KU Basketball: What Cheick Diallo Brings To Jayhawks

KU Basketball and freshman Cheick Diallo finally freed by NCAA.

The No.5 Kansas Jayhawks (4-1) got good news yesterday. Cheick Diallo, the NCAA Eligibility Center, Our Savior New American High School – the saga is over.

The NCAA ruled Wednesday that Diallo is eligible to play for Kansas, this after an extensive and complicated investigation, according to ESPN.com. Diallo will likely suit up for his first collegiate game on Dec. 1 at Allen Fieldhouse.

The 6′ 9″ forward, who was born in Kayes, Mali, has been highly-regarded, especially since winning the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game MVP award, but what exactly does the 19-year-old bring to Kansas basketball this season?

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The first is Diallo’s incredible length. He may not be a 7-footer, but he has the wingspan of one. He’s immediately Kansas’ most disruptive low-post defender and its best rim-protector.

He’ll provide shot blocking, shot altering, help defense and, hopefully, some consistent rebounding. Nothing against Landen Lucas, Jamari Traylor and Hunter Mickelson, but the Hawks desperately need a legitimate shot-blocker to complete the puzzle.

Second, and maybe equally as important, is Diallo’s ability to go from end to end. He’s 220 pounds, but he can fly for a player his size. It’s an advantage every night when your center can play both ends of the court without slowing the pace of the team. Diallo gives the Jayhawks the freedom to get out and go.

Another positive on Diallo: the motor. He’s high-energy, high-effort, and that’s not always the case with freshmen. It’s also not always a great thing, but surely Bill Self will be fine with having to reign in the young big man if he needs to. Diallo’s got a lot to learn, but a guy who plays hard and plays with confidence gives this Jayhawks team another bit of character they’ve been lacking. He’s got some flair too.

Lastly, for Diallo and the Jayhawks, is the fit. It’s a match-made-in-heaven on the surface. Kansas has four legitimate starters in Perry Ellis, Frank Mason III, Wayne Selden Jr. and Devonte’ Graham. What’s missing? A defensive anchor and an eraser. Diallo could give you both.

Diallo’s adjustment to the college game likely won’t be seamless, but he’s got everything you look for in projecting a high-level NBA prospect. He plays hard, he appears to love playing and, after all of this, he’s probably got a chip on his shoulder. Look for Diallo to work his way into the starting lineup sooner than later.

All in all, it was a good day for KU hoops, winning the Maui Invitational a few hours after Diallo is cleared to play.

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Kansas suits up next on Dec. 1, the day Diallo is eligible to play. That will be a home game against Loyola Maryland, and, most likely, Diallo’s debut in the crimson and blue. What do you think Diallo brings to this 2015 Kansas Basketball team?

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