Mouhamed Dioubate’s journey from a childhood dream to becoming a **Kentucky Wildcat** is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for basketball. The talented forward, who hails from **Queens, New York**, has long envisioned playing at the highest level, and his commitment to **Kentucky for the 2025-26 season** marks the realization of that dream.
### **A Dream That Started in Queens**
Born on **December 13, 2003**, Dioubate grew up in a community known for producing elite athletes. His basketball journey began at **Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut**, where he quickly established himself as a standout player. Rated as a **four-star recruit in the 2023 class**, he ranked **99th overall**, catching the attention of college scouts across the country [A](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/who-mouhamed-dioubate-alabama-transfer-commits-kentucky-basketball/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWW9vOEdjNHU2d1E1eWVpdkZCOGF0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV0d29yay5jb21cL21lbnMtY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC93aG8tbW91aGFtZWQtZGlvdWJhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS10cmFuc2Zlci1jb21taXRzLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Dioubate initially committed to **Alabama**, where he played for two seasons. During his freshman year, he averaged **2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game**, but his sophomore season saw significant improvement, with **7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game** [A](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/who-mouhamed-dioubate-alabama-transfer-commits-kentucky-basketball/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWW9vOEdjNHU2d1E1eWVpdkZCOGF0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV0d29yay5jb21cL21lbnMtY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC93aG8tbW91aGFtZWQtZGlvdWJhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS10cmFuc2Zlci1jb21taXRzLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Despite his growth, he sought a program where he could play a more prominent role, leading him to enter the **transfer portal**.
### **The Decision to Join Kentucky**
After Alabama’s **NCAA Championship loss to Duke**, Dioubate made the bold decision to transfer, seeking **better playtime and opportunities to showcase his skills** [A](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/who-mouhamed-dioubate-alabama-transfer-commits-kentucky-basketball/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWW9vOEdjNHU2d1E1eWVpdkZCOGF0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV0d29yay5jb21cL21lbnMtY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC93aG8tbW91aGFtZWQtZGlvdWJhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS10cmFuc2Zlci1jb21taXRzLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His move to Kentucky was driven by his desire to contribute meaningfully to a team with championship aspirations.
Kentucky’s **head coach Mark Pope** saw immense potential in Dioubate, recognizing his **versatility, physicality, and ability to fit into the Wildcats’ fast-paced system** [A](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/who-mouhamed-dioubate-alabama-transfer-commits-kentucky-basketball/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWW9vOEdjNHU2d1E1eWVpdkZCOGF0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV0d29yay5jb21cL21lbnMtY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC93aG8tbW91aGFtZWQtZGlvdWJhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS10cmFuc2Zlci1jb21taXRzLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). At **6’7” and 215 pounds**, Dioubate brings a unique combination of size, speed, and skill that makes him a valuable asset.
### **What Dioubate Brings to Kentucky**
Dioubate’s **field goal shooting of 61.7% and accuracy of 46.2%** make him a strong offensive option [A](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/who-mouhamed-dioubate-alabama-transfer-commits-kentucky-basketball/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWW9vOEdjNHU2d1E1eWVpdkZCOGF0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV0d29yay5jb21cL21lbnMtY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC93aG8tbW91aGFtZWQtZGlvdWJhdGUtYWxhYmFtYS10cmFuc2Zlci1jb21taXRzLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to **defend multiple positions, rebound effectively, and finish at the rim** will be crucial for Kentucky’s success in the upcoming season.
Beyond his physical attributes, Dioubate’s **work ethic and determination** set him apart. His commitment to improving his game and embracing the challenges of playing in a competitive conference will be key to his development.
### **Looking Ahead**
As Dioubate prepares to **wear the Kentucky jersey**, expectations are high. Wildcats fans are eager to see how he integrates into the team and contributes to their **SEC and NCAA Tournament ambitions**. His journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Queens to a **Kentucky Wildcat** is a story of resilience and ambition.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Dioubate has the opportunity to **leave a lasting impact on Kentucky basketball**. His dream has become reality, and now, he’s ready to shine for **Big Blue Nation**.
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