Mouhamed Dioubate, a 6-foot-7 forward from Queens, New York, has announced his commitment to transfer from the University of Alabama to the University of Kentucky for the 2025-26 basketball season. Entering his junior year, Dioubate brings two years of eligibility to the Wildcats.Dioubate began his collegiate career at Alabama, where he appeared in 33 games as a freshman during the 2023-24 season, averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. His sophomore year saw significant improvement; he played in 34 games, averaging 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 62.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%. Known for his versatility, Dioubate effectively plays both the small forward and power forward positions. His defensive prowess and high-energy play have been standout aspects of his game. Notably, during the 2024-25 season, he led Alabama in “Hard Hat” awards—a recognition given by the coaching staff for hustle plays such as deflections, steals, and blocks—earning the honor seven times. Dioubate’s journey to Alabama began after a successful high school career at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, where he won a National Prep Championship. As a four-star prospect, he was ranked as the No. 18 power forward in the country by 247 Sports. His commitment to Alabama over offers from Maryland, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest was influenced by the player development program and the opportunity to emulate former Alabama standout Herbert Jones. The decision to transfer to Kentucky comes at a time when the Wildcats are actively reshaping their roster under head coach Mark Pope. Following a 24-12 record and a Sweet 16 appearance, Kentucky has secured commitments from high-profile recruits such as five-star Jasper Johnson and four-star prospects Malachi Moreno and Acaden Lewis. Additionally, transfers Kam Williams from Tulane and Jaland Lowe from Pittsburgh have joined the team. Dioubate’s addition is expected to bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt depth and provide valuable experience.While Dioubate’s offensive statistics have shown steady improvement, his impact extends beyond scoring. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his rebounding skills and defensive tenacity, make him a valuable asset. In a pivotal Round of 32 game against Grand Canyon, Dioubate scored nine of Alabama’s final 15 points, demonstrating his capability to perform under pressure. As Dioubate transitions to Kentucky, he aims to further develop his perimeter shooting and overall offensive game. His commitment to continuous improvement aligns with Kentucky’s focus on player development, making this partnership promising for both parties.In summary, Mouhamed Dioubate’s transfer to the University of Kentucky represents a strategic move for the Wildcats as they enhance their roster for the upcoming season. His defensive skills, versatility, and experience are anticipated to contribute significantly to Kentucky’s pursuit of success in the highly competitive landscape of college Basketball.
