Sports
Kentucky Wildcats Secure Commitment from Alabama’s Mouhamed Dioubate

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Wildcats have strengthened their roster with the commitment of Mouhamed Dioubate, a forward from Alabama, as they prepare for the 2025-26 basketball season. After a successful run, marked by a Sweet 16 exit in the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky aims to rebuild and enhance their lineup. Dioubate, a former 4-star recruit, boasts a blend of size and skill that could fill key gaps left by departing players.
At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Dioubate brings two years of eligibility. During the 2024-25 season at Alabama, he averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 61.7% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range. His performance has garnered attention, especially after pivotal matchups, including games against Kentucky where he showcased his rebounding and defensive capabilities.
“I’m excited to join a program with such a rich history and support,” Dioubate said in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to Kentucky’s success on and off the court.”
Kentucky has seen a roster influx, already securing transfers Kam Williams from Tulane and Jaland Lowe from Pittsburgh. The Wildcats ended the previous season with a 24-12 record and have high hopes for the upcoming season under Mark Pope‘s leadership.
Dioubate’s addition could provide crucial depth for the Wildcats, especially on the perimeter where they seek to bolster their frontcourt. His average of 0.3 made three-pointers per game indicates potential for improvement in that area, making him a versatile asset.
In response to his commitment, the Wildcats have shown optimism for a successful transition for Dioubate. Coaches are confident that his experience and existing rapport with Alabama’s former players will ease his integration into the team’s dynamics.
According to sources, Kentucky’s coaching staff met with Dioubate over Zoom last weekend and expressed their enthusiasm about his fit within the current roster setup. The Wildcats are also keen on tapping into his experience within the Southeastern Conference, which could provide strategic advantages in future games.
With the transfer portal actively shaping college basketball landscapes, Kentucky continues to recruit top talent to remain competitive. The Wildcats are focused on building a balanced and resilient roster capable of making deep postseason runs.
The decision by Dioubate comes at a pivotal time for both his career and Kentucky’s aspirations. If he maintains his trajectory of improvement, he could emerge as a key contributor in Lexington.