Even with a few months before tip-off to the 2024-25 season, the grind continues for South Kent Prep Basketball. Kelvin Odih and Badara Diakite, two players on the Prep Basketball team, were invited to play at the 22nd Pangos All-American Camp at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV.
From June 2-4, South Kent standouts Odih and Diakite were invited to showcase their basketball prowess with the rest of the nation’s top 120 high school recruits. The Pangos All-American Camp serves as a premium training camp and stage for stars like Odih and Diakite to showcase their skills and talent in front of national scouts, media and video outlets to help make their dreams a reality. Student-athletes compete in games, receive individual instruction and workouts, participate in roundtable discussions with scouts and former players, and, for those who are selected, play in “Cream of the Crop” All-Star games.
178 NBA draft picks have made their mark at the Pangos All-American Camp, including current NBA stars such as Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, and more. Pangos Mission is to bring together high school players from across the country to develop on and off the court with the help of top-notch coaches and facilities. These student-athletes are given the opportunity to play in front of national media & scouts to increase exposure for college scholarships, national rankings, and NBA professional opportunities, regardless of grade or shoe circuit.
Badara Diakite averaged over 10 points and nearly 5 rebounds per game for the Cardinals last winter. Despite being sidelined early on, the Mali native was pivotal down the stretch. His long wingspan and versatile skill set have helped him be a top-scoring threat from various spots on the court. He is also one of the best two-way forwards in the entire country, suffocating players on the defensive end with his athleticism and relentless work ethic.
On a team made up of All-NEPSAC talent, Kelvin Odih cannot be missed and is one of the youngest rostered players. Odih had a breakout season for South Kent, scoring on average 13.5 points per game and collecting an impressive 7 rebounds per game as a guard, 3 of which were on the offensive end. Odih has a motor unlike any player in his class, out-hustling and outworking everyone he plays against, making him a coach’s dream. Not only that, he is a merciless guard when finishing around the rim, and his jump shot continues to develop at an elite rate.
This year’s camp included two days of coaches evaluating players through 4 rounds of 5-on-5 games and individual workouts, helping them add more tools to their already potent arsenal. Odih and Diakite were paired on the same team during the 5-on-5 games, winning the camp championship. Another highlight from this year was a visit from ESPN analyst and former college coach Fran Fraschilla, as he spent time instructing the players on Day 2 during the skills workouts. For the scout and former pro Q/A session and roundtable discussions, prospects were able to build relationships with the basketball savants they have looked up to throughout their young careers.
On Day 3 of the camp, two “Cream of the Crop” All-Star games (Top 30 and Top 60) were hosted by Bishop Gorman. The “Cream of the Crop” games were open to the public, giving fans a chance to observe the next wave of superstars on the NBA circuit. Diakite’s performance at the camp earned him a spot on the “Cream of the Crop” Top 30 roster. He was a steady contributor to the Top 30 Red team, leading them to a 114-106 win over the Top 30 Blue Team.
Odih also turned heads throughout his time in Las Vegas, solidifying himself in the Top 60 game. Odih’s athleticism, grit, and high IQ was on full display as he won the prestigious Top 60 game MVP Award. Odih’s performance in Las Vegas has raised his stock even more, which will surely excite the coaches of his next two official visits: Houston and SMU.
With a strong recruiting class coming into South Kent this fall, look for Diakite and Odih to lead the charge to the Cardinals’ second NEPSAC Tournament title in three years. Their untapped potential and hunger to improve will make them one of the best tandems in New England this winter. To follow the journeys of South Kent Basketball players like Diakite and Odih, visit the Prep Basketball page on the South Kent School website.
