Former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate wasted little time finding his new home after entering the Transfer Portal over the weekend.
In his second season with the Crimson Tide, Dioubate took a major step forward with his offensive game and was one of Alabama's most important players. He led the team in BPM and was the best and most versatile defender on the roster.
Now, Dioubate will be taking his talents to Lexington and joining a Kentucky team desperate for defensive improvement in Mark Pope's second season on the job:
BREAKING: Alabama transfer forward Mouhamed Dioubate has committed to Kentucky, he told @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 7, 2025
The 6-7 sophomore averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season. https://t.co/sKkDPsA0U5 pic.twitter.com/larFgfSM53
Dioubate averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore. His three-point shooting improved greatly year-over-year. After hitting just one three as a freshman, Dioubate hit 12-of-26 (46%) this past season.
Kentucky runs a similar up-tempo, free-wheeling style as Alabama, so Dioubate will be used to that. The 'Cats needed an injection of toughness, effort, and defensive versatility, and Dioubate will provide that. Kentucky finished 51st in defensive rating in 2024-25, per KenPom.
Losing Dioubate was already a blow for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide. Seeing him transfer to an SEC rival makes it that much worse.
Where things stand for Alabama in the Transfer Portal
Dioubate is the first of Alabama's two transfers out to announce a destination. Redshirt freshman Naas Cunningham has yet to find a landing spot.
Alabama's roster is currently full following Sunday's commitment from Miami (FL) guard Jalil Bethea. He joined Florida State's Taylor Bol Bowen and Bucknell's Noah Williamson in the Crimson Tide's current Transfer Portal class.
Alabama is still actively recruiting others as they await decisions from three players. Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell, Houston Mallette, and Aiden Sherrell have all announced that they would be returning to Tuscaloosa for next season, leaving decisions from Labaron Philon, Jarin Stevenson, and Derrion Reid remaining for Oats and company.
Philon is weighing an NBA Draft decision while the other two could ultimately choose to enter the Transfer Portal in search of increased roles.