'Special' Dioubate Brings Experience to Kentucky Roster
When looking for players in the transfer portal, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope found several players who will play key roles for the Cats this season. Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate should have a significant impact on this year’s UK team on both ends of the floor.
Speaking at media day on Monday, Pope sang the Dioubate’s praises, both on and off the court.
“Mo Dioubate, just — Mo is unique, okay? I can’t do one word, because he’s got all these sides,” Pope said. “He’s got the motivation side. He’s got the Mo-D for Kentucky side. He’s got the dog side. He’s got the incredible, humble, faithful, devoted side. He’s got — I can be a little emotional about Mo. He’s got the side where he’s going to protect his teammates at all costs no matter whatever, whatever, whatever. This Mo Dioubate is special.
Playing for the Crimson Tide last season, Dioubate averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in just an average of 16 minutes per contest. He had six double-doubles and led the Tide in rebounding in 10 games. Dioubate believes that having previous experience playing in the Southeastern Conference will pay dividends for him at UK this season.
“I played on one of the best teams in the SEC,” he said. “I know the intensity level. I know what it takes to be a great team in this conference. So, I think I have that experience already, which gives me an advantage to flourish in this game.”
Having seen SEC teams for the past couple of seasons, Dioubate believes that this year’s Kentucky team has the potential to be among the best he has seen.
“It’s very high. Like, it’s got to be top two, maybe number one,” Dioubate said. “We’ve got a lot of young talent on the team, especially. We’ve got talent at different positions from one through five. I think that’s what separates this team from any other team I’ve been on.”
Dioubate has seen the Cats on defense and thinks that this UK team could be very good on that end of the floor.
“I think we have all the intangibles to be a great defensive team,” Dioubate said. “We have the length, the strength, the athleticism. I don’t see why we can’t do it. Everyone’s trying to play defense.”
Dioubate figures to be an important part of Kentucky’s potential run to a championship.
