Mouhamed Dioubate averaged only 16 minutes per game on Alabama’s deep, talented roster last season but he made a big impression on Kentucky coach Mark Pope with his play against the Wildcats.
“He punished us. I don’t like to say it but he punished us three straight games this season. It was not a happy time for us,” Pope told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein on a podcast.
However, it was a “happy time” for Pope and Kentucky when Dioubate announced he was transferring to Kentucky.
In the SEC Tournament win over UK, Dioubate played 22 minutes and had 13 points and eight rebounds. The power forward had four points and five rebounds in only 14 minutes in Alabama’s home win over UK and in the first game at Rupp Arena he had eight points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes.
“He shot the ball at a ridiculous clip on low volume,” Pope said. “He was a 43 percent 3-point shooter on low volume. But where he was most dangerous, clearly he’s an elite level defender 1 through 5, very much a (NBA player) Draymond Green feel defensively.”
As a pick and roll ball handler, Pope said Dioubate’s ability was “terrifying” to compete against.
“He is a guy who can really stir the drink for us. The way we invert the game when we have our bigs carrying such a load as decision makers on offense, he is tailor made for what we do,” Pope said. “He’s got these big shoulders and just rams through your chest. His physicality is elite on both the offensive and defensive side. He’s a gamer.”
Kentucky didn’t have anyone like that last season, especially taking a physical lead on defense. He did have foul trouble problems but could afford that due to Alabama’s depth. He fouled out of four games and had four fouls in six other games.
Dioubate hit 64.7 percent from 2-point range as a sophomore after making 53.8 percent as a freshman. Pope likes the way he can overpower smaller defenders going to the rim and Pope is convinced he can make him a more versatile player and even better decision maker.
