Kentucky has landed a commitment from former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, who announced his transfer to the Wildcats on Monday evening. The sophomore joined the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 4 and instantly became a sought-after target owing to his efficiency, physicality, and proven performance in SEC competition.
Dioubate played a significant role off the bench for Alabama during the 2023-24 season, appearing in all 37 games. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 16.0 minutes per game. His influence was heightened by his shooting efficiency of 61.7% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range, although on a restricted amount of attempts (12-of-26). His most famous performance came in a victory over Vanderbilt, when he scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on 8-of-9 shooting.
Known for Effort and Energy
While Dioubate was not always a focal element of Alabama’s attack, he was praised for his consistency, speed, and dedication on defense. He was a regular recipient of Alabama’s “Hard Hat” award, which goes to the player with the most blue-collar points each game, and head coach Nate Oats saw him as a crucial culture-setter.
“He’s all about getting stops,” Oats remarked earlier this year. “He exemplifies the kind of effort we value in this program.”
Statistically, Dioubate was one of the most productive rebounders per minute in the country earlier in the season, recording over 110 rebounds in less than 310 minutes, a feat unmatched by any other Division I player.
Fit and Outlook at Kentucky
Dioubate contributes experience, physical defense, and inside rebounding to Kentucky’s roster retooling efforts. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he is a low-risk, high-reward recruit who could either anchor a bench unit or compete for a greater role based on club needs.
Dioubate will remain in the SEC and is slated to meet Alabama again during conference play next season, adding an intriguing aspect to what could be a watershed moment in his college career.
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