Unusual Suspects Continued: Gorgui Sy Dieng

As I said in my previous post on Justin Coleman, I frequently get asked who else Kentucky is keeping an eye on, outside of the usual suspects that we hear about on a near-daily basis. So far I've mentioned Chris Hill and Justin Coleman as two prospects fitting that description and now we'll add another 2010 name to that list. When we're looking at these guys, it's important to remember that these prospects are just simply that: Prospects. Until you hear mention of visits or scholarship offers, they just can't be considered full-fledged recruits yet. That said, let's take a look at one of the big boys that UK is currently scouting, Gorgui Sy Dieng. Gorgui Sy Dieng (pronounced ra-r^ely c0-reckt-lee, let's just call him Georgie Say Ding) 6'10", 205 lbs. of lengthy power forward Rankings: Non-ranked one star power forward (Scout.com); Not in Rivals.com's database Scouting: Very little is known right now about Dieng because he just arrived stateside from Senegal on Halloween weekend. What is known is that he can put the ball on the deck, has good range on his jumper for his size combined with a good knowledge and feel for the game. His length, versatility and a decent amount of athleticism are also pluses. During this year's Nike Global Challenge, while playing for his native country, he averaged 16.6 points and 8 rebounds per game. According to The Herald Dispatch (WV), with his Senegal team pitted against USA Midwest, Dieng held Adreian Payne to just four rebounds and zero points. During that game, he also hit the game-winning 3-pointer, leading his team to a 66-65 victory. (For a couple good reads on Dieng by national recruiting phenom Evan Daniels, if you have a Scout membership, click here and here) The Skinny: Since his arrival at Huntington Prep in West Virginia, where Justin Coleman also resides, his coach, Robert Fulford, has been fielding a lot of calls in regards to Dieng. Schools that have stopped in to take a closer look at Dieng, according to what Fulford told Scout.com, include the likes of Kentucky, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Marshall. Many schools are coming by to take a look at the kid to recently set foot in America and that's what you can take it as: A look. With Adreian Payne's commitment to Michigan State, a lengthy rebounder is on UK's wish list. When someone that fits that mold sets foot in the US, without any other schools already having an advantage with him, you can expect the Cats and many other schools to want to see what the kid has. At this point, UK has taken a look at what he offers and we'll have to wait and see if things get to a point where UK feels like they want to pursue him further.