Mouhamed Dioubate isn’t the first name that comes to mind when it comes to the players who brought the Alabama Crimson Tide to March Madness. The freshman came into the program with the expectation that he would start off the bench, and his numbers reflected that fact.
However, he’s become a vital contributor to Bama during March Madness. The power forward was given minutes in a bid to turn the tide (pun intended) in their favor, and he took his chance.
Now one of the most exciting storylines in this year’s March Madness tournament, his coach didn’t hold back when it came to praising his efforts on and off the court.
Mouhamed Dioubate gets praise for March Madness heroics for the Alabama Crimson Tide
Dioubate wasn’t supposed to become such a vital piece for the Crimson Tide early on. While he entered the program as a four-star recruit, his 6’7″ frame is too small compared to most conventional power forwards.
He didn’t get plenty of playing time during much of the 2023-24 campaign. He got an average of eight minutes a game through his first 30 games in Bama, averaging 3.2 points and 2.5 rebounds.
However, he suddenly got a spike in playing time after the tournament started. He got 18 minutes against College of Charleston, ending the game with six points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
He improved his play against Grand Canyon. While he only played for 12 minutes, he made three of his six shot attempts to finish the second-round 61-72 victory with nine points. He completed his performance with five boards and two rejections, showcasing his defensive prowess that far outvalues his short frame.
Nate Oats couldn’t help but praise his player’s play and determination to contribute to the Alabama Crimson Tide, per AL.com’s Nick Alvarez:
“(Dioubate) been a tough player all year. He’s struggled sometimes on offense to grab some of the concepts and he even said it happened in high school,” Oats said. ” It took him a little while to get familiar with the system and he ended up being NEPSAC (regional high school) Player of the Year, which is a really good league.
“I mean, he literally has the greatest attitude. … Doesn’t play a ton as a freshman, some games he doesn’t play at all, and never had one second of any kind of poor attitude. He’s just been an unbelievable kid all year. So super happy he came in and won this game for us.”
With the way Mouhamed Dioubate has been playing this tournament, it wouldn’t be strange to see him become a more integral piece of Oats’ team next season. Until then, he and his team are taking it one game at a time, hoping to keep their magical run going against the UNC Tar Heels.
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