Pro Insight recently caught up with Vazoumana “Zoom” Diallo, a highly sought after guard from Curtis High School (WA). Diallo is one of the hottest names in high school basketball as of late, fresh off a great showing at the Section 7 event in Arizona. The 2024 guard is in the top-50 in 247Sports player rankings, and we’d expect him to continue his ascent thanks to his all-around game, winning mentality and high-level physical tools.
In this interview, Zoom talks about who he is as a player, and as a person. He also talked about his goals for the future and the latest with his recruitment.
For the next installment of “Recruiting Roundup,” we present 2024 prospect Zoom Diallo, from Tacoma, Washington:
Pro Insight: For those who don’t know or haven't watched your first interview with us, can you catch us up on your backstory before we dive into your recruitment?
Zoom Diallo: My parents were born and raised in West Africa — Ivory Coast. My parents ended up moving to Georgia for a better life and better opportunity, and that’s where I was born. I have two older brothers that grew up there, and we stayed there till I was 1. Then we moved to Washington and we’ve been in Washington ever since. I’ve always loved basketball. Since second grade, I’ve stuck with my same trainer, PJ Price, and I’ve been at it everyday, and I thank God, I’m blessed to be where I’m at right now.
PI: Your brothers played, right?
ZD: Yeah, my oldest brother played in high school but didn’t play in college. My middle brother went to two JUCOs, then ended up going NAIA. He just graduated and he was a three-time NAIA All-American at Montana Tech University.
PI: Would you say your brother is your biggest inspiration on the court?
ZD: Yeah, I look up to him, most definitely. He’s always someone I look up to, giving me pointers and stuff. We always workout together, he’s a big influence in my life when it comes to basketball.
PI: For those who aren’t familiar with your game, how would you describe it?
ZD: I’m a paint touch point guard. I’m real aggressive with my size, I like to get downhill a lot, and I do whatever it takes to win. I like to find my teammates, scoring, rebounding, whatever it takes to win.
PI: What are you looking for in a college program, both on and off the court?
ZD: On the court, I’m looking for somewhere that fits my playstyle and somewhere that I’m comfortable with the coaching staff. Off the court, somewhere that I’m comfortable, because I’ll be away from home and away from my family.
PI: What schools have you been hearing from since the contact period began? Anyone more than others?
ZD: I’ve been hearing from quite a few. Just to keep it short, I’ve heard from Gonzaga, USC, Arizona, UCLA, Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Utah, Colorado. There’s plenty more but that's just off the top of my head.
PI: Is there anyone sticking out more than others right now?
ZD: Right now, Gonzaga, UCLA, and Arizona are the three that are really interested in me, so they’re sticking out.
PI: Any schools you’d like to hear from that haven’t reached out yet?
ZD: Any blue bloods: Kentucky, Duke, Kansas…I would love to hear from any of them.
PI: We already talked about you as a player, so what will you bring to a college program as a person?
ZD: I’m an enjoyable person — I’m a fun, talkative, outgoing person. On the court, I bring a winning mentality and leadership. My role as a point guard is to be a leader, and I’ll always play hard and leave it all out on the floor.
PI: What is your dream NIL deal?
ZD: You know my name is Zoom, so hopefully I can get one with Zoom [the online meeting app]. Or I have a couple favorite food spots, it doesn’t matter which, but I wish I could get my own menu or specialty item somewhere, call it the ‘Zoom meal.’
PI: What’re your biggest goals finishing out the summer and heading into the high school season?
ZD: Continue winning, and making the statement that I can be one of the top players in the country. Also, I want to continue to get better and rack up offers so my parents don’t have to pay for college.
PI: What's the best advice you've ever received?
ZD: “Keep the main thing the main thing.”
PI: Can you elaborate on that a little bit?
ZD: In this world, there’s always gonna be distractions, there’s always going to be stuff that can take you off task from your main focus. If I keep the main thing the main thing, I’m always focused and always dialed in.
PI: At the end of the day what do you want to be remembered for?
ZD: I want to be remembered as a great player and a great person. Someone that kids can look up to — not only as a player, but as a person.
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