Kentucky Wildcats Add Former Alabama Forward Mouhamed Dioubate via Transfer Portal
Kentucky has officially welcomed Mouhamed Dioubate, a former forward for Alabama, who announced his transfer to the Wildcats on Monday. The sophomore entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 4, quickly becoming a highly sought-after prospect due to his impressive efficiency, physical style of play, and strong performances in SEC matchups.
Strong Sophomore Season at Alabama
Dioubate played an important role off the bench for Alabama during the 2023-24 season, participating in all 37 games. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game in just 16 minutes of action. His shooting was particularly efficient, with a field goal percentage of 61.7% and a three-point shooting rate of 46.2% (12-of-26 attempts). His best performance came in a victory over Vanderbilt, where he posted 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 8-of-9 from the field. In three games against Kentucky, the team he’s now joining, Dioubate averaged 8.3 points and 7.0 rebounds, with Alabama winning each contest.
Known for Energy and Effort
Although Dioubate wasn’t always the main focus of Alabama’s offense, his contributions on the defensive end and his relentless energy earned him praise. He was consistently recognized with Alabama’s “Hard Hat” award for his work ethic and was a key player in setting the team’s culture. Alabama head coach Nate Oats commended Dioubate for his defensive tenacity, saying, “He’s all about getting stops. He exemplifies the kind of effort we value in this program.” On the boards, Dioubate was one of the most efficient rebounders in the country, collecting over 110 rebounds in less than 310 minutes, a feat unmatched by any other Division I player that season.
Kentucky’s Plans and Expectations
For Kentucky, Dioubate’s arrival adds valuable experience, strong defensive abilities, and rebounding skills to their roster. With two years of eligibility left, Dioubate represents a promising, low-risk option who could either provide depth off the bench or challenge for a larger role depending on team needs. He will remain in the SEC and is likely to face his former team, Alabama, in next season’s conference play, making for an exciting chapter in his collegiate career.
