Ibou Dianko Badji

Ibou Dianko Badji (C | 214 cm | ‘02) ~ Senegal

14.0 pts, 2FG-58.1%, 3FG-N/A , FT-42.9%, 10.3 rebs, 0.3 ast, 1.0 stl, 1.7 to, 4.3 blks

Played only first three matches in the tournament and then left to go to workouts for the NBA Draft. Physical specimen with elite body and length. Strong, mobile, athletic and uses all those tools well in defense. Very good rim protector that can scare opponents away from the rim where he is in the paint. Capable of blocking every shot but sometimes getting away with goaltending, questionable timing on some blocks. Also showing good mobility when defending on perimeter. His offense is slowly improving. Looks like he extended his range a little and added some mid range game to his offensive arsenal and his release doesn’t look so bad. His post up game is still limited, not creating much separation and not showing much touch on his non-dunk finishes. Definitely needs to work on his post up game. In recent years a lot of similar bigs – raw in offense, high defensive potential – were drafted high on the draft and teams were hoping that they will develop their game and be useful in the NBA but not many of them could get to that level. Intriguing for the NBA because of his physical tools and defensive upside but there really aren’t that many players with similar qualities that get a good role in a NBA team. 

One prospect everyone held their breath in anticipation.  Defensively he did not disappoint.  He reminded us of his incredible measurements batting down and altering shots and snatching rebounds (dominating fashion) at their highest point.  Also displayed his impressive elusiveness and mobility shrinking the space between him and attacker on help defense.  Although still developing offensively, it was a struggle without great guard play (As he has in Barcelona).  He took advantage of his size backing down his opponent but could have used better finishing techniques around the rim.  He demonstrated his rim running ability with his long stride and speed.  He occasionally hit the 15-footer when force to do so.  He did have flashes of powerful finishes but overall, offensively was below the expectation.  Definitely has defensive potential for the NBA level (rim protector, and rebounder) but will need a few years of developing.

IBOU DIANKO BADJI (7’1, BIG) 

Barca’s prospect looks slightly improved, is nothing but finisher and shot blocker but can reach elite status in both and be Rudy Gobert type of player if keeps developing basketball IQ and becomes more reliable in non dunk attempts. Also being better FT shooter and displaying more mistakes free brand of basketball (huge TO % for a big) can definitely help him down the road to stay on the court in elite level of competition. Other 7’1 players with his mobility, frame and willingness to compete who possess 240 cm wingspan simply doesn’t exist on this planet. 

Ibou Dianko Badji will sit now #5 in 2002. He may actually be the one of the most tantalizing prospects all over the world his age. To say he is gifted is a huge understatement. His tools are unmatched and equally equipped physically players are extremely hard to find. Barca is known from decreasing the stock of top prospects last seasons but having such an obvious potential for possibly fruitful NBA career you just gotta change the way you act. Worse case scenario if Barca doesn’t gain NBA buyout next years, club may finally have a stopper and competitor for Walter Tavares and their biggest rival from Madrid.