Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan in latest NBA mock drafts
Michigan basketball had a star-studded 2021 class which was headlined by two five-star freshmen: Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate. When Juwan Howard signed them, it propelled the Wolverines to have the third-ranked class according to 247Sports composite.
Both saw just one season in Ann Arbor before they decided to forgo their three remaining seasons of eligibility to enter into the 2022 NBA draft — which is Thursday, June 23.
After their first year with the Wolverines, Houstan averaged 10 points-per-game, four rebounds-per-game, and shot 35% from 3. The big man, Diabate, averaged nine points-per-game, six rebounds-per-game, and shot 54% from the field.
After going thru the draft process, and talking with scouts, family, friends, and coaches they felt they were ready for the NBA draft. Depending on the sites you visit, or people you may listen to, everyone has their own opinion on if the former Wolverines are ready to make the jump after just one collegiate season.
Here are a few sites that have their final predictions out on where Houstan and Diabate will go — or if they will go at all.
List
Ranking the Big Ten head football coaches
ESPN
Jonathan Givony with ESPN.com has a two-round mock draft available. He has Houstan going in the second round, but there is no Diabate to be seen.
38. Spurs (via Lakers)
Caleb Houstan | Michigan | SF | Age: 19.4
The Athletic
Sam Vecenie with The Athletic has a two-round mock draft available. He sees Houstan fitting with the OKC Thunder in round two, but he doesn’t have Diabate being selected
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Caleb Houstan | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | Michigan
The Rookie Wire
Cody Taylor with The Rookie Wire has a full two-round mock draft available. Taylor sees Houstan going in the first round to the Rockets and he doesn’t have Diabate being selected in either round.
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-8
Weight: 205
Year: Freshman
Position: G
The Rockets acquired this pick from the Mavericks last week in the trade for Christian Wood. They are said to be interested in packaging this pick to potentially move up, but if they are unable to do so, they could take Houstan here. As a former five-star recruit, he possesses the physical tools and ideal skills to succeed. He is projected to be a first-round pick, as a result. The Rockets could take a chance here with the additional pick on a player and he fits the bill.
Yahoo Sports
Krysten Peek with Yahoo Sports has a two-round mock draft available with commentary on each pick. She sees Houstan going in the first round, and she has Diabate going late in the second.
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 205 pounds | Class: Freshman | Michigan: 10.5 ppg, 4 rpg
Houston has a ton of NBA upside and is a lights-out shooter, even if it wasn’t put on full display during his one year at Michigan. Teams in the first round love his size and the way he can shoot over the defense with ease. He’s not as athletic as other players his size but is far from a defensive liability.
Diabate was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and didn’t get many minutes to showcase his talent during his one year at Michigan. He’s an athletic big who runs the floor well and can be productive after a couple of years of development at the NBA level.
Sports Illustrated
Jeremy Woo with SI has a two-round mock out and he has Houstan going early second round, while he doesn’t have Diabate being picked.
32. Magic: Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan | Fr.
For The Win
Bryan Kalbrosky with For The Win has a two-round mock available and he has one Michigan player being selected — Caleb Houstan in the second round.
33. Toronto Raptors: Caleb Houstan (Michigan Wolverines: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)
