The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/592698
140 ■ THE WOLFPACKER ■ BASKETBALL RECRUITING "I just wanted to show the college coaches that I can play point guard and be a playmaker, and hit open jump shots," Duval said. "I want to improve my decision making and things like the pick-and-roll. I want to make my IQ better, know the game and become more court savvy." The move to Texas will be different, but he has lived in several states already. He is originally from Jamaica, Queens, then moved to New Castle, Del., before attend- ing St. Benedict's his first two years. Queens Native Hamidou Diallo Is Thriving In Connecticut Junior shooting guard Hamidou Diallo never envisioned his basketball career quite like this when he started playing high school ball. Diallo has ascended to a No. 12 na- tional ranking in the junior class, but just two years ago, he didn't completely have the "basketball bug" while growing up in Queens. In a short period of time, he has become one of the most recruited players in the country with an exciting future. "I had played basketball, but I just didn't take it that serious while in middle school," Diallo said. "I wasn't thinking about rank- ings or offers [a few years ago]. I just played for fun. I played soccer when I was real young, and that was my first sport. Then it became basketball. "Then I noticed that basketball could re- ally get me somewhere. Now, it's basically my life." Diallo felt he had his "I've arrived" mo- ment during his freshman year of high school at John Browne High in Queens. "About two years ago it just clicked and the confidence kicked in," Diallo said. "I started going to national tournaments, and I started proving myself. My name started getting out there." Diallo has made a steady climb up the Rivals.com rankings over the last six months. He entered July ranked No. 19 overall in the country, and moved up to No. 12. He's not, however, content with his current status. "I want to be No. 1 and out-play every- body that is in front of me," Diallo said. "That is how I see it." Diallo made the move to Putnam (Conn.) Science Academy in Woodstock, Conn., for his sophomore year and has remained there. "I just try and balance it out where I'll stay at Putnam. If I'm in the city, I just hang out with family and friends," Diallo said. "I try and keep my circle small. I just try to hang out with my friends. I like to go 2400 Reliance Ave, Apex, NC • 919.362.5959 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIP ©2014 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC 14-BR8HO-0007 AL 8/14 F I N A N C I A L G R O U P Proud supporter of NC State Wolfpack Club BLAKE PARO Financial Advisor NCSU Class of 2003 KATHY DUCKWORTH Registered Sales Assistant ALEX MIHAJLOV Branch Manager T 919.861.8212 www.olderaleighfinancial.com GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER