the highest level (like his 3-point shot). Moussa will have a similar opportunity.
this. i'm guessing that just about every player gets positive, actionable feedback on things to work on as a result of the evaluation.
you forgot that they are probably smoking 'dooobiiieee' and that the will end up:
April 25th, 2022 at 12:54 PM ^
Diabate leaving would make the most sense of those three. He's much more of an NBA big than a college big. Seems like Okongwu for the Hawks is the most one-to-one comp (Okongwu was better at USC than Diabate, but he was also the focus of their offense). Diabate should be able to switch onto guards and not get roasted. Relatively unrefined offensive game but nice touch around the hoop and good rebounding skills. I'd think he'd find time as an energy guy on an NBA team the way Okongwu has.
The case against him staying from a skills perspective is that, in sharing the court with Hunter, he's not really going to end up working on the key offensive skills that he'll need in the modern NBA, ie, working as the roll man in 5 out sets, decision making when he gets the ball on the short roll 4 on 3, etc. He'll work on the defensive skills to a certain extent, but college sees a lot less of the "big man switched onto point guard" situations that make up a good deal of NBA play.
From a financial perspective, it's an even clearer decision, since he likely can't get NIL money, given his visa status. I'd expect him to go, and he should, if he gets any kind of first round interest. The reason to stay is if NBA scouts clearly tell him "you're not ready for our player development guys to help you."
April 25th, 2022 at 10:56 AM ^
For the sake of the team, let's hope he makes his decision final sooner rather than later.
April 25th, 2022 at 10:57 AM ^
Good decision by Moussa. Has the tools but will learn what he needs to work on at Michigan or if those things can be worked on in the NBA
April 25th, 2022 at 10:58 AM ^
This makes tons of sense, right? Didn't blow the world away this year, but intriguing prospect with impressive physical gifts. Maybe the NBA isn't really interested in reaching on him right now, but maybe there's a team or two that won't let him get past them and he learns about that.
This seems like the classic example of a situation that the system as it now exists is designed for. It would be a mistake for him *not* to give this a shot.
April 25th, 2022 at 10:59 AM ^
does make sense, and then the next question:
does the absence of any mention of houstan mean he's staying? that's what i'm guessing.
The thing about Caleb is he showed even LESS than what Moussa showed while also not being as well-regarded athletically. It would be an absolute shock for me if he stayed in the draft. If he stayed it would have to be because he just doesn't want to play college ball any more and wants to go undrafted and get stashed in the G League where he can focus exclusively on basketball. I do not know what kind of guy he is or what his priorities are, but I doubt he would do that.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:01 AM ^
Agreed. Didn't necessarily see it from this angle when I thought about it earlier but you're correct, seems more like a no-brainer than anything else.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:10 AM ^
100% agreed. Given his NIL limitations, I would feel sort of weird about him returning without first testing the draft waters. He should see where he stands.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:18 PM ^
It would be great fun watching Diabate develop next season with Michigan.
But, yeah, he needs to do what all of us do, check out available options.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:02 AM ^
Agree with what someone posted in the other thread. He didn't fit well with Hunter. I think the team overall is better with either/or but not both getting significant minutes together.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:10 AM ^
I don't agree with that stance.
Howard and the coaching staff has the entire off-season to figure out how to make these two work. A lot of that will depend on Diabate being able to stretch the defense a little bit with a jumper (that's something he has to work on regardless).
When offered the possibility, I want the best players on the court at all times when possible. Coaches now have time to sort out their strengths and weaknesses after a full season under their belt.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:23 AM ^
At heart they are both true 5’s. They both benefit from having shooters surrounding them on the court. Their presence kind of clogs up space for the other. Could they play together…yes! However for proper spacing and continuity on offense it is best when one is off the floor. I think that was the main reason why Johns got the nod at the beginning of the year. Moussa would flourish as an energy sub next season.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:33 AM ^
I will disagree that Moussa is a five (at least in college). To me he is clearly a 4 (that needs to develop more of an outside game and refine his handle) that can play the 5 in a pinch. As a five, I think he is a bit undersized (at least for now) and putting him there limits much of his outstanding potential.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
He's not clearly a four until he can actually do the things you mention (outside shot and dribble). Right now, he is clearly a 5. Putting him there doesn't at all limit his potential.
He can still try to develop a handle and outside shot from the 5. The modern game lets centers do that, like Mo Wagner hitting threes and breaking ankles.
And it gives him a lot more opportunities because the center pets the screens in pick and roll (then he can pop, roll, rim run, whatever). At the four, he's a side show, just getting the occasional touch and then is asked to get orebs.
April 25th, 2022 at 12:56 PM ^
Good points but I will agree to disagree. IMO he defends like a 4 more than a 5 and ultimately I see his upside as a 4 (even more than when he was a recruit). Obviously he has much to develop but the best way to develop your game as a 4 is to play as a 4. And that's the logical place for him to play if Hunter is back.
I think the 4-5 distinction obscures the question of his NBA role. His NBA question is really whether he's a wing or a big. To be a wing, he'll need to be able to have potential to hit the corner 3. If he's a big, it's how he handles switches, whether he can protect the rim, and how well he plays as a roll man. I think he's probably a big in the mold, as I mentioned upthread, of someone like Okongwu of the Hawks or Kevan Looney of the Warriors. If that's the case, playing with Hunter's not really going to develop the skills he needs to develop.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:11 AM ^
I think if we hear a commitment from Shannon in the next couple days, then Moussa will probably stay in the draft. Always thought if Hunter left then Moussa would stay, bulk up and play the 5 next year. Now that Hunter is staying, might make more sense for Diabate to leave because both are really 5’s and they aren’t a great fit on the floor together.
April 25th, 2022 at 11:18 AM ^
Genuinely like the young man, and feel like he has a great head on his shoulders and gets/takes good advice. Smart to go through the process. Excited to have him back, and watch him develop (when he decides the time is right).
April 25th, 2022 at 11:18 AM ^
Moussa has a statement about his intentions to test the draft on the Michigan basketball Twitter page. So far, nothing from Houstan though.