Enjoy Gorgui Dieng, time is getting short

Going to take a while to get used to the idea of Gorgui Dieng going away.

If NBA scouts have been paying attention the past few games, Gorgui is more than ready for professional basketball. His shooting has improved dramatically, complementing his shot blocking abilities. As his wrist healed, his ball handling has continued to get better. Have you noticed he gets at least one steal per game? How about when he decides to dribble down court?

One is even more impressed, however, by Dieng’s positive attitude and strong work ethic, his eagerness to learn, the way he interacts with people. This observer will never forget him saying during his first press conference that if something comes easy, it’s not worth much. He sets his goals high, knowing they will be difficult to achieve, but making a total commitment to them.

Gorgui’s immediate goals are for his team to win the Big East Tournament and a national championship for the University of Louisville. He says those goals come before any consideration for professional basketball. If he doesn’t get drafted in the first round this year, he will be happy playing at UofL next season. Can you imagine how much better he could be after another season?

Over the years, some 46 players from the University of Louisville have gone on to play professional basketball. This observer usually loses track of them after a while, especially those who choose to leave before graduating.  But Gorgui is in a different category. becoming the observer’s all-time favorite UofL player.

If he goes, we will eagerly be following his career in the NBA and afterwards, confident that he will be successful and making the world around him a much better place.