Latest ESPN Mock Draft: Ousmane Receives a Rave Review; Hugo Inching Closer to the 1st Round

ESPN has updated its 2022 NBA mock draft following the conclusion of the NCAA tournament on Monday, with Sky Sport Breakers’ phenom Ousmane Dieng one of only seven players in the top 30 to receive a detailed written report on his potential.

Dieng is projected as 18th pick while fellow Breakers’ team mate Hugo Besson is edging ever closer to joining him in the first round – he currently is projected at 32. 

However, it is 18-year-old Dieng who has received a rave review. 

“Dieng has put his forgettable start to the season behind him and is now playing the best basketball of his young career,” writes draft analyst Mike Schmitz.

“After failing to reach double digits scoring the first 11 games of the season -- with two goose eggs sprinkled in -- Dieng has now scored at least 11 points in seven of his last nine games, capped off by 38 combined points in his last 47 minutes in back-to-back games against Cairns.

“Whether it’s as a Nicolas Batum type, Kyle Anderson or some leaner version of Boris Diaw, there’s a clear pathway and role for Dieng in the NBA. 

“Dieng has persevered through a brutal start to the season, all while playing zero true home games with the New Zealand borders still closed due to the pandemic. 

“Expect to hear his name a lot more between now and draft night, as he’s the type of tantalizing talent that tends to rise in the pre-draft process.”

Aside from the Breakers’ French players, Melbourne United’s Ariel Hukporti (No.71) and the Wildcats’ Luke Travers (No.95) were the other NBL Next Stars to receive rankings in the latest mock draft. 

Travers scored 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the Wildcats’ 89-80 win over the Breakers at RAC Arena.

Dieng had 11 points and three assists, while Besson chalked up 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds.

Scouts from the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers were courtside at the game.