Gorgui Dieng, Junior, Power Forward, Louisville
Overview:
Gorgui Dieng wasted little time adding to Louisville the exact same qualities he will provide to an NBA team. As a freshman, the 6-11 post player immediately bolstered the Cardinals defensive and rebounding efforts. Despite averaging just over 15 minute per contest, Dieng tallied 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest. As a sophomore Dieng saw his playing time increase dramatically. He started all 40 games during the 2011-2012 campaign and averaged nearly 33 minutes per contest. That is significant for a shot blocking threat like Dieng. He can block shots without fouling and that makes his shot blocking ability all the more impressive. While boosting his rebounding total to 9.1 per contest and his shot blocking to 3.2, Dieng also turned into a relatively effective scorer in the paint.
Dieng saved his best collegiate season for 2012-2013 when he helped lead Louisville to the national title. On the year he averaged 9.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.0 assists. During the national title game against Michigan, Dieng showed off his impressive versatility, tallying eight points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
Final Projection:
Dieng is not going to be much of a scoring threat in the NBA, but he does everything else, and more, that one would want from a power forward or center. His rebounding and shot blocking skills give him two things to hang his hat on and that could be enough to get him drafted in the first round. If Dieng can develop a bit of a shooting touch and not just score from offensive rebounds, he will be a complete player. However, that is not likely to happen any time soon. Playing tough defense will not make Dieng a star at the next level, but just about any NBA team could use him to fill a very important role off of the bench.
See all NBA Draft Profiles and Rankings
