By SAM LANCE
KANSAS CITY –A key factor in the success of the Vegas Elite Nike EYBL program this summer has been the impressive play of their three-star center, Seal Diouf. The 6-foot-8, 215-pound big man from Dunn School (CA), is the focal point of Vegas’ offense. And he’s been scoring at highly-efficient clips.
At Nike EYBL Session 4, Diouf averaged 11.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game to help Vegas Elite to a 3-2 record and slip into the Peach Jam field. He also shot a whopping 70.9% from the field while averaging 22.5 minutes per game.
“I can score easily from anywhere,” Diouf said of his game. “But it’s really just who’s open. I’m a great passer too. I try to look for my teammates. But really, I just play hard, and I don’t think there’s anyone who plays harder than me. I try to make the winning play every time, whether that’s me or my teammates. I try to contribute to winning.”
This summer, Diouf believes the area of his game that has grown the most is his passing, but he believes what truly sets him apart is his motor.
“Toughness, toughness, toughness,” Diouf said. “I play harder than anyone. I rebound more. I’m not afraid to do the dirty work. I feel like I’ve showcased that better than anyone.”
On the recruiting front, Diouf is hearing from several high-major programs including Georgetown, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Colorado and Washington. He’s taken visits to a few of those schools including officials to Georgetown (this past week) and San Francisco ending June 9.
Here is his breakdown of some of the programs reaching out most:
Georgetown: “It’s the culture for sure. It’s great to be a Hoya. Everyone wants to be a Hoya. Everybody loves it there. So it’s something I think a lot of people want to be a part of. Coach [Ed] Cooley, he does it man. He makes pros. He makes winners. It’s just a great program.”
San Francisco: “The culture, the city. Great facilities. Great people. They work, they outwork anyone. Great coaches. They develop great players and make pros as well so props to them.”
Santa Barbara: “Local. They’re probably the hardest working college in the country. They outwork anyone.”
Colorado: “Great culture, great place. Everybody is a Buffalo fan. Great coaching as well. Hard-working and they make pros. It shows in the results.”
Washington: “They got a new coaching staff. I don’t know much about them to be honest. But the previous coaching staff were great people.”
The big man is ranked the No. 40 overall center in the country per 247Sports, giving him three-star designation.
Diouf’s favorite NBA players are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paolo Banchero. He doesn’t really have any hobbies outside of hoops.
“I just live in the gym,” Diouf said. “To me I love it, so there’s nothing else.”
Diouf plays for the Netherlands national team during FIBA and speaks several languages.
“Mr. Worldwide,” Diouf said.
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