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Class of 2017 five-star prospect Hamidou Diallo could be heading to college earlier than expected.
According to Jerry Meyer of 247Sports, Diallo may enroll at the University of Connecticut as early as next semester.
Hamidou Diallo 21 & 7 in 55-52 loss tonight. UConn was 3 deep. Lots of buzz about a possible 2nd semester enrollment https://t.co/FtSZrdWetu
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) December 21, 2016
Diallo is in a post-grad year at Putnam Science Academy. He was eligible to enroll in college with the 2016 class, but decided to take an extra year of prep school instead.
Diallo is eligible for the 2017 NBA draft, and many high school, college and NBA scouts believe making the jump to the NBA sooner, rather than later, is the right move for the 6-foot-6 wing.
The thought process behind Diallo joining UConn for the second half of its season is simple. The college game would prepare him better for the NBA draft, and he would receive more exposure — not to mention it’s close to home. He wouldn’t have to go through a full year of college, wouldn’t have to worry about grades and could go to school for a few months before ultimately fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The Huskies have produced a lot of guards over the years, which is appealing to Diallo and his future.
The UConn staff showed up three-deep at the City of Palms Classic in Florida to watch him. Syracuse sent assistant coach Adrian Autry.
Although missing out on Diallo would be a tough blow, at least the Orange didn’t have to face him when SU played the Huskies at Madison Square Garden earlier this year.