I know some folks have some angst about Diakite having a "sponsor/advisor/handler" whatever you want to call it in the mix. But let me throw out an alternative perspective:
If you were the parents of a foreign basketball prospect looking to play college ball in another country and your son or daughter has a favorite school which has evolved due to proximity and getting to know the players and coaches from that school, how would you approach recruitment? Would you let him/her just commit to that school? Or, would you have someone knowledgeable of US college basketball set up visits at multiple schools for your child and you so you can look at multiple programs before visiting the child's favorite? Remember the adviser was not involved in the visits but an interpreter was so there was no influence from the adviser.
While we've seen "handlers" and street agents get involved with recruits to the detriment of programs that are trying to operate within the rules, that doesn't mean this is one of those instances. The approach so far as we know is pretty sound and in Mamadi's best interests. It is very possible all this is being orchestrated in the most forthright and honest manner to make sure the Diakite family can make an informed decision. At least I hope that's the case.
If you were the parents of a foreign basketball prospect looking to play college ball in another country and your son or daughter has a favorite school which has evolved due to proximity and getting to know the players and coaches from that school, how would you approach recruitment? Would you let him/her just commit to that school? Or, would you have someone knowledgeable of US college basketball set up visits at multiple schools for your child and you so you can look at multiple programs before visiting the child's favorite? Remember the adviser was not involved in the visits but an interpreter was so there was no influence from the adviser.
While we've seen "handlers" and street agents get involved with recruits to the detriment of programs that are trying to operate within the rules, that doesn't mean this is one of those instances. The approach so far as we know is pretty sound and in Mamadi's best interests. It is very possible all this is being orchestrated in the most forthright and honest manner to make sure the Diakite family can make an informed decision. At least I hope that's the case.
