Kentucky Basketball: Hamidou Diallo Declares for NBA Draft, Will Not Hire Agent
Hamidou Diallo has been on Kentucky basketball’s roster since January, and now he’s declaring for the NBA Draft. Fans may never see Diallo step on the court as a Wildcat, if he does indeed decide to hire an agent.
It was known from the jump that Hamidou Diallo would more than likely test the NBA waters at the end of this season. What wasn’t expected though was for this decision to come so late. Diallo’s decision to not hire an agent brings hope to Kentucky Basketball fans.
The five-star shooting guard never played a single minute for Kentucky when he joined the roster in mid-season. This was a personal decision of Diallo’s, not a decision that Calipari made based on Diallo’s play. The kid can ball, but he just wanted to surround himself with a staff that makes players NBA-ready.
Many analysts don’t see Diallo as more than a backend first round pick as of right now. But, come next year, most project Hamidou in the lottery. This makes the decision to come back to Kentucky a lot more enticing for him. Here’s what Hami had to say:
— Hamidou Diallo (@hamidoudiallo) April 23, 2017
Fans seem to have mixed feelings with Diallo’s decision. Personally, I agree with his decision to exercise the new rule and test the waters to see where he could go. Kentucky Basketball fans can relate this news to Isaiah Briscoe’s decision to declare in last season’s draft. More than likely, Hami will be returning to Kentucky next season to be yet another elite level shooting guard with top five draft pick upside. If he were to hire an agent though, it would severely deplete Kentucky’s backcourt effectiveness.
It’s important to not panic, Big Blue Nation. In all likelihood, he will be returning and making highlight reel plays in a Kentucky jersey. Here are some responses regarding Diallo’s decision:
And if you don't think Calipari would sell the hell out of "we got guys who just PRACTICE with us who are first-rounders!" you're crazy.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 23, 2017
I still think it is very likely Hamidou Diallo return...fans should remember that as they digest this news
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 23, 2017
Next: 5 Teams that Would Benefit Kentucky in SEC Expansion
It will be a little bit before we know if Hami decides to hire an agent. While we wait, just watch this video and know what we will be getting back next season: