Keita Bates-Diop Biography, Age, Family, Education, Draft, Highlights

Keita Bates Diop Age

Bates-Diop was born on January 23, 1996, in Sacramento, California.

He is 23 years old as of 2019.

Keita Bates-Diop Family

Keita Bates-Diop was born on January 23, 1996, in Sacramento, California to Richard and Wilma Bates. His parents added Diop to his surname. His father Richard studied Cheikh Anta Diop, a scientist, and anthropologist. The small forward played for University High School in Normal, Illinois.

He averaged 18.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks as a junior. He was considered one of the top 5 candidates for Illinois Mr. Basketball by the Chicago Tribune. Bates-Diop was ranked no. 24 nationally in his class by Rivals.com.

Keita Bates Diop Education

Keita attended University High School (U-High) in Normal, Illinois where he played for his high school basketball team. Keita, in his high school career, held an average of 18.4 points and 6.7 rebounds. After completing high school, Keita enrolled at Ohio State University and played for the Ohio State men’s basketball team.

Bates-Diop was a freshman bench player at OSU in the 2014-15 season. He expanded his role in the team as a sophomore and averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per match.

Keita Bates Diop Nba

Keita Bates-Diop NBA Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Timberwolves’ Pick

The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Keita Bates-Diop in the 2018 NBA draft with the No. 48 overall pick. Limited to nine games in 2016-17 due to a stress fracture in his leg, Bates-Diop bounced back to have his most productive season at Ohio State. The Big Ten Player of the Year averaged 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and won over NBA scouts in the process.

Keita Bates-Diop’s Image

Offensive strengths

One of the draft’s most physically impressive forwards, Bates-Diop has the size to play the 4 and the skill to play either forward position. He entered last season with 57 three-point makes through 75 career games. As a redshirt junior, he hit 66 threes.

He was still more efficient around the basket, where he shot 66.2 percent. Bates-Diop distinguished himself in the post with his ability to face up and shoot or put the ball on the floor and attack. And he was one of the nation’s most effective off-ball cutters, ranking in the 88th percentile. Bates-Diop’s offense is all about versatility and scoring from all three levels of the floor.

Offensive weaknesses

He connected on just 35.6 percent of his total jump shots. On guarded catch-and-shoots, his success rate fell to 33.7 percent. Bates-Diop still has trouble creating high-percentage looks for himself in the half court, as he generated just .754 points per possession out of isolation, ranking in the 43rd percentile. He also lacks the explosiveness to blow by defenders. His 10.5 assist percentage is notably low.

Defensive outlook

Bates-Diop possesses A-plus defensive tools, from his feet to his frame and length. He could wind up checking 5s, 4s, and wings. He averaged 1.6 blocks using his long arms to reach and contest. But his defensive motor wasn’t always charged.

He’d occasionally get beat too easily, or there were times it appeared as if he could do more to challenge a play. NBA coaches will see the exciting defensive potential, but to unlock it, they’ll have to work with him on staying alert and active.

Rookie-year projection

Bates-Diop doesn’t have a core strength to lean on, which could make it difficult on him as a rookie. Until he picks up his defense and becomes a more reliable shooter, coaches may have trouble playing him for long stretches. It won’t be surprising if he spends time in the G League next season.

Projected role: Three-and-D combo role player

Already 22 years old with an injury history and average athleticism, Bates-Diop doesn’t have a high ceiling. However, his tools and skill set suggest he’s a fit in today’s league, as he should be able to play and guard different spots. He should stick and add value for his ability to score from different places on the floor, working on and off the ball.

If he can turn into a plus defender every night and develop into a consistent shooting threat, he’ll have the chance to have a Posey-like career, complementing bigger stars as part of a supporting cast.

Keita Bates Diop Draft

NBA Comparison: Luc Mbah a Moute

Strengths: Right away, Bates-Diop’s length and athleticism jump off the page, possessing a 7′ 3.25” wingspan and an 8′ 10.5″ standing reach … This length is critical to defending at the next level and gaining an advantage at the rim on both ends of the floor … His length and versatility he showed in college will help him effectively guard three positions in the pros, while also making him versatile enough to score from at least three positions …

He showed he has the speed to put the ball on the deck and blow by defenders to get to the rim … This speed was especially effective in transition and on the fastbreak where he excelled at getting to the rim and facilitating the offense … Bates-Diop wasn’t afraid of physical play, especially at the rim where his rebounding was efficient and one of the best in the Big Ten and his shot blocking is already elite …

One of the most underrated aspects of his game was his mid-range post game, where he was very comfortable … Staying four years in college gives Bates-Diop a higher level of maturity and basketball I.Q. that most other younger prospects do not possess …

He performed great at a top Big Ten school and top college basketball conference, taking on some of the best talents in the country posting impressive (19.8 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game) numbers …

Weaknesses: His ball handling skills need work and were not fine-tuned at college, especially his first step off the dribble … Right now, he wouldn’t be better than the third or fourth best ball handling or scoring option…It was no secret that he was a streaky shooter in college, frequently being called upon to make big shots but frequently off with the shot…

While he does possess length and versatility for the next level, it won’t necessarily set him apart from many of the NBA stars on his protected level…It’s unsure what his usage rate will be in the pros, but it should certainly go down from his 29.4 percent rate at Ohio State, leaving the question of how will he adjust in a more limited role…

For all his maturity he gained with four years of college, he is an elder statesman at 22 years old and his ceiling should not be as high as other prospects … Took a long time to realize his potential, and having such a disappointing first three years may impact the way scouts view him.

