Diallo Picks Kentucky

Saturday, January 7th, 2017

Putnam Science Academy post-graduate guard Hamidou Diallo announced his commitment to Ketucky during a Saturday afternooon press conference in New York City. 

He will join John Calipari's program immediately but isn't expected to fully suit up before next season. 

Diallo was a virtual unknown when he made his New England debut, at the 2014 Memorial Day Super 16 Showcase. He returned a month later to take part in the Elite 75 College Showcase and didn't pick up his first division I offer until the following month's July live period. Two-and-a-half years later, he had established himself as a top national prospect, earned a gold medal with USA Basketball and wound up with his choice of five-star suitors. 

Jumping straight to the NBA Draft was even an option for Diallo, who had 30 NBA Scouts watching him at November's National Prep Showcase. While his move to Kentucky indicates he isn't focused on the NBA until at least 2018, he could still elect to test the waters this spring. 

He leaves New England as the region's top ranked prospect and joins Wenyen Gabriel to become the second local product to commit to Kentucky in as many years. 

Below are a series of highlights: