Keita Bates-Diop
A versatile forward who transformed from a college star into a respected coach, guiding the next generation of basketball talent.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 23·Millennials
Biography
Keita Bates-Diop's journey in basketball is a story of quiet evolution. At Ohio State, the lanky forward blossomed into a dominant force, his game defined by a smooth shooting touch and defensive intelligence that made him a matchup nightmare. His college peak led him to the NBA, where he carved out a role as a dependable, two-way player for several teams, valued for his professionalism and adaptability. Rather than chasing a prolonged playing career at all costs, he made a deliberate pivot to coaching while his on-court insights were still fresh. Now, as an assistant with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, he applies his analytical mind and recent playing experience to develop young athletes, bridging the gap between the G League and the NBA with a practical, player-centric approach.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Keita was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Keita Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Keita's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American in 2018 while at Ohio State.
- Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round (48th overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft.
- Played in the NBA for five different franchises over six seasons, including the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.
Did You Know?
He was a standout high school player in Illinois, winning a state championship with University High School in 2013.
His full name is Keita Bates-Diop, with his hyphenated surname representing his family's Sierra Leonean heritage.
He earned his degree in consumer and family financial services from Ohio State University.
“You have to be ready when your number is called, because you never know when that chance will come.”
