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- Thread starter Buckskin86
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OHSportsFan
Fan of Ohio Sports in Indy
Buddy that is a Purdue friend and worked in the athletic department while in school absolutely raves about this guy. Really thinks Matta got a good one here.
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Buckskin86
Moderator
U High's Bates-Diop makes Ohio State signing official
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University High's Keita Bates-Diop dunksagainst Prairie Central during a Corn Belt Conference game Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in Normal. Bates-Diop officially signed with Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. (The Pantagraph/CARLOS T. MIRANDA)
By Randy Reinhardt | [email protected]
NORMAL — Few high school basketball players have a direct line to the head coach of a top 15 college program.
But when the name of Keita Bates-Diop popped up on the cell phone of Thad Matta on Wednesday afternoon, the Ohio State coach was happy to speak with his newest recruit.
The University High School all-stater had announced his intention to become a Buckeye nearly a year ago. But Bates-Diop made it official by signing his national letter of intent. Shortly thereafter, he dialed up Matta to tell him the news.
“It feels great. I’m really ready,” the 6-foot-7 Bates-Diop said. “Since I was a little kid I always thought about playing college basketball and eventually, hopefully the NBA. This is another step. Ohio State is one of the best programs in the country.”
Bates-Diop averaged 18.4 points and 6.7 rebounds last season to help U High to a second straight 14-0 Corn Belt Conference record while earning Pantagraph Player of the Year and first team Class 3A all-state honors.
Boasting off the chart athleticism and the ability to score from inside or out, Bates-Diop turned down scholarship offers from a slew of high major programs including Illinois, Kansas State, Marquette, Michigan, Oklahoma State and Stanford.
Bates-Diop committed to Ohio State on Nov. 18, 2012. He is ranked as the No. 22 senior in the nation by ESPN and is 24th according to Rivals.com. Scout.com lists Bates-Diop as the country’s No. 6 small forward.
“Before it was a lot of schools and a lot of things going on. Since I committed, it’s taken a lot of stress off,” said Bates-Diop. “Now that I’m officially committed, it feels like a weight has been lifted off.”
cont...
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/basketball/men/u-high-s-bates-diop-makes-ohio-state-signing-official/article_8661c732-4cab-11e3-82fc-0019bb2963f4.html
Randy Reinhardt @Pg_Reinhardt
University High's Keita Bates- Diop signs his letter of intent with Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/qfU9ALOpFM
https://twitter.com/Pg_Reinhardt/status/400719390695772160
Jim Mattson @hoijim
Keita Bates Diop calls Ohio State Coach Thad Matta with the news that he is officially a Buckeye! pic.twitter.com/ehOsRfeuUR
https://twitter.com/hoijim/status/400720494317408256
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Question to those who know more than me: Does Keita have the potential to post up and be a strong guy around the rim? I really liked how DeShaun Thomas could rebound and essentially be another strong presence in the paint. The glaring weakness on our current team is just that imo and I think Keita could contribute in a big way next year...I just didn't know how strong he was.
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Keita might actually have a little better length than Thomas so I think he should be an adequate rebounder. But I don't see him as a back to the basket type of player...at least not initially. I think he will need to add some strength before he is ready to knock heads in the paint with the Wisconsins of the world.
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DZ83CK
Not Banned
I doubt it. KBD is more similar to Loving than Thomas. KBD is a good prospect, but not what you described. I think KBD is more similar body-wise and game-wise to Loving although KBD is a bit smaller - I'm not trying to say that's who he reminds me of or that it is an especially great comparison necessarily, but KBD & Loving are more similar than KBD and DT, IMO. Might have to wait until Mickey Mitchell joins the team to see another SF/PF combo forward who can play through contact in the paint like DT could.
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nomatta
Hall of Fame
yeah, KBD is pretty versatile but right now posting up isn't exactly a strength for him unless he gets a mismatch and can use his length to finish over a smaller player. and he is good at using his length (7'2 wingspan, similar to Loving), on D to get blocks and deflections and so on, and on O to get his shot off or to finish around the rim against a mismatch or in transition. he also gives you a very good mid-range game, decent outside shooting, and very good athleticism/quickness for a 6'7-6'8 guy. he's pretty light on his feet while also having a better frame than Loving for adding muscle, which makes it very feasible that KBD is a guy OSU will be able to depend on to defend most SFs and PFs at a very high level when you also factor in that freakish length. as his perimeter skills continue to develop, KBD will become an increasingly dynamic offensive player for OSU. his upside is very high, the keys will be solidifying the consistency of his outside shot, getting stronger, and ramping up his motor/aggression when he's ready to be a key player on the team.
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OSU_Buckguy
Head Coach
offense, defense, inside, outside, mid-range, jumpshot, dribble-drive, low post moves, athleticism, etc...
it would not surprise me if kbd enters his freshman season as the best overall player of the matta era.
and, yes, i recognize turner's accomplishments and abilities, but i think kbd will prove to hold the edge when comparing arrivals.
it would not surprise me if kbd enters his freshman season as the best overall player of the matta era.
and, yes, i recognize turner's accomplishments and abilities, but i think kbd will prove to hold the edge when comparing arrivals.
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