“We Take Pride in Defense”: Mo Dioubate Sees Grit, Not Gaps, on Kentucky’s Roster
Kentucky fans already know what Mo Dioubate brings to the table. The former Alabama forward gave Big Blue Nation a first-hand preview last season when he held Otega Oweh to just two points on 1-of-9 shooting, snapping the Wildcat star’s 26-game streak of double-digit scoring. Now, Dioubate is a Wildcat himself and he’s embracing the chance to lead a defensive renaissance in Lexington.
“Man, I think it’s probably going to be one of the best defensive teams Kentucky has seen in a while,” Dioubate told reporters on Monday. “We’ve got guys like [Jayden Quaintance], who hasn’t even played yet… that’s scary. Guys like me, Otega [Oweh], Denzel [Aberdeen], we take pride in defense. I feel like it’s going to be a real good year defensively for us.”
Defense was Kentucky’s Achilles’ heel last season. Now, under Mark Pope, the roster is brimming with tough, gritty, physical defenders, and Dioubate is at the center of it all. At Alabama, his intensity, rebounding, and willingness to do the dirty work helped the Tide sweep all three matchups against Kentucky.
“Going into this game, I knew that was something they lacked,” Dioubate admitted. “We applied pressure every time we could. And now, I’m happy I’m able to bring that to this team.”
Dioubate isn’t the only one optimistic. Denzel Aberdeen, another SEC transfer and a national champion from Florida, saw Dioubate up close last year and says Kentucky fans should expect fireworks.
“Mo’s going to be a great player for this team,” Aberdeen said. “He always goes hard every possession, every practice. He doesn’t back down from anybody. He’s strong, he’s physical, and he’s a great friend and teammate.”
Aberdeen also shared praise for freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance, recalling how the Arizona State transfer blocked his shot and stuffed the stat sheet in a Holiday Hoopsgiving game last season. With Quaintance, Dioubate, and Oweh leading the way, Aberdeen sees a defensive unit capable of being the nation’s best.
“We’ve got the size, the length, and the athleticism,” Aberdeen said. “Jayden blocked me last year, and Mo gave us problems, too. This defense is going to be something serious.”
Aberdeen, having played a major role on Florida’s title team, said Kentucky’s current roster shares many of the same qualities particularly in the frontcourt.
“Bigs love to run here. They’re athletic, they defend, they play fast. I see a real shot at banner No. 9. We’re gonna shock a lot of people this year.”
Dioubate’s Journey: From NYC Grit to Bluegrass Greatness?
Last year at Alabama, Dioubate averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in just 16 minutes per game. His efficiency was elite shooting 61.7% from the field and 46.2% from three, though he only attempted 26 threes. In Lexington, he’s looking to unlock his full offensive potential.
“I think the best part of my game was rebounding and playing defense,” Dioubate said. “But with more minutes, I think I can be a better shooter and playmaker this year.”
He’ll have the chance to do that under Pope, who’s shown a willingness to let players handle the ball at any position. Dioubate said Pope views him as a “point forward”, praising his versatility and toughness.
“He knows what I can do. He called me a point forward. He sees me as someone who can play point guard or forward, offense or defense. He loves a dog and I’m that.”
Grit Built in Queens
Dioubate says his physicality comes from growing up in Queens, New York, where streetball legends are born. He learned to scrap and survive against bigger, older players a mindset that still drives him today.
“In NYC, you don’t want to be the guy getting exposed,” he said. “I played older guys every day. My older brother was physical. That’s just the environment I grew up in.”
That fire, that hunger, and that toughness are what Dioubate brings to Kentucky. And if his early words and history are any indication, he’s ready to help the Wildcats lock down opponents and make a deep run in March.
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