Three years ago, the Golden State Warriors made Diogu their ninth overall pick out of Arizona State only to ship him to the Indiana Pacers in January 2007. Injuries took their toll. So did a lack of playing time. But now settling in with the Portland Trail Blazers, Diogu is out to show he's more than a lottery bust.

"It's definitely frustrating. When you don't get that playing time people start to question your ability to play in this league, especially when you read articles and people say I've underachieved," Diogu told HOOPSWORLD.

"They say I didn't deserve to be a lottery pick and this and that. But I just use it as motivation."

When Diogu was acquired back on draft night as part of the Jerryd Bayless deal between Indiana and Portland, the 6-8 power forward received minimal press and praise. It didn't come as a surprise. Certain stigmas come with bouncing from team to team, even for a guy like Diogu who is only 25-years-old and has shown at times he can be a pivotal player.

Dropping 25 points against Detroit his rookie season and grabbing 13 rebounds – both career highs – with the Pacers last season are proof of that.

"When I have been given the opportunity people have seen what I can do. That's how you stay positive. There are a lot of great players when they first came into the league, they didn't get their chance. But when they get to other teams they show the talent that they have.

"I use that in my mind and just keep going."

In Portland, the door is wide open for Diogu.

When forward Channing Frye underwent surgery last month to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, head coach Nate McMillan knew instantly he could turn to Diogu to take over. While Frye hopes to return for the start of the regular season, Diogu will be part of the second unit during Portland's preseason lending a rugged physical presence the Blazers have sorely missed in recent memory.

"When we made the trade to bring Ike in, I felt he could bring that to this team," McMillan explained.

"He is a true power forward. We've added muscle. You bring in a guy like Ike, and we can be a much more physical team than we have been the last couple of years."

In the past, Diogu – much like Frye now - was the guy to go down.

He was playing well at Golden State until he broke his left hand and was forced to miss 17 games. With the Pacers he tore his left calf muscle after scoring in double-digits his first three games. In each case, the injuries set Diogu back with rehab stints and also on the depth chart, but not with hope. The obstacles only made him stronger.

All Diogu could do then was wait for his opportunity – a shot to showcase his abilities when healthy and the playing time is readily available.

Diogu has both in Portland, along with increased motivation to show he belongs with the Blazers.