Keita Bates-Diop, SF/PF, Ohio State
Redshirt junior Keita Bates-Diop is the primary reason for Ohio State’s emergence under first-year head coach Chris Holtmann.
Bates-Diop has been impressive on both ends of the floor all season long and despite his age (he’s already 22), he could find his way into the bottom portion of the first round of the draft.
The Illinois native was named Big Ten Player of the Year after averaging over 19 points and just under nine rebounds per game during the regular season. He led the Buckeyes to an impressive second-place finish in the Big Ten during the regular season, although they were ousted by Penn State in the quarterfinals.
Bates-Diop scored a career-high 35 points in the win over Illinois earlier this season and showed off everything he can do offensively.
He has the ability to shoot the 3-pointer and he can get his shot up with little to no space. He also utilizes his pump fake well in order to get to the rim, where he is a good finisher.
On defense, Bates-Diop has done well defending fours in college and uses his long arms to disrupt passing lanes and force players to take fadeaway jump shots.
The Buckeyes have a tough draw in the first round with South Dakota State and have a rematch with Gonzaga looming in the second round. If they want to make it to the second weekend, it’s going to have to be Bates-Diop that carries them there.
Next, let’s take a look at an underrated player on the top seed in the region.