The Aiden Diehl Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)

October 28, 2024

The Aiden Diehl Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)

Name: Aiden Diehl

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-6

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Cumberland Valley (PA)

Graduation Class: 2027

GPA: 4.0

AAU Club: Sideline Cancer MHC

Status: Uncommitted

Recruiting Email: aidd102@icloud.com

THE DOME -- Aiden Diehl is a 6-foot-6 Shooting Guard from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a sophomore at Cumberland Valley High School and played with Sideline Cancer on the Made Hoops Circuit this past summer. In his freshman season, Diehl averaged 6.3 points per game, while adding 45 three pointers, 68 rebounds and 41 assists to help lead the Eagles to their firsts Mid-Penn Conference championship, District 3 6A title and a 25-4 record. Diehl was also named to the 2024 PennLive boys basketball All-Newcomer team and a Mid Penn All-Conference selection in the Commonwealth division.

This feature may seem like an introduction, but Diehl has been known to the RPN for about a year. Viewing some of the young man's old tape, the sophomore has continued to make improvements within his game. Reliable shooter with range, underrated playmaker with the ability to read an offense to even paint presence on defense who sacrifices himself to rebound. In full belief that there's more to Diehl's game than just being known as a sharpshooter, but to even touch upon his character is a highlight within itself.

Diehl is a standup dude through and through. Hearing it from his head coach, David Vespignani, Tzuriel Ogunnaike (RPN 2024) to even outside of the CV community from various parties, the young man is very laid back and full of mannerisms. To even as something that can be overlooked as a eye contact to having a firm handshake when being spoken to, you can tell Diehl was raised right as that can take you a long way. I believe he will be a solid collegiate prospect down the road as long as he continues to grow into himself with his development, while connecting with as many names as he can to improve his stock.

The RPN caught up with the 2027 prospect on life growing up in Mechanicsburg, an update on his prep career and an outlook heading into sophomore year.

Aiden Diehl Interview

Tyreese Smith: "Hello Aiden, glad you were able to make it for this interview. I've watched for quite some time, but felt this was perfect timing for you to come through. Let's get started, though. When did you first start playing basketball?"

Aiden Diehl: "Hi Tyreese, thank you for having me. Basketball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. The first time I played organized basketball was when I was five years old. Since then, I have always had a love for the game."

Tyreese Smith: "How would you be able to describe your game from the skill standpoint?"

Aiden Diehl: "I would describe myself as an unselfish, team-first player. I enjoy using my basketball IQ, court-vision, and ball-handling ability to create open shots for my teammates. I like to move off the ball to put myself in open spots for catch and shoot opportunities. My long, lanky frame not only allows me to get my shot off from the outside, but to also score on the interior."

Tyreese Smith: "How was life growing up in Mechanicsburg?"

Aiden Diehl: "My experiences growing up in Mechanicsburg have been as good as one could ask for. I cannot thank all those involved with my education so far at Cumberland Valley enough. Throughout my school years, all of the administrators, staff, and students I have interacted with have been great. As a whole, the district provides a comfortable, friendly environment for all. The high school sports scene within the Mid-Penn Conference is great year in and year out. Especially with crosstown rivalries and competitive matchups. It creates an awesome experience for high school athletes in Central PA that many students love to be involved in."

Tyreese Smith: "How was your freshman season?"

Aiden Diehl: "My freshman season at CV was great, to say the least. As a team, we were a little bit on the inexperienced side. We felt that we were not the most talented group, but could compete with anybody if we relied on our chemistry and effort throughout the season. Our ability to play together as a team on both sides of the ball was a huge key to our success. As we won the first district championship in school history back in March. The bond we formed as a team allowed us to hold each other accountable as we pushed towards our goals. Personally, I am proud of the season I was able to put together. I am very thankful for all my teammates and coaches supporting me and showing their confidence in me in my first varsity season."

Tyreese Smith: "You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?"

Aidan Diehl: "This offseason my main focus has been improving in the weight room. The biggest difference I noticed going from the freshman team to playing varsity was the strength of the players on the court. It makes it really hard to compete at the level you expect yourself to if you cannot physically hold your own. For skill development, I work with Unleashed Potential in Carlisle. I am very thankful for everything Coach Jordan and Joe (Stasyszyn), Coach Alexa Barbush, and Coach Matt Harmon have done for me over the past few years. Unleashed is a great place for players to get quality reps within game-like actions. They do an amazing job of explaining the details of drills and their direct connection to game action."

Tyreese Smith: "Joining a program in Sideline Cancer this offseason, it's more than just hoops at the end of the day. From your experience, how was the 2024 season in your first go around in the grassroots scene?"

Aiden Diehl: "Overall, I had a very positive experience in my first AAU season. Sideline Cancer was a great opportunity for me, as I got to team up with some very talented local players. We got the chance to compete at a high level on the MADE Hoops Circuit, including several matchups against shoe sponsored teams. I felt this AAU season gave me the challenge that I needed. The style of play is much more fast-paced, up-tempo, and aggressive than school ball. I would like to thank Coach Trevor (Orr) and Coach Jared (Young) for their constant support and encouragement throughout the spring and summer season. No matter the result, they were always extremely positive during games and practices. Pushing all of us to work as hard as we could. I am thankful for the opportunities Sideline Cancer gave me this past AAU season."

Tyreese Smith: "Who would you say is your favorite player?"

Aiden Diehl: "I have always been a big Steph Curry fan. His shot making ability is always incredible to watch. He moves so well off the ball, and is creative in getting himself and teammates open shots. He has never been the tallest, most athletic, or strongest player, but the work he put in has gotten him to where he is today."

Tyreese Smith: "Who would you consider your role models?"

Aiden Diehl: "I would say my parents and my brother. They are the individuals, whom I have been around the most in my life. The three of them have had a huge influence on making me the person that I am today. They will continue to impact who I am as a person for the rest of my life."

Tyreese Smith: "What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?"

Aiden Diehl: "I believe the entire mental side of sports is a huge challenge for athletes at all levels, but especially in high school. It can be extremely difficult to stay confident in both yourself, and your teammates when things are not going your way. An athlete’s performance can be negatively impacted if their mind is not where it needs to be."

Tyreese Smith: "Never too early to give it a thought, but it’s important for recruits to have an idea about college basketball. What do you ideally look for in a school?"

Aiden Diehl: "With aspirations of playing college basketball, I would look for a school that has a play style I can succeed in, a bond within the team, and great academic programs. The two parts I find the most important are the relationships with teammates and coaches, as well as getting a good education. I believe playing in an environment where you are comfortable around everyone involved is a huge key to success."

Tyreese Smith: "Tip off is nearing close, but what's the outlook heading into the season?"

Aiden Diehl: "As a team we expect to build on the success we had last year and make a run in both the district and state playoffs. We want to focus on playing with lots of energy and effort every game. Our goal is to get better every single day in practice, so we can play our best basketball towards the end of the season. Individually, I am looking to become more aggressive on both sides of the ball and show a few different parts of my game."

Tyreese Smith: "Thank you Aiden for taking the time to talk to me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?"

Aiden Diehl: "Thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. One of the only things you will always be in control of is your effort. If you put in the effort to work as hard as you can, then you will continue to get closer and closer to achieving your goals."