Cheick Diallo to remain in draft, according to reports
Cheick Diallo appears to be set to leave Kansas after one season.
ESPN’s Jeff Goodman reported Friday afternoon that Diallo would sign with an agent, which would lock him into declaring for the 2016 NBA Draft.
Earlier Friday, the reports were mixed as Diallo continued workouts at the combine in Chicago.
ESPN’s Chad Ford posted on Twitter at 2:15 p.m. that Diallo had told reporters he had elected to stay in the draft.
That was later refuted by ESPN’s Andy Katz and Zagsblog’s Adam Zagoria, who both said Diallo hadn’t made a final decision.
About an hour later, Goodman quoted Diallo in his story.
Both Malachi Richardson & Cheick Diallo told teams in interviews today that they've decided to stay in the draft.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 13, 2016
“This is the time for me to go to the next level,” Diallo told Goodman. “And I’m trying to show the NBA the things I do well. Block shots, rebound and run the floor. I can guard multiple positions.”
Kansas Cheick Diallo said he's still thinking about whether he will stay in draft. Me? I would be surprised if he went back to KU.
— Andy Katz (@ESPNAndyKatz) May 13, 2016
Cheick Diallo tells me he didn't tell any teams he's staying in the draft and he's still getting feedback. Playing well &potential 1stround
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 13, 2016
If he didn’t hire an agent, Diallo would have had until May 25 to choose whether to stay in the draft or return to KU.
The 6-foot-9 Diallo continued to impress at the combine Friday, posting nine points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a five-on-five scrimmage. On Thursday, Diallo helped his stock with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting with four rebounds and four blocks.
Diallo struggled to earn playing time at KU following an NCAA investigation into his high school coursework during the first month of the season. He averaged 3.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 7.5 minutes while not playing in five of KU’s last seven games.
KU has three available scholarships following Diallo’s departure.
Jesse Newell: @jessenewell
This story was originally published May 13, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Cheick Diallo to remain in draft, according to reports."