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We now know when Hamidou Diallo will make his decision.
The five-star shooting guard out of Putnam Academy will announce his commitment Saturday at a ceremony at 5 p.m.
— Hamidou diallo (@Diallo1Hamidou) January 5, 2017
The finalists for Diallo include the Kentucky Wildcats, Connecticut Huskies, Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona Wildcats, and Indiana Hoosiers. The decision is likely coming down to UK and UConn with John Calipari’s program being the perceived favorite.
Arizona was also in the running and tried hosting him for a late visit, but it looks like that won’t happen.
Was told @Diallo1Hamidou was still working until today on an Arizona visit for this weekend, but that won't end up happening.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) January 5, 2017
For what it’s worth, the above schools who have games Saturday include Kentucky (8:30 vs Arkansas), Kansas (vs Texas Tech at 7:15), Syracuse (vs Pitt at 12:30), Arizona (vs Colorado at 9:15), and Indiana (vs Illinois at 5 p.m.), while UConn plays Sunday.
I seriously doubt he’s committing to a school during their game (sorry Hoosiers), but his decision would come before or after everyone else plays.
Diallo is ranked by 247 Composite as the 10th-best prospect in 2017. The 6-5, 195-pound guard is ranked by 247 as their No. 9 overall prospect and top shooting guard.
The expectation is Diallo will enroll at a college for the second semester and join said team, but while UK looks favored, it looks like he won’t play this season. He just wants to be able to practice with a team and get used to the college game more before taking on a bigger role with said team next season.
Kentucky could certainly use him with so many players either graduating or leaving for the NBA draft. He’d be an even bigger addition if he’s already got a semester of college under his belt. That alone would make him a veteran on what will likely be a freshman-heavy squad next season.