Mouhamed Dioubate is expected to improve as a player at Kentucky by his former Alabama colleagues.

When Mouhamed Dioubate announced his decision to transfer from Alabama to Kentucky, it didn’t take long for buzz to surround his name. The sophomore forward, known for his high motor, relentless rebounding, and defensive intensity, left Tuscaloosa with untapped potential—and the full confidence of his former teammates. As he prepares to don the Kentucky blue, those who’ve shared the locker room with him believe the SEC hasn’t seen the best of Dioubate yet.

“I’m telling you, Mo’s just getting started,” said Alabama center Nick Pringle. “People didn’t get to see the full package last year, but Kentucky’s gonna unlock that.”

Now, in Lexington, the 6-foot-7 Dioubate is poised to be more than a glue guy. With Kentucky undergoing its own roster changes under new head coach Mark Pope, Dioubate’s role is likely to expand dramatically—something his former Alabama colleagues think he’s more than ready for.

As a freshman at Alabama, Dioubate’s numbers didn’t leap off the page—4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in just under 14 minutes—but his presence was always felt. He brought energy off the bench, dove for loose balls, and guarded multiple positions. For a Crimson Tide team loaded with offensive firepower, Dioubate carved out a niche as a defensive disruptor and rebounder.

Former Alabama guard Rylan Griffen remembers it well. “Mo made our practices hell sometimes,” Griffen recalled. “He guards you 94 feet, crashes the boards, talks on defense, and never lets up. That kind of player makes a difference, even when it doesn’t show up on the box score.”

Kentucky is banking on that same intangibility, but with more minutes, more touches, and a defined role in Pope’s high-octane system.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Dioubate developed his game in one of basketball’s most competitive breeding grounds. A product of Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, he was a top-100 recruit known for his toughness and versatility. He chose Alabama over Kansas State, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest, drawn to Nate Oats’ fast-paced offense and the chance to contribute immediately.

While his freshman season had its ups and downs, Alabama coaches consistently praised his attitude and work ethic.

“Mo never complained once,” said a former Crimson Tide staffer. “He just worked. Whether it was getting extra shots, film sessions, or defending our best guy in practice, he took every challenge head-on.”

That mental fortitude didn’t go unnoticed. And while the minutes were limited due to Alabama’s deep rotation, insiders within the program believe Dioubate was one of the most improved players by season’s end.

Kentucky’s coaching change—John Calipari’s departure and Pope’s arrival—has shaken the program to its core. But for players like Dioubate, it presents a golden opportunity. Pope’s system, built around pace, spacing, and defensive flexibility, could be the perfect environment for Dioubate to grow.

Former Alabama guard Aaron Estrada, who’s close with Dioubate, says the system will suit his game more than outsiders might expect.

“People don’t realize how good Mo can be with the ball in his hands,” Estrada said. “He’s not just a hustle guy. He can face up, take you off the dribble, and make plays. I think Pope will use him in ways Bama couldn’t because of the depth.”

Dioubate also has the benefit of being battle-tested. In the SEC, he’s already faced future NBA talent and played in big games, including

Beyond his on-court skills, Dioubate brings something equally valuable to Lexington: leadership. Even as a freshman, he commanded respect in Alabama’s locker room with his voice and demeanor.

“He’s one of those guys who brings people together,” said Alabama assistant coach Preston Murphy. “He’s vocal, he’s positive, and he holds himself accountable. I think he’ll be a culture guy for Kentucky.”

With Kentucky losing several veterans to the NBA and the transfer portal, Dioubate’s maturity will be vital in helping younger players adjust. Though still early in his college career, he’s been through the fire—he knows what elite preparation and focus look like.

That’s one reason why Kentucky fans—and coaches—should be excited about what he brings off the court as much as on it.

What might surprise most fans is that Dioubate has legitimate offensive upside. In high school and AAU ball, he regularly scored 15–20 points with a mix of mid-range jumpers, transition dunks, and straight-line drives. Alabama’s offensive scheme didn’t provide many touches for a player in his role, but Kentucky could be a different story.

“He’s got more wiggle than people realize,” said a former AAU coach. “He’s not a shooter yet, but he’s working on it. Once the jumper comes, he’s going to be a matchup problem.”

Dioubate reportedly spent much of the offseason refining his shot mechanics and ball-handling. According to a source close to him, he’s aiming to become more of a two-way threat in Kentucky’s offense.

“He wants to be a complete player,” the source said. “Defense will always be his calling card, but don’t be shocked if he starts averaging double digits.”

With Dioubate’s transfer, Kentucky not only gains a player—it also snags a rising talent from a direct conference rival. SEC coaches are well aware of his potential and the edge he brings. One assistant from a fellow SEC team described the move as “underrated, but significant.”

“He’s the type of guy you hate to play against,” the assistant said. “High motor, gets in your space, just relentless. If Kentucky gives him a real role, he’ll be a headache.”

That kind of reputation doesn’t form overnight. It’s built through tough practices, defensive assignments, and hustle plays that don’t show up on highlight reels. For Dioubate, it’s part of his DNA—and it’s one of the reasons his former Alabama teammates have no doubt he’ll thrive in Lexington.

For many players, transferring can feel like a setback. For Dioubate, it feels like a step forward. The foundation laid in Tuscaloosa has set the stage for something bigger. Kentucky’s system, combined with a wider opportunity, might finally reveal the player many believe he’s destined to become.

“He’s going to surprise a lot of people,” said Pringle. “You watch—by midseason, people are gonna be like, ‘How did we miss this guy?’”

With the spotlight of Rupp Arena and the expectations that come with wearing a Kentucky uniform, Dioubate will have his chance to prove it. His former teammates won’t be surprised when he does.

“He’s earned it,” Griffen said. “No one works harder, no one brings more energy. He deserves the shine that’s coming his way.”

Mouhamed Dioubate’s move from Alabama to Kentucky may not have grabbed national headlines, but for those who know him, it’s the beginning of something special. With experience, grit, and a work ethic that commands respect, Dioubate is ready to take the next step—and maybe even steal the spotlight in the process.