Senegalese Gorgui Dieng has risen from a raw offensive player to a prolific scorer in just one year, and, unsurprisingly, he becomes the first African-born player to feature in the upcoming 2015 BBVA Rising Stars.
In his second season, the Minnesota Timberwolves centre is putting up big numbers, with averages of 9.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Every time he steps on floor, he makes his unmistakable presence felt.
Dieng’s moves inside the painted area can no longer be uncontested as his 49.5 field goal percentage, made in 29.8 minutes per game, show.
Some may be surprised with Dieng’s continuing use of Dirk Nowitzki-like step-back jump shot, but there is a reason behind it.
He not only carried Senegal to an impressive 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup run, but he now reveals that he’s spent part of his offseason practicing with Nowitzki in Germany.
Can you spot the step-back shots similarities in these clips?
Dieng has tallied a Timberwolves-high 13 double-doubles this season, and tied a career-high 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against Denver on 5 January.
And, the All-Star BBVA Rising Stars, which will take place in Brooklyn, New York, on 13 February, and will see the best first and second-year players from around the world coming up against their USA counterpart, could be another opportunity for Dieng to showcase the transformation of his game.
The BBVA Rising Stars will be a special occasion for the Kebemer native.
“I am very excited to get the chance to play with different players, especially in a game USA against the World,” Dieng said.
He went saying why he has extra motivation for the game.
“There are many Senegalese people living in New York. We are here to represent our families, countries and continents. Anytime you have to participate in something like that, it is very special.”
The Senegalese will line-up along Steven Adams (New Zealand), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Dennis Schroder (Germany),Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia), Dante Exum (Australia), Rudy Gobert (France), Nikola Mirotic (Montenegro), and Canadian duo of Kelly Olynyk Andrew Wiggins.
The former Louisville University standout, who was selected 21st in the 2013 NBA Draft, leads all eligible World players in rebounds, while ranking second in blocks (1.8), and comes fourth in points scored per game (9.8).
When asked how he has improved his game so quickly, Dieng emphasised his hard work, even though the Wolves (8-40) record the fewest winning percentage in the league, so far.
“I listen to what coach wants me to do. I am just trying to play better and play for my teammates.
“I’ve been playing a lot and I get more and more comfortable.
“I am playing a lot of minutes, and coach always tells me that you can’t be in between. You’ve got to get better or worse.”
The 2.11m who received the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award in one occasion last season, has recorded 13 double-double performances, so far, this season as he continues to suggest that the sky seems to the limit for him.
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