Get 2 The Game inspired by American Family Insurance: Keita Bates-Diop

A pioneer blazing new paths at U High.

By
Mar 7, 2014, 3:25pm


Keita Bates-Diop might be from the town of Normal Ill., but on the court he is anything but normal.

The 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward from University (Normal, Ill.) is a versatile scorer with great range, excellent length and a superb work ethic.
Keita Bates-Diop, University
Keita Bates-Diop, University
Courtesy of 247Sports

These qualities have lead Bates-Diop to being ranked as the No. 27 overall recruit in the class of 2014 according to 247sports.com.
 
As a junior, K.B.D. averaged 18.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in guiding U High to a second straight 14-0 Corn Belt Conference record. The first team All-State selection by News Gazette and MaxPreps 2012-13 Boys Basketball Junior All-American used his 7-foot wingspan to add 63 total blocks to that stat line.

During the 2013-14 season, the University Pioneers basketball program finished 22-5, again going a perfect 14-0 in conference play, and extended their Corn Belt Conference winning streak to 42.

The future Buckeye reached a major individual milestone the night of that 42nd victory. Leading the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Bates-Diop passed Seth Hubbard's school record of 1,461 career points.

Keita Bates-Diop will follow Deshaun Thomas and LaQuinton Ross in the line of long scoring forwards for The Ohio State University.  Before choosing Ohio State, Bates-Diop also considered Illinois, Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State.

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