Kentucky Lands Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama, Their Third Transfer Commitment of the Offseason

Kentucky Lands Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama, Their Third Transfer Commitment of the Offseason

Mark Pope and the Kentucky men’s basketball coaching staff have been hard at work this offseason, and their efforts have paid off with the acquisition of Mouhamed Dioubate, a 6’7” junior forward from Queens, New York. Dioubate’s decision to transfer to the University of Kentucky marks the third portal commitment for the Wildcats this spring, and it’s a significant addition to their roster.

A Proven Performer from Alabama

Dioubate arrives in Lexington after spending his first two collegiate seasons playing under head coach Nate Oats at Alabama. The forward was a key contributor for the Crimson Tide, helping them reach the 2024 NCAA Tournament Final Four and the Elite Eight in 2023. In a program renowned for its high-tempo style of play, Dioubate carved out a role as a valuable contributor.

In the 2023-2024 season, Dioubate averaged 16 minutes per game for Alabama, posting impressive numbers: 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His efficiency was one of his standout traits, shooting nearly 62% from the field and an impressive 46% from three-point range. His ability to contribute both inside and on the perimeter makes him a versatile weapon for Coach Pope as Kentucky looks to strengthen its roster.

Kentucky’s Offseason Moves

Dioubate’s commitment comes at a crucial time for Kentucky, who have been active in the transfer portal following the departure of six seniors: Amari Williams, Lamont Butler, Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, and Ansley Almonor. These departures left the Wildcats with significant holes to fill, but with Dioubate joining the program, Kentucky is moving quickly to rebuild their roster.

Along with Dioubate, Kentucky has also added Kam Williams (Tulane) and Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) this offseason. The new faces will bolster the team’s depth and add much-needed experience. If all the players with remaining eligibility choose to return, the Wildcats will likely add just one or two more transfer recruits, potentially targeting a high-scoring wing or another big man to complement Brandon Garrison. With players like Otega Oweh, Collin Chandler, Travis Perry, Trent Noah, and Brandon Garrison already set to join the team next season, the Wildcats’ roster is shaping up to be a competitive one.

Filling Critical Needs

While Kentucky has made great strides in rebuilding their roster, there are still a couple of key areas that need to be addressed. One of those is the need for a consistent shooter who can score at a high rate, similar to the role Koby Brea played last season. A sharpshooter would complement the Wildcats’ emerging talents and spread the floor effectively.

Additionally, a big man would be crucial to provide depth in the frontcourt alongside Garrison. This would allow freshman Malachi Moreno time to develop under more experienced players, ensuring a smooth transition to college basketball. Both of these additions would round out an already impressive group of new Wildcats.

A Strong Addition to Kentucky’s Lineup

Mouhamed Dioubate’s decision to transfer to Kentucky is a major get for Coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats. With his combination of experience, strength, and success in the Southeastern Conference, Dioubate adds a proven player to the roster who can step in and contribute right away. His versatility, both inside and beyond the three-point line, gives Kentucky the kind of depth and flexibility needed to make a run next season.

As Kentucky continues to fill out their roster for the 2025 season, the addition of Dioubate is a sign that the Wildcats are making a serious push to compete at the highest level in college basketball. With a mix of experienced transfers and returning talent, Kentucky is positioning itself for another exciting year of Wildcats basketball.