For this player profile, I want to focus in on Rebel’s forward Cheikh Mbacke Diong. Diong has shown improved numbers in a bigger role for UNLV this season, including averaging over 2 blocks per game.
Diong, originally from Senegal, averaged just under 10 minutes per game as a freshman last year, sitting behind phenom Brandon McCoy. Diong committed to UNLV, despite having offers from Purdue and Louisville. With McCoy leaving for the NBA Draft, the 5-spot in the rotation was Diong’s to take and claim.
The first thing I want to take a look is Diong’s impact defensively.