(scored more points as a senior, 672 points, than his previous three seasons combined: 600 points) … He was able to shine in his senior year, but some view that as beating up on younger, less physically developed talent …

Overall: Bates-Diop, for his skill, intangibles, and experience, should certainly sneak into the late first round … He has the potential to become an even better wing scorer and his wing and post defense is already sharp …At the very least, he comes into the NBA with a next level defender package …

Inconsistencies were troubling last season at Ohio State, with some games falling way off to the wayside … He has no off-court issues and is ready to step in right away as a player a GM shouldn’t lose sleep over …

Notes: Measured 6′ 7.25” barefoot, 6′ 8.5” in shoes, 223.8 lbs, 7′ 3.25” wingspan, 8′ 10.5” standing reach, 5.35% body fat, and a 9.00-inch hand length at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine … 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year (media/coaches) … 2018 First Team All-Big Ten (media/coaches) … 2018 Wooden Award All-American … 2018 Associated Press Second Team All-American … His father played college basketball at Creighton from 1979-1983 …

Keita Bates-Diop Highlights

Bio: Bates-Diop returned from injury and worked his way to Big Ten Player of the Year honors, leading a revitalized Ohio State program to a strong season. His productive scoring numbers and shooting potential have caught the eyes of the NBA as a potential floor-spacing forward.

Strengths

• Capable jump shooter with a repeatable stroke. Career 77.6% from the foul line. Finished well around the basket and has some pick-and-pop functionality.

• Rebounds well for his size (24.5% DREB rate, 7.8 defensive rebounds per-36). Only stands 6’7” but benefits from 7’2” wingspan.

• Uses his length to make some level of defensive impact. Blocked 1.8 shots per-36. Can at least bother taller players.

Weaknesses

• Below-average athletic profile. Lacks quickness and explosion. Doesn’t create much off the dribble from the perimeter. Reliant on having some type of mismatch, which he might lose in the NBA. Most players in his mold are a couple of inches taller.

• Maybe a tweener, as he doesn’t handle well enough to be a wing, nor is he especially physical to be a small ball four.

• Shot just 35.6% on all jump shots, underwhelming for a player pegged as a stretch-four. Will need to shoot the three at a high clip to stay on the floor.

• May have been a manufactured scorer last season. Was fed touches in the midrange, where he could shoot over smaller defenders or get a step against bigger ones. How much of his offense translates to the NBA level?

If Bates-Diop continues to improve as a shooter and finds a way to cover for his athleticism, he could become a useful contributor. The Crossover’s Front Office breaks down Bates-Diop’s strengths, weaknesses, NBA comparison and more in its in-depth scouting report.

Keita Bates-Diop Salary | Net Worth

As of 2018, He reportedly signed a 3-year/ $4 million contract with Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018. Further, the NBA player will get paid $838,464 as yearly salary in 2018 and has an average salary of about $1.3 million.

Moreover, he is a 16th best-paid player of the Minnesota Timberwolves this year while Andrew Wiggins is the highest earner with the salary of $25,467,250. He also has a car provided by GMC after he signed a rookie contract.

Keita Bates Diop Height

He stands a height of 2.6m.

Keita Bates Diop Scouting Report

Keita Bates-Diop is an athletic swingman that projects to be a 3 and D type of player in the NBA.  He will need to be a more consistent player on the floor, but he does have plenty of skills to offer to teams.

He is a good shooter that can knock down plenty of shots off the catch, and he also excels at attacking the basket to garner scores.  Bates-Diop lacks an elite first step, but he is quick and has the body control to finish numerous to garner scores off the dribble as well as off of motion plays.  Plus, he also can post up opponents to score on the block.

​Bates-Diop also rebounds and blocks shots well for a player his size, and he can be a solid defensive player when he is dialed in.  However, he can tend to have lapses, which can prevent him from obtaining extra boards or getting more stops at times. Right now, Bates-Diop may be a jack of all trades type of player, but he may not be elite at any one skill.  With his skill set, he could end up being an effective role player in the NBA.

Keita Bates Diop  College career

Bates-Diop was a bench player as a freshman at OSU in the 2014-15 season. As a sophomore, he expanded his role on the team and averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. But as a junior, he suffered a stress fracture in his left leg, sitting out all but the first nine games, while the Buckeyes limped to a 17-15 record without him.

In those nine games, Bates-Diop averaged 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He was granted a medical redshirt and came into his redshirt junior campaign one of the top options for new coach Chris Holtmann.

Bates-Diop earned his first Big Ten player of the week honors on December 11, 2017, after notching a career-high 27 points in a 97-62 win over William & Mary. On January 9, 2018, Bates-Diop was recognized as the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week by the United States Basketball Writers Association after strong performances against Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball and Michigan State.

Bates-Diop tied a then-career high with 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a victory against Iowa. Against top-ranked Michigan State, he scored a career-high 32 points in an 80-64 win. He also received his second Big Ten player of the week recognition. Bates-Diop received his second consecutive player of the week nod on January 15, with a 26-point, eight rebound outing in a 91-69 win over Maryland and 20 points, nine rebounds in a victory versus Rutgers.

On February 26, 2018, Bates-Diop was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. He averaged 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Following Ohio State’s loss in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Bates-Diop announced his intention to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and declared for the 2018 NBA Draft.

Keita Bates Diop Professional career

Minnesota Timberwolves (2018–present)
On June 21, 2018, Bates-Diop was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 48th pick in the 2018 NBA draft.  On July 7, 2018, Bates-Diop signed with the Timberwolves.

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