Khalifa Diop

Khalifa Diop (C | 212 cm | ‘02) ~ Senegal

14.0 pts, 2FG-55.0%, 3FG-27.3%, FT-62.2%, 9.4 rebs, 2.1 ast, 2.0 stl, 2.7 to, 1.7 blks

Played some really good games, especially closer to the end of the tournament when Ibou Badji was out and Diop played mostly as a C where he is more comfortable. Strong and mobile big with good switchability potential. Capable of sliding his feet quickly and defending on perimeter but also strong enough to compete with bigs on low post. Has good instincts for steals and blocks and has a very high potential as a defender. Has shown some glimpses of his offensive versatility too. Can stretch the floor and make shots but his shot isn’t consistent enough but, in my opinion, he is capable of developing a decent shot from distance. Good finisher closer to the rim, solid touch and can absorb some contact. Showing some good court vision and passing skills for a player his size but needs to improve his decision making in offense because sometimes he can get himself into some hard spots. His defensive versatility definitely fits in the modern NBA he just needs to find a role that fits him the best in offense. In my opinion, one of the players that is vastly underrated and has the potential for a good NBA career.

Like his countrymen, this was a prospect with eyes on him during this event.  The combination of him and Badji on the floor at the same time probably limited his scoring ability with the lack of efficient guard played.  Still very raw offensively, majority of his scoring was done near the basket by out muscling the opposition. Needs to improve his balance more, seemed to be on the ground frequently after bumps or contact when attempting a shot.  Hand eye coordination still needs improving.  At time could not handle the ball cleanly on the pass off.  Shooting mechanics are decent he occasionally hit the jump shot from inside the arc and also demonstrated his potential to stretch the floor from beyond the arc.  Also, he showed glimpses of passing, full court passes, off the dribble and, in the high-low action.  At times on offense, he did not play with energy just because of frustration.  Defensively he exhibited his ability to alter shots but would not be consider a rim protector at the NBA Level.  He defended above the three-point line at times showing decent lateral mobility.  Overall, still a work in progress to polish out his potential.  He would be considered a long-term project at the NBA level.

Another player of Gran Canaria. He is registered for the Eurocup competition, will probably get some minutes but I somehow expect that Balcerowski will be the first prospect option, if he stays healthy. Diop is another big man in the deep international 2022 NBA Draft class. His defensive potential is really high, he has the size, strength and footwork to guard most positions and can play as a switch big.  His interior defense is on high level and doesn’t allow many easy points. His offensive game is kinda raw and needs more polishing. Showed some passing touch and court visions in some occasions but lacks consistency in his shot and also his decision making could be better. Overall a good pick & roll player that know how to set screens and roll to the rim, can make some back to the basket plays but the main strengths in his game are on the defensive end in my opinion.