Rankin's risers: 2014 SF Keita Bates-Diop 

Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington-Normal, Ill./University High School) is a long, athletic sophomore small forward with a 7-foot-1 wing span and very good perimeter skills that have been improving at a steady rate this fall and winter. High-major programs like Purdue, Northwestern and DePaul are already jockeying for position by extending scholarship offers. Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Tennessee and Illinois are interested too.

"I am looking for good players, coaches and student atmosphere in college," Bates-Diop said. "I Just want to be around good people"

Bates-Diop who runs with the Illinois Wolves on the AAU/travel circuit can get to the rim, has a good midrange game, is a solid 3-point shooter and a willing passer. His length is a great advantage disrupting passing lanes, on the offensive glass and as a perimeter shot-blocker. Bates-Diop needs to add strength to his 6-7, 175-pound frame and must work to tighten up his handle, but his talent and upside simply jump right out at you.

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