Having carved a niche for himself as a deft passing 6-foot-9,
232-pound forward who can knock down outside shots with consistency, Boca
Raton’s David Didenko enhanced his Division-I
profile considerably this month.
Didenko rapidly evolved from a relatively unheard of,
unproven low-mid major prospect to solidifying himself as a high major. The
quick ascension hit a crescendo last week, as the Palm Beach State (FL)
freshman committed to Georgia Tech. A full qualifier, Didenko will have three
years of remaining eligibility.
Georgia Tech assistant coach Eric Reveno was a primary figure in recruiting Didenko. He
recruited him at the HoopExchange All-America Jamboree in Apopka, Fla. and then
recently saw him during HoopMIA’s JUCO Cookout at St. Thomas University. Didenko’s
all around game and jack of all trades identity were noteworthy throughout the
latter event.
The heady combination forward facilitated offense and
finished above the rim and proved he could score it in a variety of ways.
He possesses all of the necessary attributes of a mobile and multi-positional forward. His well-built frame, outside shooting, ability to create off the dribble and finish, and dependable on-ball defensive tactics check a considerable share of the boxes.
A feathery
baby hook and fade-away have also been incorporated as part of Didenko’s wide
ranging arsenal. Didenko’s natural confidence with the ball in his hands opens
up the court while simultaneously posing a matchup threat.
Relegated to the role of spectator during his final season of
high school basketball, Didenko said he never grew irate during what would
appear to be a long and agonizing sabbatical.
Rather than wallowing under the uncertainty of his
eligibility, Didenko approached the off-season with the mindset of a regular
season. The one time point forward out of Yakustik, Russia, Didenko erupted
during Big Shots’ FL Live 1 & 2. He averaged 23 PPG throughout, garnering
notice as an underrated creator.
“With David’s growth, he’s become a very intelligent player
with a real IQ that he’s able to apply,” said Boris Karebin, the European Scout
and player development ace instrumental in Didenko’s emergence.
“He can really, really, really shoot it. He’s skilled enough
to eventually become a pro. I want to see him develop into an NBA player. That
would be a real goal of ours.”