Mo Dioubate labels Kentucky 'dream school,' reveals similarities between UK, Alabama

Mo Dioubate never received an offer from Kentucky during his high school recruitment. Growing up in the same hometown as former UK star Hamidou Diallo, Dioubate dreamed of following in his footsteps and one day and playing inside Rupp Arena.

Playing his first two college basketball seasons at Alabama, Dioubate was given the opportunity to play on the Wildcats’ home court on two separate occasions. Both occasions brought him back to watching Diallo throw down monster jams at the rim with teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Knox, Nick Richards and Jarred Vanderbilt during the 2017-18 season.

“Watching him and how much he was worshiped where I’m from, it just made me like Kentucky even more,” Dioubate told BBN Tonight’s Maggie Davis during a sit-down interview. “It made me love Kentucky even more.”

Diallo totaled two seasons at Kentucky, his first (joined mid-season, redshirted) saw him join the same roster as De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo. John Calipari’s 2016 roster was what really kick-started Dioubate’s love for the program.

“A lot of people don’t know that Kentucky was my dream school. To wear the jersey now and to play with it — it’s the best thing that could have probably happened to me so far in my life,” Dioubate said. “I always tell guys, don’t ever think you can’t achieve a goal or something. I even doubted myself a lot. I didn’t think I would ever play here coming out of high school with the schools I was offered and stuff, where I was projected. I just can’t wait to put on the jersey and to play in front of the fans.”

He has two years of eligibility to play for the Wildcats. Coming from Nate Oats’ system down in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide transfer is excited to continue to play for another analytically-minded head coach in Mark Pope.

“We both play fast,” he said. The difference? The 6 foot 7 forward revealed that he’s planning on improving his 3-point shooting volume under Pope. He’s averaged less than one 3-point attempt per game throughout his college career.

Despite being In Lexington for the last couple of weeks, Dioubate said that he’s still getting used to rocking Kentucky blue. For the last two years, he’s been wearing crimson. His former high school team, Putnam Science Academy in Queens, New York, was red. He’s still getting used to the change of scenery.

All of head coach Mark Pope’s roster is on-hand in Lexington for summer workouts. One instance where Dioubate found some time to put up some shots in the gym by himself, the realization that he was in Lexington set in.

“Damn, I’m really here,” he said. “Like, it really happened.”

Dioubate receives constant affirmations by his friends and family, reinforcing his belief that he belongs at Kentucky. Still, Dioubate can’t help but feel like it’s all still a dream. Like he’s still a kid watching the Wildcats on television back in Queens.

Perhaps the greatest affirmation Dioubate could have been given came from Mark Pope himself. From constant FaceTime calls (Pope isn’t a phone call or text person), or to his in-person visit during his transfer portal recruiting process.

“When I was in New York, he paid a visit to me and my family. If you know where I live in New York, you know it’s not the best neighborhood. He was able to come with his family, very comfortable,” Dioubate said. “He just showed you how much he’s got love for his players and and I really respect that from him.”

Now, Dioubate is in Lexington and ready to work. With two seasons in the SEC, as well as a Final Four under his belt during his time with the Crimson Tide, he left a parting message to Big Blue Nation.

“I’m looking forward to the season, and I can’t wait. The guys, we can’t wait just as much as you all can’t wait, and we gonna have a good time,” he said. “Let’s do it, man. Number nine on the way.”