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.
Barring any unforeseen events we have at minimum 9 players on the roster next season. Maybe even 10 or 11 depending on Yurt7 and Henderson. I am impressed with Keatts making a couple of late signings. Based on Keatts’ high tempo offense we will need all the bodies we can get. Would like to see us rotate 9-10 players in and out. Keep everyone breathless and happy.
Is it Huggins or Keatts at State?
Has this site shutdown? There’s been several recent events. Like Mav leaving for pro, and Baylor grad xfer picking State.
They have gone on break just like Congress.
Looks like we lost Mav Rowan.
Easy come, easy go.
According to ESPN, Batts rated 96 and Allen was not rated in top 100. Harris was rated 99.
So it looks good based on the numbers. He seems to have good athleticism and quickness. Also looked really smooth. With Keatt’s pressing defense, I imagine we will need at least 2 quick and athletic guards and it looks like we may have that now.
That’s good news. How does this kid compare to Thomas Allen?