NC State Forward Mohamed Diarra will not be returning to NC State for his final season of eligibility. Rather, he will give 100% of his focus to pursuing his professional career.
Diarra is declaring for the NBA Draft, and will explore that possibility as far as it goes, but the likelihood of him playing professionally in his home country of France are high.
Diarra was a significant player for NC State all season long, averaging 6.3 points and 7.8 rebounds (team high), but his impact in March was tremendous, recording 10+ rebounds in 7 of the Wolfpack’s 10 postseason games, and five of those performances were double-doubles.
Wolfpack fans will always remember the grit and mental toughness that Diarra put on display in the NCAA Tournament, playing game-after-game while fasting for Ramadan.
The Wolfpack’s frontcourt just got a little bit thinner. In the past two weeks, NC State has lost Diarra and Ernest Ross. Ben Middlebrooks is returning, and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield transferred in from Louisville. Dontrez Styles transferred in from Georgetown, and while he is more of a Small Forward, in certain lineups, he could play the Small 4 position. With all that being said, I fully expect NC State to try to find another post player in the Transfer Portal with Diarra’s exodus now official.
With Diarra not returning in 2024, NC State now has 2 scholarships available for next season.
Dennis has an uncanny knack for stealing transition passes. Don’t recall anyone with that particular skill. Has unnaturally quick ups.
He plays Defense like a Corner back. He goes very vertical very quickly.
Man I hope the ACC refs don’t call it as tight as the refs tonight. I mean they blew the whistle for every ticky tack little foul.
It’s going to be fun to see who scores more from 3 this season: Terry or Mav?
Torin and Hicks really impressing me right now. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Torin could be the leading scorer this season. I think it’ll be either him or Dennis. I would rather it be Torin and Dennis averaging 10 APG.
Wolfpack starting off much better than last game. A few unforced turnovers but overall good passing. Dennis and Yurt7 picked up early fouls so that is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.