Rivals150 wing Samba Diallo makes his choice

Score a big one for new UMass head coach Matt McCall and his staff for their first recruiting class.

Monday morning Rivals150 wing Samba Diallo decided that he had seen enough and gave the Minutemen the nod.

Jay David the executive director of Diallo's summer team the New York Jayhawks confirmed the news to Rivals.com.

"He just felt like they were the ones that were on him the most and continually checking in with him," said David. "The style that they play fits him being a consistently downhill guy. The positionless basketball and getting up and down, he's excited about all of that."

Diallo made big noise with the Jayhawks playing in the spring and summer. He was particularly impressive at the end of July in Las Vegas where his high energy finishing, versatility as a defender and upside all stood out.

"Once he gets into the program I think he can make an immediate impact at that level," said David. "He rebounds the ball really well for a big wing. He defends most of the positions on the floor and you can put him in any switch from point guard to a big man."

David pointed to the efforts of not only McCall but assistant coach Rasheen Davis in really building a strong relationship and he's looking forward to big things from Diallo in the Atlantic 10.

"I think he can really thrive in transition and defensively there. I think he can make plays off the bounce for a big wing."