Hamidou Diallo was a two-time all-state high school player in New York. He played for the gold medal-winning USA team in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship. He played for the New York Rens in the Nike-sponsored EYBL.
With that load of accomplishment on his résumé, it sounded odd Tuesday to hear him say, “Now, I’m just trying to learn the game of basketball.”
To be more precise, Diallo is re-learning how to play basketball this season. He previously played at a fast tempo, which perfectly suited his undeniable athleticism. But UK opponents this season, as in previous seasons, try to force a slower pace of play.