Following a strong showing at the Draft Combine this week, Michigan freshman forward Moussa Diabate is mulling whether to return to school or go pro, Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News writes.
“It’s a situation where I feel like I’ll be able to rise and get better,” Diabate said. “I don’t want to just go in there and just end up staying in the league for three years and just get out. I’m trying to get something where the structure is going to be solid and it’s going to help me grow as a man and as a basketball player.”
Diabate is ranked just 67th on ESPN’s Best Available board but may have improved his stock since the latest update. Diabate averaged 9.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG as a freshman.
We have more draft-related notes:
- Malaki Branham created more buzz at the combine than any other player and it’s likely he’ll go in the lottery, Mike Babcock of Basketball News tweets. The Ohio State shooting guard is currently ranked No. 14 on ESPN’s Best Available list. He averaged 13.7 PPG for the Buckeyes as a freshman and made 41.6% of his 3-point attempts.
- Kendric Davis is withdrawing from the draft and will play for Memphis next season, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports tweets. Davis averaged 19.4 PPG and 4.4 APG for SMU last season.
- Isaih Moore is also withdrawing from the draft, Rothstein adds in another tweet. Previously at St. John’s and Southern Miss, Moore will transfer to Fresno State.
Sure would like to know why Branham created all this Buzz.
To me he’s pretty raw. Still has a lot of growth imo. But if he has the right attitude and character. He has the tools to be a solid two way wing. He’s big and athletic for a wing. Definitely has plenty of upside. Today with so many 19 yr olds going high for their upside. You better make sure your organization can bring out the best in him.
I get John Salmons/Jeff Malone/Caris LeVert vibes from Malaki Branham
I don’t believe he’s a finished product yet. He’s got good size and sometimes looks like a real player. He gets the right coaching. And has the Kobe mentality. I think he can be a solid player.
He just finished his freshman yr of college, he’s clearly not a finished product.
Diabate taking the right approach. Think long term because 10 years in the league and you could be set for life.