NBA Comparison: Luc Mbah a Moute

Strengths: Right away, Bates-Diop’s length and athleticism jump off the page, possessing a 7′ 3.25” wingspan and a 8′ 10.5" standing reach … This length is critical to defending at the next level and gaining an advantage at the rim on both ends of the floor … His length and versatility he showed in college will help him effectively guard three positions in the pros, while also making him versatile enough to score from at least three positions … He showed he has the speed to put the ball on the deck and blow by defenders to get to the rim … This speed was especially effective in transition and on the fastbreak where he excelled at getting to the rim and facilitating the offense … Bates-Diop wasn’t afraid of physical play, especially at the rim where his rebounding was efficient and one of the best in the Big Ten and his shot blocking is already elite … One of the most underrated aspects of his game was his mid-range post game, where he was very comfortable … Staying four years in college gives Bates-Diop a higher level of maturity and basketball I.Q. that most other younger prospects do not possess … He performed great at a top Big Ten school and top college basketball conference, taking on some of the best talent in the country posting impressive (19.8 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game) numbers …

Weaknesses: His ball handling skills need work and were not fine-tuned at college, especially his first step off the dribble … Right now, he wouldn’t be better than the third or fourth best ball handling or scoring option…It was no secret that he was a streaky shooter in college, frequently being called upon to make big shots but frequently off with the shot…While he does possess length and versatility for the next level, it won’t necessarily set him apart from many of the NBA stars on his protected level…It’s unsure what his usage rate will be in the pros, but it should certainly go down from his 29.4 percent rate at Ohio State, leaving the question of how will he adjust in a more limited role…For all his maturity he gained with four years of college, he is an elder statesman at 22 years old and his ceiling should not be as high as other prospects … Took a long time to realize his potential, and having such a disappointing first three years may impact the way scouts view him. (scored more points as a senior, 672 points, than his previous three seasons combined: 600 points) … He was able to shine in his senior year, but some view that as beating up on younger, less physcially developed talent …

Overall: Bates-Diop, for his skill, intangibles and experience, should certainly sneak into the late first-round … He has the potential to become an even better wing scorer and his wing and post defense is already sharp …At the very least, he comes into the NBA with a next level defender package … Inconsistencies were troubling last season at Ohio State, with some games falling way off to the wayside … He has no off-court issues and is ready to step in right away as a player a GM shouldn’t lose sleep over …

Notes: Measured 6′ 7.25” barefoot, 6′ 8.5” in shoes, 223.8 lbs, 7′ 3.25” wingspan, 8′ 10.5” standing reach,    5.35% body fat, and a 9.00 inch hand length at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine … 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year (media/coaches) … 2018 First Team All-Big Ten (media/coaches) … 2018 Wooden Award All-American … 2018 Associated Press Second Team All-American … His father played college basketball at Creighton from 1979-1983 …

Matthew Harvey 6/2/18