Sleeper Watch

Many did not know who he was when he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the ninth pick of the draft, but Ike Diogu is ready to prove naysayers wrong. Ike, whose full name is Ikechukwa Somotochukwa Diogu, averaged 21 ppg at Arizona while earning All-America honors as a junior.

Diogu recently showed his skills in NBA action and averaged 18 ppg and 8 rpg in the Vegas summer league, including a 37-point, 12-rebound breakout performance. He is being compared to players such as Elton Brand. Both sport 6-8 stocky 250-pound frames that are ideal for clearing defenders out for offensive rebounds. Be sure to consider him in deeper leagues and in dynasty or keeper formats.

Most importantly, Diogu’s emergence could mean big things for the stock of Troy Murphy who could see time at center this year, possibly giving him the coveted center eligibility. Diogu will bring much needed strength and grit and help Golden State fans ease the pain of Adonal Foyle’s hefty contract.