The Louisville basketball program got some good news four days later than expected as Scout.com's Evan Daniels is reporting that Huntington (WV) big man Gorgui Dieng has committed to being a Cardinal.
The 6-10 native of Senegal was named "White Team" MVP at last month's Derby Classic after he scored 15 points, blocked eight shots and snatched seven rebounds. He also turned a number of heads last week at the Double Pump Spring Tournament in Missouri.
Though he is listed as a 2011 prospect on the official roster given out, after his dominant performance on Saturday Gorgui Dieng re-affirmed that he is a class of 2010 prospect who will attend college next season.
After seeing Dieng only weeks after he entered the United States, the strides he has made in the past few months have been extremely impressive. Now the 6-foot-10 forward looks to have a new level of confidence that has him dominating on the low block.
Unlike many of the African imports, Dieng has an excellent feel for the game both offensively and defensively. On the offensive side he can score facing the rim or off of a post move where his footwork is above average. Also he handles the ball very well for a player his size, and can finish with either hand off the bounce. Defensively he has long arms and the natural timing that it takes to be a good shot blocker. Though not an elite athlete, Dieng showed good athleticism which had him flying all over the floor making plays.
I think it goes without saying that this couldn't have come at a better time. Welcome to Louisville basketball, Gorgui.