Moussa Diabate's NBA Draft decision named one of most significant
Michigan basketball’s Moussa Diabate made waves at the NBA Combine this week, lighting up the testing process among centers. Most believe this could ultimately lead him staying in the 2022 NBA Draft.
On3’s Jamie Shaw took a look at seven of the most significant decisions looming before the June 1 deadline to withdraw. Diabate made the cut, while Caleb Houstan did not.
Here is what Shaw had to say about the Wolverine forward:
Moussa Diabate has a very unique set of skills. His wingspan is pushing 7-foot-3, and he may have the best defensive upside in this draft class. Diabate has everything the NBA is looking at in centers, with toughness, the ability to switch and move his feet, and natural rim protection instincts.
The French native was first among centers at the Combine, measuring a 36-inch Max-vert, 2.9-second shuttle run, and a 3.26-second 3/4 court sprint. He moves in a unique manner that many guys his size simply do not. There are questions about the offensive game, but he is currently like a ball of clay, ready to be molded in any way you want. Another year in Ann Arbor may allow him to become more of a focal point on offense, but will it fully answer questions? Maybe not.
Prediction: Stay in
Diabate has been hit or miss on NBA Draft boards, but his athletic profile and raw potential are something to monitor through the process.
Moussa Diabate’s background
Diabate released a statement about his decision shortly before the deadline to enter the 2022 NBA Draft process.
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“Michigan, it’s been my dream to take my game to the next level,” Diabate said. “With that in mind, I feel now is the right time to explore the NBA Draft evaluation process. I am excited to learn and go through the processes I have heard so much about. It is important to say the support and guidance Coach Howard and the staff has given me has been such a gift. I have appreciated all they have done for me and my family. I will be entering my name into the 2022 NBA Draft process.”
Diabate was one of Michigan’s five-star additions in 2021 and started 26 of 32 games for the Wolverines. He averaged nine points and six rebounds per game while shooting 52.4% from the floor. He was considered a potential lottery prospect ahead of the season but is not present on prospect boards as of this posting.
Houstan, who was the other five-star signee and No. 10 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, started every game at Michigan this season. He averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Houstan shot 38.4% from the field with a 35.5% mark from three-point range. He came into the season as a potential NBA lottery pick but did not appear on draft boards at year’s end.
