Khalifa Diop

Draft Notes

An impressive prospect with true center size, very good strength and an impressive skill level. Diop shows really good footwork for a young big and he’s an alpha scorer. If he gets the ball on the low to mid block he’s looking to power it in for the dunk or hit you with one of his mid range moves. His jumper is smooth, elbow in, with an excellent release, and you have to assume he’ll expand his shooting range as he matures.

He’s got a naturally thick frame but still moves his feet well and can guard multiple positions. Diop is a high level rebounder who does a good job of getting leverage and clearing out space in the lane. His quickness at his size is truly impressive.

He’s got a ways to go with improving his ball-handling and shooting but the size and the talent is definitely there.

Comparisons

• bigger Serge Ibaka
• a rich man’s Jamaal Magloire

Draft Projection

late first to mid second round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft

1. Chet Holmgren – 7-0 – Gonzaga
2. Jalen Duren – 6-10 – Memphis
3. Mark Williams – 7-0 – Duke
4. Christian Koloko – 7-1 – Arizona (Cameroon)
5. Walker Kessler – 6-11 – Auburn 
6. Kenneth Lofton Jr. – 6-7 – LA Tech
7. Ismael Kamagate – 6-11 – France
8. Jaylin Williams – 6-10 – Arkansas
9. Khalifa Diop – 6-11 – Senegal 
10. Ibou Dianko Badji – 7-1 – Senegal
11. Kofi Cockburn – 7-0 – Illinois (Jamaica)
12. Orlando Robinson – 7-0 – Fresno State
13. Trevion Williams – 6-10 – Purdue
14. Yannick Nzosa – 6-11 – DR Congo
15. Kai Sotto – 7-2 – Philippines
16. David McCormack – 6-10 – Kansas