Prospect Spotlight: Cheikh Diop
Every basketball coach appreciates a player that can be asked to do almost anything. This type of player must have an array of skills. However, their greatest attribute is their willingness to take on any challenge set in front of them. Having a player with the versatility to accept any role on a basketball team is essential for that teams success.
Cheikh Diop the type of player that a coach can rely on to accept any challenge on the basketball court. Diop is 6-3 guard/forward from Troy High School. As a senior-to-be, he exhibits a quiet, yet assertive, ability to lead. He shows his willingness to accept any role on a team with his ability to play multiple positions. This summer, Diop was asked to play every position outside of point guard. Not only did he do it, but he did it well.
Cheikh Diop is an excellent defender, especially when asked to play physical defense. Early this summer, his team was being scored on at will by a player 4 inches and 30 lbs bigger than Diop. His coach asked him to play physical, full court man-to-man defense on the bigger player. Diop successfully neutralized the player, and allowed his team to work its way back in the game.
He is a threat to score at all three levels. Cheikh Diop thrives on the offensive end when the ball is rotating. That being said, he can be counted on to protect the ball and have a low turnover rate by not take unnecessary dribbles or holding the ball too long. He is working on improving his ball handling and finishing with his left hand.
Cheikh Diop is counting on his willingness and ability to do whatever is asked from him on the court, will lead him and his teams to accomplishing their goals. His greatest moment in high school basketball so far was winning districts and regionals. He looks forward to playing Clarkston next season so he can test himself against some of the top players in the state.
Cheikh Diop hopes to play basketball at the next level, and knows that his willingness to play any role and accept any challenge will help him achieve that goal. “Being a two way player, being able to play great defense, and being able to score at the other end…..It’s hard to find a player that can do both,” he said.
Diop has goals outside of basketball as well. He likes working with computers and cars. He envisions himself working as a physical therapist. His mom is his greatest motivation to accomplish his goals, both on and off the court. “Seeing how hard she works just makes me want to work harder. I promise her I’ll be successful in whatever I do,” said Diop. In all aspects of life, Cheikh Diop is on a path towards success