Looking back on our notes from the various fall events that we attended, Mamadi Diakite was a name that we just couldn't ignore. The bouncy forward from Dyke (VA) Blue Ridge School caught our attention at the South Central Challenge. He was easily the top performing big man at the camp.

As word starts to spread about the class of 2016 big man, it wouldn't come as a big surprise to see his name climb up the national recruiting ranks and his recruitment grow into a national battle amongst the blue bloods.

High-energy, terrific footwork, an undeniable motor and a knack for rebounding, Diakite is sclupting out his raw ability into a legitimate elite level prospect. The 6-foot-9 forward is at his best in the paint but proved himself as a face-up option on offense. Defensively, he challenged all comers with physicality and great competition.  

"Every day my confidence grows," Diakite told HoopSeen.com. "I just like playing with my teammates."

Just three and a half years into playing basketball, the native of Guinea said he relies on his soccer background on the hardwood. From a footwork perspective, there aren't many guys that can work the floor like he showed this fall.

There is interest, no doubt, from some major players. He said he has offers from the likes of Texas A&M, Virginia, Maryland and Loyola-Maryland while Louisville, Kentucky, Florida, Southern Cal and Georgetown have shown interest.

Truth be told, Diakite doesn't know much about the landscape of college basketball. The difference between Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky are minimal in his eyes. There's no rush to his process either.

"I'm not 18 years old yet so it is not up to me," Diakite said. "It is up to my parents. They will come to see me in January."

By then, he and his family may need to do a crash course in the who's who. There's a strong chance the race will be officially on by January. Diakite will certainly earn his keep, too.