The journeys are so similar, they are eerie.

Two years at a local, under-the-radar high school. Enrollment at the same Connecticut prep school. Joining a high-profile AAU program. And, voila, exploding onto the national scene.

It happened for Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo, who enjoyed a solid rookie season in Oklahoma City, and it’s happening now for Hassan Diarra.

“It just goes to show guys like us can make it out of here,” Diarra said, referring to the Corona, Queens, neighborhood from which both he and Diallo hail. “To see him do it, it gives us confidence.”

Diallo left for Putnam (Conn.) Science Academy after two years at John Bowne High School in Queens and blossomed there into a five-star recruit. He attended Kentucky and was drafted in the second round last year.

The 6-foot-2 Diarra, who transferred from Holy Cross High School in Flushing, is on a similar trajectory. His recruitment has taken off while playing with Putnam Science and the PSA Cardinals on the AAU circuit. He has played his way into the national rankings as a consensus four-star, top-75 point guard entering his post-grad year.

“He just tells me to keep working,” Diarra, taking part in the CP3 Elite Guard Camp in North Carolina this weekend, said of Diallo. “Always work, don’t get complacent, don’t get a big head, don’t get cocky. And it will pay off.”

According to those close to him, that doesn’t sound like a problem. Mentor Rob Diaz said when you speak to Diarra, it’s like you’re talking to an adult because of how honest and genuine he is. It’s why he had no reservations sending him away for high school — he knew Diarra could handle it, just as his brother, Mamadou Diarra, and Diallo, who was mentored by Diaz as well, did.

Putnam Science coach Tom Espinosa was immediately impressed by Diarra’s work habits and poise. He never had to worry about him staying up late playing video games or eating fatty foods. Even his first year, when he turned the ball over more than the coach would’ve liked, it never fazed Diarra. He simply would steal the ball back.

“I’ve never had anyone like this,” Espinosa said. “This kid had not had one bad practice in two years. He’s so mentally tough. He’s such a smart kid. Every game, every practiced, every film session, every day, he’s just ready to go. Pros do that.

“He’s the face of our program. We want every kid to be like Hassan.”

He didn’t become a major recruit overnight, of course. He came off the bench his first year at Putnam Science. The change really came over the past year as he transitioned into being a point guard, a change suggested by PSA Cardinals director Terrance “Munch” Williams. Diarra had always played off the ball.

“It’s almost like that fresh start got to him where he could expand his game and helped his confidence,” said Diaz, a New York City detective and local AAU coach. “This kid has gotten so much better each and every season.”

For now, Diarra’s recruitment is open. He recently took an unofficial visit to St. John’s and said he has spoken to head coach Mike Anderson and assistant Van Macon a lot. Otherwise, he’s hearing the most from Georgia, Maryland, Iowa State, BYU and California. He’s planning to cut his list down in August and begin taking visits after that.

“He’s one tough dude,” said one Division I head coach familiar with Diarra. “Relentless on the defensive end and getting better on the offensive end.”

Diarra is happy to see how far he has come, and yet believes he can go much further. One thing is clear: He will have plenty of options. Just as Diallo did.