Keita Bates-Diop, Forward, Ohio State University (Senior)
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the biggest surprises this season.
Under first-year head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes started out Big10 play 9-0 before losing to Penn State last week. During that game, Keita Bates-Diop hit three three-pointers in the last two minutes to tie the game after the Buckeyes trailed by nine. It ended in a loss, but Bates-Diop’s effort and command of the game did not go unnoticed.
Keita Bates-Diop for the tie. Tony Carr for the win. What a finish. pic.twitter.com/JhtVUOebmQ
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) January 26, 2018
The overall emergence of Bates-Diop has been one of the leading causes of the Buckeyes breakout season. The Normal, Illinois native is averaging a Big10-leading 19.6 points per game, in addition to nine rebounds per game.
The guard excels in his versatility and consistency, as he shoots over 50% from the field, 37% from behind the arc and 81% from the line.
Bates-Diop can also play and guard all five positions on the floor. Bates-Diop’s versatility and consistency has drawn him comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Draymond Green, who was also grossly overlooked entering the draft.
Ohio State's Keita Bates-Diop is leading the Big 10 in scoring! pic.twitter.com/iQSrMyTE5P
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) January 30, 2018
The only thing in the way of the Chicago Bulls landing Bates-Diop could be the fact that his stock has been soaring throughout the season. If the pick stays where it’s at, Bates-Diop would almost certainly be off the board, given that he continues his success this season.
Best-case scenario, the Chicago Bulls land a future difference maker in Ohio State’s Keita Bates-Diop.