2 hours of Shuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuizshuiz
@chrisDAbest87@BigBlueDylan@BleedBNetwork@vyctorius5 We do though. Our backups are (no offense to the guys but) a guy who averaged 8 a game and a lowly ranked PG. We ran into the issue of not enough guard depth last year with Lowe not healthy and Jasper not living up to expectations. Take the extra guard
Been spending a lot of free time analyzing our roster for next year, their fit with Pope, and even trying to make comparisons to other college basketball players to get a better idea of our squad next season. I'm starting with Zoom Diallo and will move through the rest of the roster if anyone is interested.
In-Depth Player Breakdowns:
PG Zoom Diallo
Transfer from: Washington
Height: 6'4
Weight: 180 lbs
OFFENSIVE PROFILE:
Diallo is at his best operating out of ball screens, where he ranks in the 88th percentile nationally per Synergy Sports. He reads multiple layers (pick & roll, pick & pop, slip, reject) at a high level for a 20 yr old, reading the floor well even in congested Big Ten defense schemes. When he turns the corner and gets downhill, his combo of speed and physicality makes him tough to stop. He scored consistently in the paint and draws fouls at an above average rate, and he grades out as one of the best in the country in those categories according to CBB Analytics
His catch and shoot three point shooting shows legit promise. Diallo made 38% of his catch and shoot threes, including 53% when unguarded (10/19). The issue is volume. He's selective, taking only 3.1 attempts per game from deep. His shooting form is solid and he doesn't hesitate on open looks, which is encouraging. The overall 31.5% from three is functional but needs to climb into the mid to high 30's consistently to maximize his value in Popes spacing heavy system
His passing is one of the better parts of his game. Usage rate in the 94th percentile yet his assist rate is also in the 94th. That's a rare combination that reflects pure playmaking efficiency. His 4.5 assists per game with Washington's limited supporting cast is a solid representation of his pure playmaking ability in my opinion
WEAKNESSES & CONCERNS:
Diallo's primary concern is turnover rate. His usage combined with his willingness to attack makes him prone to live ball turnovers, and alongside another turnover prone guard in Alex Wilkins, it could create a backcourt turnover profile that could be problematic in Pope's system. He needs to become more disciplined with the ball in half court settings, particularly when trap defenses are applied
His three point volume and consistency needs to improve in a spread system. If Pope still wants 30+ attempts from three per game as a team. Diallo needs to trust his mechanics and get to 4-5 attempts per game, especially off movement
Defensively, he has limitations against smaller and quicker guards who can exploit him in open space. His physicality helps in half court situations, but he can get blown by in transition
POPE SYSTEM FIT:
The fit is very good. Pope's spread PnR offense needs a PG who can operate at the top of the key with decisiveness, make multiple reads, and attack off the dribble, and Diallo does all three. His 88th percentile ball screen usage translates to Pope's system directly, as does his ability to find shooters in rhythm off drive & kick situations. Kentucky's wing depth (Kam Williams, Braydon Hawthorne) with their shooting provides the catch & shoot outlets Diallo needs to thrive.
The frontcourt of Moreno and N'Diaye provides rolling (Moreno) and popping (N'Diaye), giving him diverse pick & roll coverages to read. He should be able to generate 5+ assist games regularly in this system
PLAYER COMPARISON:
JADEN BRADLEY, ARIZONA PG
Physical, 6'4 PG who dominated through strength and downhill aggression instead of with perimeter shooting. Bradley was an elite ball screen operator, attacked the rim and midrange, and made plays for teammates at a high level, all while being a below average (but not completely horrible) three point shooter. Diallo's decisiveness, above average rebounding for a guard, and 88th percentile PnR efficiency come pretty close to what we saw witth Bradley at Arizona last season