Mo Dioubate thinks the good times are coming at Kentucky this season. (Chet White/UK Athletics Photo)
The one defender who gave Kentucky’s Otega Oweh fits last season was Mo Dioubate of Alabama.
Of course, it wasn’t just Oweh that he tormented. He gave numerous SEC players fits, one reason Kentucky coach Mark Pope immediately targeted Dioubate when he entered the transfer portal after averaging 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 16 minutes per game last season when he had six double-doubles and led the Tide in rebounding in 10 games
Pope has noted that Dioubate can be a “bully” in practice and that attitude/physicality is exactly what Pope wanted to bolster UK’s defense this season.
“I think we have all the intangibles to be a great defensive team,” Dioubate said at UK’s Media day. “We have the length, the strength, the athleticism. I don’t see why we can’t do it. Everyone’s trying to play defense.”
Pope knows Dioubate can play defense but also knows he can help on the offensive end.
“Mo is unique, okay? I can’t do one word, because he’s got all these sides. He’s got the motivation side. He’s got the Mo-D for Kentucky side. He’s got the dog side,” Pope said. “He’s got the incredible, humble, faithful, devoted side.
“I can be a little emotional about Mo. He’s got the side where he’s going to protect his teammates at all costs no matter whatever. This Mo Dioubate is special.”
Alabama went to the Final Four his freshman season and Elite Eight last season. Dioubate believes his experience will pay off this season at Kentucky in a big way.
“I played on one of the best teams in the SEC. I know the intensity level. I know what it takes to be a great team in this conference. I have experience which gives me an advantage to flourish in this game.”
It also gives him the perspective to gauge UK’s potential this season.
“We’ve got a lot of young talent on the team. We’ve got talent at different positions from one through five. I think that’s what separates this team from any other team I’ve been on,” he said.
