New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 17

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari severely cut into Hamidou Diallo’s minutes near the end of January. It was a polarizing decision in 2018 NBA Draft circles, as Diallo had previously looked the part of a potential first-round draft pick.

During the Round of 64 of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, Diallo redeemed himself with a massive performance when Kentucky needed him to step up most.

Diallo was superb, posting 22 points and eight rebounds in what was a closer game than the 95-75 final score implies. He added two blocks, a steal, and an assist, and shot 9-of-12 from the field and 1-of-1 from beyond the three-point line.

Buffalo cut the lead to four points with 15:32 remaining in the second half, but Diallo helped Kentucky pull away with an explosive final 15 minutes of play.

Diallo scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half, including 15 points during the final 13 minutes and 42 seconds. He also thrived on the defensive end of the floor, contributing to Kentucky’s tremendous play against Jeremy Harris.

If the New York Knicks are looking for a high-upside prospect to develop long-term, then Diallo—a New York City native—could be a talent worth looking into.