Kentucky basketball: Top 3 players who got the Cats to the Sweet 16

2. Hamidou Diallo

This is the most refreshing news for Kentucky basketball fans. Hamidou Diallo‘s performance against Buffalo was a long time coming. Big Blue Nation has been dying for a performance like that from Diallo since the Cats played against Virginia Tech back in December. Unlike Gilgeous-Alexander, anything UK can squeeze out of Diallo isn’t necessary, it’s icing on the cake.

Diallo hit a wall earlier in the season, but once postseason play started, he kicked it in gear. Aside from a scoreless performance against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament, Hami has played well on the offensive side of the ball. In the NCAA Tournament, Diallo is averaging 15 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Maybe more impressive than Diallo’s offense has been his defense. Diallo had 3 blocks against Davidson and another pair against Buffalo. Kentucky basketball fans have been clamoring all year for Diallo to be their defensive stopper. He’s obviously athletic enough. If Diallo has similar defensive performances moving forward, the opposition is in for a rude awakening.

Diallo also knocked down a big-time corner three-pointer midway through the second half. The Cats’ lead had shrunk to 6 and then Diallo splashed a triple from the left corner. Every time the Bulls got close, Hami and Shai were there to stand in their way. If any game going forward becomes an up-and-down affair like Saturday’s game against Buffalo, look out for high-flying Hamidou Diallo.