Cheick Diallo to Kansas: Jayhawks Land 5-Star PF Prospect

Cheick Diallo is headed to Kansas. The lanky power forward announced his intention to sign with the Jayhawks on Tuesday, choosing them over a final five that also included Iowa State, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and St. John's.

Paul Biancardi of ESPN reported the news:

Diallo is the No. 6 overall prospect and the top power forward in the 2015 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Most experts expected the Our Savior New American School product to pick Kansas, with 247Sports' Crystal Ball rankings giving the Jayhawks an edge over the other programs.      

Listed at 6'9" and 218 pounds, Diallo was named the 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year in New York and is one of the nation's best all-around athletes. He has shown an innate ability to swat shots at the rim with his length and athleticism, at times looking like a young Nerlens Noel on film. While it's unlikely he'll play much center at the next level, his wingspan at least opens up the possibility of that happening in a pinch.

He's also a nightly double-double, using his physical advantages to dominate down low. There's not much to his offensive game beyond the paint, but he's a hard worker who made a ton of improvements from his junior to senior seasons. 

"I've improved a lot," Diallo said in February, per Jim Halley of USA Today. "When I first got here, my jump shot was bad, and my post moves were not that good. I've improved my scoring and my post moves at the same time. I work hard every day."

The Malian import should be an instant impact player at Kansas, starting immediately and bringing with him an infectious energy that should help the Jayhawks on the defensive end. Along with LSU commit Ben Simmons, Diallo also brings an international flavor to the top of the 2015 class that should help expand the game. Simmons grew up in Australia before attending Montverde Academy.

Regardless, Diallo is a massive signing for head coach Bill Self. His presence alone should help keep the Jayhawks in the title picture heading into 2015-16.

Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports unless otherwise noted. 

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