One of the most polarizing players in the draft because of his slow start to the season, Ousmane Dieng ended the NBL season on a high note. On the year, Dieng averaged 8.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, and 1.4 TOPG on shooting splits of 40/27/67 in 21 minutes per game. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Ousmane Dieng
Height/Weight: 6’10/205
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0, N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Forward
Pre-Draft team: New Zealand Breakers
Tools: Defense, length, feel for the game, versatility
Pros:
- Excellent 1 on 1 defender
- Good length and size
- Plus athlete
- Jump shot form is projectable
- Has improved in using his body to create more space against contact on drives
- Can be a playmaker at times out of pick & rolls
- Good at skip passes
- Should see statistical jumps in free throw attempts; comfortable taking contact at the rim
- Strong feel for the game
Cons:
- Telegraphs his shot selection
- Needs to use more legs on jumper and improve overall shooting base
- Plays out of control often
- Needs to add weight and continue developing his body
- Needs to reduce turnovers
Summary:
Ousmane Dieng is a player with a tale of two halves. While his processes and defense have been consistent throughout the year, the production was split in half.
With good shooting form, outstanding size at a rumored 6’9.5 or even 6’10, plus defense, and potential to run pick & roll, Dieng is a high upside small forward teams will want to invest in at a lottery pick. Dieng played the whole 2021-2022 NBL season at 18 years old while undergoing a massive culture change, which could be a root to his early season struggles. Dieng’s defense is a day-one trait, and if he can pass and/or shoot in limited minutes in his rookie year, he could have a Ziaire Williams-esque rookie season. Look for Dieng to be a high upside long-term play within the first 15 picks of the draft.
Similar to: Tobias Harris, Luol Deng
Projected draft range: 8-14
Expected role: Versatile forward with defense-first impact, with potential to score at multiple levels offensively.
Unplayable if: Jump shot never comes along, and early season numbers were red flags of what is to come.
Exceeds expectations if: 3 point show grows, and his ability to get to his spots becomes consistent.
Videos:
Shot Chart:
