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This young man plays for West Virginia.

He has a large frame with a quick bounce that reminds me of a young Charles Barkley. Unlike Barkley, Konate is a defensive player with a Ben Wallace-type game. The current NBA player who Konate reminds me of is Montrezl Harrell. Another similar player is Jordan Bell.

Sagana Konate is a great rebounder and defender who I think can play at the next level.

Thoughts?

Usually, I watch West Virginia just to see what Jevon Carter does; but this Konate kid is starting to stand out.



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Wow. Pretty impressed by his highlights

I seen him play, nothing reminds me of Barkley at all. But he does have NBA potential. Like IT, he's gonna be loved or hated by teams depending on their personnel.

I like him on the college level but he's kinda built like Kevin Seraphin and if he wants to have any success in the NBA then he's gonna have to trim down. He looks very heavy right now. Even if he does slim down, I'm not seeing anything more than a solid NBA backup at best. I do love him on the college level though

He's going off right now.

HEZI wrote:I like him on the college level but he's kinda built like Kevin Seraphin and if he wants to have any success in the NBA then he's gonna have to trim down. He looks very heavy right now. Even if he does slim down, I'm not seeing anything more than a solid NBA backup at best. I do love him on the college level though

No he's way better than Kevin Seraphin.

I'm a Wizards fan and I remember Seraphin well. KS is bigger and taller but not as quick of a leaper. Konate plays with ten times the passion.

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I am looking at him as a backup for the Wizards and round 2. There are other prospects I would like better. This guy is an NBA player in the making.

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He should be a first round pick. Hes 19 with a crazy no-step vertical and amazing defensive instincts.

I just saw his highlights, and there's no doubt he's an exceptionally tenacious rim protector and rebounder. He probably will have to trim down for the NBA but it's impressive how he moves for his build. I can't find his wingspan, but as noted above, he has a great no step vert and great blocking instincts. Doesn't seem to be too much in the way of an offensive skill-set but at least he's shooting FT's at 74% this season.

Add him to the list of prospective backup defensive C's in the 2nd round, imo.

GimmeDat wrote:I just saw his highlights, and there's no doubt he's an exceptionally tenacious rim protector and rebounder. He probably will have to trim down for the NBA but it's impressive how he moves for his build. I can't find his wingspan, but as noted above, he has a great no step vert and great blocking instincts. Doesn't seem to be too much in the way of an offensive skill-set but at least he's shooting FT's at 74% this season.

Add him to the list of prospective backup defensive C's in the 2nd round, imo.

He’s not just a defensive big, he has a really diverse post game, he’s quick on his feet and he has a great body (wide/wide shoulders/big body). He can also defend the wing. I’m super high on him. He can be really good.
And apparently he hasn’t even been coached on defense, they’re afraid to ruin what he has going. In the NBA when he’s coached in that area his defense will reach another level. Might be one of the best defenders in this class.

doordoor123 wrote:

GimmeDat wrote:I just saw his highlights, and there's no doubt he's an exceptionally tenacious rim protector and rebounder. He probably will have to trim down for the NBA but it's impressive how he moves for his build. I can't find his wingspan, but as noted above, he has a great no step vert and great blocking instincts. Doesn't seem to be too much in the way of an offensive skill-set but at least he's shooting FT's at 74% this season.

Add him to the list of prospective backup defensive C's in the 2nd round, imo.

He’s not just a defensive big, he has a really diverse post game, he’s quick on his feet and he has a great body (wide/wide shoulders/big body). He can also defend the wing. I’m super high on him. He can be really good.
And apparently he hasn’t even been coached on defense, they’re afraid to ruin what he has going. In the NBA when he’s coached in that area his defense will reach another level. Might be one of the best defenders in this class.

That's good to hear, then, maybe he has some first round potential after all, then. A bit small at 6'8 but it doesn't seem to stop him from being effective.

I recall his game vs. Kentucky and how visibly upset he looked with the refs. His arms are Ojeleye like. His body sorts of reminds of what Swanigan's would look like if he was cut.

CP War Hawks wrote:I recall his game vs. Kentucky and how visibly upset he looked with the refs. His arms are Ojeleye like. His body sorts of reminds of what Swanigan's would look like if he was cut.

They’re definitely not Ojeleye-like. Ojeleye can barely lift his arms and his shoulders go more into his torso. Konate looks longer and he has broader shoulders/better frame.

Guns are guns. Both of these dudes have them is the point. SO has good length and Konate looks to have even better.

CP War Hawks wrote:Guns are guns. Both of these dudes have them is the point. SO has good length and Konate looks to have even better.

Ojeleye’s shoulders are insane. They look like balloons.

He was blocking everything today. If he was a little taller he would be a definite first round pick for his potential rim protection.

He will play one more year @ WVU. It will be interesting to see if his offensive game continues to develop. His timing and anticipation as a shot blocker is as good as I have seen at the college level.....especially for a guy that is only 6'8"/6'9"ish.

baptizing Mikel Bridges in Sweet 16

Really curious on where his draft grade is going to be around. Im a big fan of the guy, the mix of athleticism and defensive timing is just flat out ridiculous and makes up for his lack of size.

Duke4life831 wrote:Really curious on where his draft grade is going to be around. Im a big fan of the guy, the mix of athleticism and defensive timing is just flat out ridiculous and makes up for his lack of size.

a lot of upside there....only been playing basketball for 4-5 years. Grew up a soccer player in Mali. Still, I struggle to see him coming out this season. We (WVU) still have a coach assigned to him almost exclusively to keep his emotions in check....not like he has a temper, but he has these juvenile tantrums that have to be controlled. He plays on emotions, and still struggles with his conditioning only playing about 25 MPG most nights. He usually asks out of game several times each game. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan, and he has came a long way since last year when he would routinely block a shot, flash the double biceps to the fans while his guy ran down the court for a layup....all while appearing confused on what he did wrong. If he can progress as much mentally this season, and grow his offensive game, I think he could be a top #25 pick in the draft next season.