Running down the list of his future Kentucky basketball teammates and what he knew about them, a wide grin appeared on Brandon Garrison’s face as soon as Mouhamed Dioubate’s name was mentioned. Garrison — the Wildcats’ returning post player, listed at 6-10 and 250 pounds — was known for occasionally rubbing opponents the wrong way last season with his rough play. There were even some testy moments in UK’s practices, with Garrison’s hard screens knocking teammates off their path, leading to emotions running high. But, on the whole, Mark Pope’s first UK team was more finesse than physical, something the Kentucky head coach clearly wanted to address heading into year two and something Garrison welcomed for the 2025-26 season. Garrison said that — after this past season was finished — Pope let him know that there would be more size and strength in the Kentucky frontcourt moving forward. Rather than be scared away by the incoming competition, Garrison relished the thought of more guys like him. And no newcomer illustrates Pope’s plan to beef up the UK basketball roster more than Dioubate. “He’s very physical,” Garrison said, that smile getting wider. The two players should know each other well by this point. Kentucky played Alabama three times last season. The Crimson Tide won all three games, becoming just the third team in college basketball history to beat the Cats that many times in one season. One contributing factor to the clean sweep was abundantly clear to anyone who watched: The Tide often imposed their will on the Cats, who were physically overmatched throughout those three losses, including a 99-70 beatdown in the SEC Tournament. Dioubate — listed at 6-7 and 215 pounds with a game that plays much larger — was a big reason for that. In a series of interviews with the Herald-Leader from the NBA Combine in Chicago, his most-celebrated Alabama teammates expressed surprise with the SEC switch, but they all think Dioubate will be a big-time player for the Wildcats moving forward. “We beat ’em three times. So I don’t know (about) the decision that was made up there,” said Bama guard Labaron Philon, with a grin that turned more serious as he looked ahead to his old teammate’s future. “But I’m really happy for Mo — just to see the position he was able to get put in there. And I feel like he’s going to do really good. There’s no doubt in my mind.”
Nelson, the team’s starting power forward and frequent practice partner of Dioubate over the previous two seasons, was the best person to discuss the topic. He doesn’t let up on the glass. Nelson remarked, “It feels like no one I’ve ever played against.” You guys have a wonderful player, I must say, who will put in a lot of effort on the pitch. He won some of our most important games this year by himself. I believe he had — I don’t even know — seven O-boards when we played Houston in Vegas. Something wild. Additionally, he always seems to be finding his way to the offensive glass when he enters the game. Nelson’s embellishment of the first number demonstrates how influential Dioubate’s presence can be in crucial games. Dioubate had 16 rebounds overall in that November victory over eventual national runner-up Houston, including five offensive rebounds. This past season, Pope made no secret of his desire for more successful offensive rebounding, and his 3-point-heavy style relies heavily on his ability to reach the glass for second opportunities. Last season, UK’s offensive rebounding rate was 13th in the SEC. In terms of individual offensive rebounding rate, Dioubate was among the top 100 players in the country. Additionally, he should be able to adjust to Pope’s scheme rather easily after spending two seasons playing for Alabama under Nate Oats. Nelson remarked, “I think he’ll be good there.” “I am aware that their offensive scheme is somewhat akin to Alabama’s. They are comparable when playing them; they aim to get a shot off as fast as possible before smashing the attacking glass, obviously with a lot of force. Therefore, I believe it will be a useful system for him. I mean, I believe he will be fine wherever he goes. Additionally, Nelson and the other Crimson Tide players anticipate seeing more of Dioubate’s repertoire. They’ve actually already witnessed it in practice, and they’re sure that more opportunities at Kentucky will result in fresh wrinkles in real games. In just 16.0 minutes a game during the previous season, Dioubate averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.9 steals. In addition, he made 46.2% of his 3-point shots, although only made 26 of them. He currently seems to be a strong contender to start for Pope in the upcoming campaign. With another offseason to develop and, most likely, more playing time at Kentucky, Dioubate might have a breakout in the near future. He is a cunning athlete. Nelson said, “He can get up.” Additionally, he had skill that he didn’t get much opportunity to showcase at Alabama. However, I believe he will continue to demonstrate his abilities and how his body is improving as he begins to break out of his shell. On anyone, he can reach the rim. “He’s incredible,” Philon continued. Sears, who oversaw the program during Dioubate’s two college seasons, concurred. “He has more game. He claimed to have more game than what he displayed at Alabama. Therefore, I wouldn’t be shocked if he came down, handled the ball, smacked them with a move, and made it to the cup the next year. He has some handle for his stature and is a very physically strong driver. Additionally, it appears like Pope has discovered another positive culture that aligns with his idea of what Kentucky basketball should be, away from the bright lights of game day. He is an excellent team player. This last season, Philon, a freshman, said, “He’s really funny.” “I believe he brings out the best in men.” He is fiercely competitive. He is incredibly powerful. He enjoys playing basketball a lot. Although Dioubate only played 15 minutes overall during Alabama’s final three NCAA Tournament games two seasons ago, Sears noted that he didn’t get to play much towards the finish of the team’s march to the Final Four. Despite this, there was no indication that he was pouting despite the team’s triumph. Sears remarked, “He’s a great teammate.” He wasn’t playing much throughout our run to the Final Four, but he still exuded a lot of intensity. And he always put in a lot of effort when he got his chance. He is a canine. He reminds me of Dennis Rodman. A talented Dennis Rodman. Perhaps the best rebounder in basketball history is Rodman. Sears, who is no longer eligible to attend college, said he has been in contact with Dioubate since the decision was made and assured him that he would be supporting Kentucky “when they’re not playing Bama” for as long as he is there, even though he was as shocked as anyone else that his teammate would leave a program that advanced to the Final Four the previous year and the Elite Eight this past season.
