Sagaba Konate Makes Final Decision On NBA

Sagaba Konate has made up his mind and will return to the West Virginia Mountaineers for the 2018-2019 season. Konate flirted with the NBA draft, even being invited to the NBA Combine to workout for scouts. In the end, Konate chose to return to the Mountaineers for at least one more season.

During the 2017-2018 season, Konate made major strides. As a freshman, Konate averaged 4 points and 1 block per game but as a sophomore, Konate more than doubled his points total to 10.4 points per game and quadrupled his blocked shots. Konate’s block became instant viral sensations when ESPN showed them over and over game following a game on Big Monday.

As an NBA prospect, Konate received word that he may be better suited for the 2019 NBA Draft rather than the upcoming.

He clearly can block shots at the NBA level, he clearly can rebound at the NBA level, and he can play with energy at the NBA level — and his offense is clearly getting better,” the scout said. “But the NBA is moving away from guys like him. The Danny Fortson types, the undersized tough guys, they’re like a man without a country because the game has gotten so much faster and there’s so much 3-point shooting and guarding pick-and-rolls.