Hamidou Diallo’s Return and Projecting Kentucky’s Lineups

Reports from the East Coast are saying that Hamidou Diallo will be returning to Kentucky basketball.

While the reports have yet to be confirmed by the Kentucky Basketball guard himself, there’s a lot of buzz around this decision.

Hamidou Diallo’s return more than likely marks the end of another marvelous recruiting class by Cal and company. Including Diallo, Kentucky basketball managed to pull in six five-star recruits and two four-stars. This abundance of fresh new talent more than makes up for the departure of eight players from last season.

The news of Kevin Knox committing to Kentucky provided a surprise that many did not see coming. Then came the news of Mo Bamba committing to Texas, leaving some skeptical of the frontcourt depth. Finally, to get fans excited again, Hamidou Diallo decides to return, rounding out what is sizing up to be the most loaded backcourt in Kentucky basketball history. Hami is arguably the best player on the roster now, while being only the second-highest rated recruit behind Kevin Knox. His experience from a half season in Cal’s system and watching the Cats make an Elite Eight run will give him an advantage early on.

Diallo’s decision to return is probably a result of talking to NBA coaches and not getting the first-round guarantees he was seeking. It made much more sense for him to return and improve his stock. The alternative was to stay in the draft, possibly slip to the second round, and have to work his way through the D-League. The return to Kentucky may very well improve his chance of having a solid career in the NBA.

Projecting the Lineup for the Wildcats

Kentucky basketball has yet another opportunity to employ the platoon system that was season in the memorable “38-1” Wildcats. The fact that these kids knew this before coming to Kentucky means that they are seeking more than a paycheck. These guys want to win on the biggest stage in all of college basketball. Diallo’s possible return may push them over the hump.

Starting Platoon No. 1

PG- Quade Green, 6’1 (6’2 wingspan)

SG- Hamidou Diallo, 6’5 (7 foot wingspan)

SF- Kevin Knox, 6’8 (6’11 wingspan)

PF- PJ Washington, 6’8 (7’3 wingspan)

C- Nick Richards, 6’11 (7’4 wingspan)

This first platoon notice the wingspan on these athletes. The length on this roster is breathtaking. Don’t be surprised to see this Kentucky team be the best defensive team of the Calipari Era. The word “zone” isn’t in Cal’s dictionary, but with this length, it’s hard to deny the opportunity.

The reason Quade Green got the nod over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is solely based on Green’s chemistry with this class, not to mention his ability to facilitate the ball. Green is the vocal leader of this team, and early on, his teammates have seemed to rally around him.

Jarred Vanderbilt and PJ Washington was a hard choice to make to start at the four position. It ended up going to Washington due to the fact that Washington’s game compliments this platoon’s style. He provides a back-to-the-basket option in an offense where there are seemingly endless option’s of scoring attacks. Vanderbilt’s game will revolve around him attacking from the perimeter and on fast breaks, with his “Lamar Odom-esque” playstyle.

Platoon #2

PG- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SG- Jemarl Baker

SF- Jarred Vanderbilt

PF- Wenyen Gabriel

C- Sacha-Killeya Jones

This platoon is going to determine whether or not Calipari decides to even operate with a platoon system. There are two big question marks, being the development of Sacha-Killeya Jones and Wenyen Gabriel. If these two have proved capable of stepping into a bigger role, then Kentucky basketball could be in for a huge season. That being said, if they don’t make that sophomore leap, then look for a more eight to nine man rotation.

Next: 3 realistic expectations for the 2017-18 Kentucky Basketball season

The Chase for Number Nine

There are so many options when it comes to projecting a roster for this team. Calipari has preached on his love of “positionless” players, and there are about four or five on this team alone. Coach Calipari can put out a defensive team that could legitimately hold teams to under fifty points. Then he could turn around and put a team out there that could drop 100 on another team’s head. As I said, the possibilities are endless. Be on the lookout for Swaggy Cal as the season the approaches. We’re going to be in for one hell of a ride, BBN.