Ikechukwa Somotochukwa Diogu

Here are some comments about our newest Warrior:

Chad Ford:
"I think this is a great pick for the Warriors. I like Ike. They needed some inside toughness and rebounding and Diogu brings that in abundance. Some scouts believes he's too small and not athletic enough, but he is eerily reminiscent of Elton Brand. He has the reach of 7-footer and is deceptively quick off his feet. He'll be very productive at the next level almost immediately and his presence at the four will allow the Warriors to move Troy Murphy to the five. If everyone stays healthy, I think the Warriors will be a playoff team next season."


From Yahoo:

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Elton Brand
COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Gary Trent

"POSITIVES: Diogu always seems to be right where the ball is, and that's not by accident. He pursues rebounds relentlessly, snatches loose balls out of the air with one of the best sets of hands around and scores inside over taller people with seeming ease. While not the biggest power forward prospect, Diogu has the kind of makeup that creates lunch-bucket stars like Ben Wallace. However, Diogu has offensive talent as well and has begun to expand his face-the-basket game as well.

SHORTCOMINGS: Diogu is a legitimate 6-8, but that is not big for a power forward in today's NBA. When matched up against Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal or their ilk, he will have to deny them position on the block and try to deny them the ball. He is very strong and can block shots, but length is likely to give him a big challenge."

CollegeHoops.net projects Diogu's numbers:
1st year: 9ppg, 4rpg, 1apg
2nd year: 11ppg, 6rpg, 2apg
Career: 17ppg, 8rpg, 2apg