#11:
Mamadou Diene
70, Sophomore, Center, Baylor
Rodger Bohn
Although Baylors 05-06 season had a black cloud over it in light of Patrick Dennehys tragic death and a coachs attempted cover up, there were three bright spots in players Aaron Bruce, Curtis Jerrells, and seven foot Mamadou Diene.
The redshirt sophomore showed flashes of dominance on the defensive end last season, as he averaged 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in only 23.2 minutes per game. He uses his reported 7-foot-6 wingspan to all of its capabilities, altering far more shots than the numbers reflect. As far as rebounding is concerned, Diene boxes out well and crashes the offensive glass extremely hard. It is certainly not out of the question to see this Baylor big man post averages of 10 rebounds and 3 plus blocks per game with the extended playing time he is expected to receive this season.
Offensively, the massive big man is still extremely raw, possessing zero go-to post moves as of last season. He virtually scored all of his points off of lay-ups and tip-ins, and displayed incredibly poor footwork when he actually tried to score out of the post. Mamadou did however show decent hands, leading one to wonder that with any development in terms of footwork, why it would not be possible for him to become a 10 point per game scorer by the time it is all said and done this season.
Physically, Diene is about all you could ask for out of a 7-footer. He has a mammoth wingspan, a great frame, and surprising mobility for a player of his size. The Senegalese post runs the floor quite well, and plays incredibly hard on both ends of the floor, although his offensive production may not show it. Baylor coaches have raved about Mamadous work ethic, so it will be interesting to see how he is able to develop over the rest of his tenure at Baylor.
As far as the NBA is concerned, Mamadou already has the physical attributes necessary to become an NBA center. His shot blocking and rebounding have already put him as a name to remember for scouts, but with the huge IF he ever develops an offensive game. It is a huge IF, so Draft fans and scouts alike will have to sit back and watch if Diene is ever able to become a formidable offensive presence. If this ever happens, we will surely be hearing this seven footers name called in the NBA Draft by the time he graduates college.
The redshirt sophomore showed flashes of dominance on the defensive end last season, as he averaged 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in only 23.2 minutes per game. He uses his reported 7-foot-6 wingspan to all of its capabilities, altering far more shots than the numbers reflect. As far as rebounding is concerned, Diene boxes out well and crashes the offensive glass extremely hard. It is certainly not out of the question to see this Baylor big man post averages of 10 rebounds and 3 plus blocks per game with the extended playing time he is expected to receive this season.
Offensively, the massive big man is still extremely raw, possessing zero go-to post moves as of last season. He virtually scored all of his points off of lay-ups and tip-ins, and displayed incredibly poor footwork when he actually tried to score out of the post. Mamadou did however show decent hands, leading one to wonder that with any development in terms of footwork, why it would not be possible for him to become a 10 point per game scorer by the time it is all said and done this season.
Physically, Diene is about all you could ask for out of a 7-footer. He has a mammoth wingspan, a great frame, and surprising mobility for a player of his size. The Senegalese post runs the floor quite well, and plays incredibly hard on both ends of the floor, although his offensive production may not show it. Baylor coaches have raved about Mamadous work ethic, so it will be interesting to see how he is able to develop over the rest of his tenure at Baylor.
As far as the NBA is concerned, Mamadou already has the physical attributes necessary to become an NBA center. His shot blocking and rebounding have already put him as a name to remember for scouts, but with the huge IF he ever develops an offensive game. It is a huge IF, so Draft fans and scouts alike will have to sit back and watch if Diene is ever able to become a formidable offensive presence. If this ever happens, we will surely be hearing this seven footers name called in the NBA Draft by the time he graduates college.