Michigan Wolverines basketball class of 2021 signee Moussa Diabate and 2022 prospect Jett Howard helped lead Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy back from 10 down to a nine-point lead, but IMG couldn't finish the job in a loss to Sunrise Christian Academy Friday. The Geico National Semifinal was a high-level contest that featured eight lead changes before IMG took control in the fourth quarter — Sunrise came back to make it nine.
Diabate and Howard were catalysts in the IMG comeback. Howard, a spot-up shooter in his team’s offense, hit two key triples in the third quarter to spur the comeback. He was in the right corner in the right place at the right time for his third, a key three-pointer that brought IMG back within two points.
Howard wasn’t a focus of the offense, but ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi called him the “best shooter on the floor.” He will likely have the ball in his hands more next season with Jaden Bradley, the top-ranked point guard in the class, still by his side.
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Diabate, meanwhile, impressed with his length, motor and athleticism. He showed a bit of all of it in the win, even stepping out for an elbow jumper in the third quarter to help extend the lead.
The 6-11 forward’s wingspan is one of his most impressive features. He disrupted a number of passes on offense in addition to shots at the rim. He had one steal on top that he batted past midcourt, dove for the loose ball before it went out of bounds and kept the ball alive for his team’s finish.
His play in transition, though, is where he really impressed. He runs the floor incredibly well — he took a feed for an and-one opportunity at the free throw line, got to the rim with a defender on his arm and still finished for an and-one opportunity.
He missed the free throw — he’s got some work to do there, having missed a few — but his upside is incredible. He put the ball on the floor and nearly finished left hand with a spin dribble on a fourth quarter move most guys his size don’t have in their arsenal.
He also needs to get stronger. He had the ball stripped a few times after getting offensive rebounds he could have finished.
Michigan recruit Jarace Walker also played well for IMG. He is strong at the rim and also hit some mid-range jumpers, playing much bigger than his 6-6 frame.
He missed a couple at the rim down the stretch, but that’s not the norm. He dominated in stretches and has overcome leg injuries this year to put himself firmly among the top 15 players in the country.
Walker finished a quarterfinal win over Milton with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He added seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
Michigan, North Carolina, Auburn, and Maryland are right in the mix, and he noticed North Carolina coach Roy Williams’ retirement. The Tar Heels were thought to be a favorite.
“It was really tough to hear that,” Walker told the News-Press. “He had a great career as a coach. A great guy. Was really helping his team win.”
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