Kentucky has secured a commitment from former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, who announced his transfer to the Wildcats on Monday evening. The sophomore entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 4 and quickly became a sought-after target due to his efficiency, physicality, and proven performance in SEC play.

Productive Sophomore Season at Alabama

Dioubate played a key role off the bench for Alabama during the 2023-24 season, appearing in all 37 games. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 16.0 minutes per game. His impact was amplified by his shooting efficiency 61.7% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range, albeit on a limited number of attempts (12-of-26).

His most notable outing came in a win over Vanderbilt, where he posted 22 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-9 shooting. Against Kentucky, the program he now joins, Dioubate averaged 8.3 points and 7.0 rebounds across three meetings, each resulting in a win for Alabama.

Known for Effort and Energy

While not always a focal point of Alabama’s offense, Dioubate earned praise for his consistency, motor, and commitment on the defensive end. He was a regular recipient of Alabama’s “Hard Hat” award, given to the player with the most blue-collar points each game, and was regarded by head coach Nate Oats as a key culture-setter.

“He’s all about getting stops,” Oats said earlier this year. “He exemplifies the kind of effort we value in this program.”

Statistically, Dioubate was one of the most productive rebounders per minute in the country, recording over 110 rebounds in fewer than 310 minutes earlier in the season, a mark unmatched by any other Division I player at the time.

Fit and Outlook at Kentucky

For Kentucky, Dioubate offers experience, physical defense, and interior rebounding areas of focus as the program retools its roster. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he represents a low-risk, high-upside addition who could either anchor a bench unit or push for a larger role depending on team needs.

Dioubate will remain in the SEC and is expected to face Alabama again during conference play next season, adding a compelling layer to what could be a pivotal year in his college career.