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Mo Dioubate on being able to be paid in college: 'It's obviously a blessing'

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh07/02/25griffin_mcveigh
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Mo Dioubate during a Kentucky Basketball summer workout - Photo by Eddie Justice, UK Athletics

Mo Dioubate was seemingly a benefactor in the modern world of college basketball recruiting. Entering the NCAA transfer portal after a successful season at Alabama, Dioubate landed at Kentucky. And with how much Mark Pope is spending on this year’s roster, a nice paycheck is likely heading Dioubate’s way.

This is not something he takes for granted either. In a question ask to Dioubate about players potentially discussing how much they earn, he first admitted getting paid is “a blessing.” He then dove into the actual answer, admitting those conversations do occur. However, at least in Lexington, one thing is on everybody’s mind.

“It’s obviously a blessing to get paid in college now,” Dioubate said. “Players weren’t able to get paid before my time but now, obviously, you’re going to have those conversations with some of your friends and stuff about those things. We remember the main purpose of what we’re doing it for. We’re doing it to win. Those conversations come up but we all have a goal in mind and that’s what we talk about more than anything.”

Dioubate sports an On3 NIL Valuation of $627,000 after spending three seasons in college basketball. His roster value is just a little shorter, coming in at $606,000. No word on where Dioubate stacks up against his Kentucky teammates but while at Alabama, only Derrion Reid was higher in either category. Reid is no longer in Tuscaloosa and will soon go up against Dioubate as a member of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Winning is where Dioubate’s mind currently stands, though. He got a little taste of what success looks like during his two seasons at Alabama. Nate Oats guided the program to a Final Four and Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons. Dioubate played a role on both teams, more so the Elite Eight one.

Kentucky is coming off a year where NCAA Tournament success was found as well. For the first time in a while, the Wildcats advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. Expectations, at least the ones set preseason, were passed by Pope. UK is now looking for something even more, proven by the transfer portal class brought in.

The money is going to be there, especially at a program like Kentucky. Conversations happen in the locker room but based on Dioubate, everyone has the same goal. Finding a way to win games once the season starts and ultimately, cut down the nets in Indianapolis.