Photo courtesy of ESPN

After setting the UofL single season blocked shots record as a sophomore, it should come as no surprise that analysts around the nation are singing the defensive praises of Gorgui Dieng. With unlimited potential and a unique skillset (that spans both ends of the court), the Cards have one of the best center prospects in the nation and a likely future NBA first rounder. ESPN college basketball writer Myron Metcalf is in the midst of writing some position pieces highlighting some of the nations best, and today he focuses on the best shot blockers of 2012-2013. Dieng checks in at #2 behind former Louisville commit and current Kansas Jayhawk, Jeff Withey. Here’s the excerpt and you can read the piece in its entirety right here.

2. Gorgui Dieng (Louisville): Withey and Anthony Davis dominated the headlines in March. But Dieng (3.2 blocks per game), a 6-foot-11 sophomore from Senegal, was a very talented shot-blocker, too. He offered a sneak preview in New Orleans by blocking four shots in the national semifinals against Kentucky. Next season, however, he’ll be a star for a top-5 program.