Moussa Diabate dishes on extra work with Juwan Howard
Michigan freshman forward Moussa Diabate continues to make progress during his debut season. He has emerged as one of the Wolverines’ critical pieces and his growth down the stretch may help determine the team’s postseason fate.
Sitting at 11-8 heading into a showdown with Purdue on Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX), the Michigan frosh shared his development mindset with the season progressing.
RELATED: Wolverine TV: Phil Martelli, Moussa Diabate preview Michigan basketball’s test at Purdue
“Trying to stick to the basics and stay locked in,” Diabate said. “That is the most important thing I feel, especially in games when I have been in foul trouble. [I am focusing on] not trying to do too much.”
Heading into another tough road environment, staying locked in is the message for Michigan’s entire team. It hopes it can use the lessons applied from other showdown road games this season.
“I will say that we just stay locked in the whole game and not just one half as long as you can,” he said. “Obviously, do it for two halves and not just one. That is the main thing for these big games. Also, what I have learned is that I am excited every single time we play on the road. It is a great opportunity to prove yourself every time and I am always excited.”
Michigan’s development plan for Diabate
Diabate came to Michigan as a five-star prospect that oozes potential. His skill-set makes him a player that could be an NBA lottery pick in time, but it is still a work in progress.
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Diabate’s work with head coach Juwan Howard is what he hopes will push him over the top.
“I’ve been working with [him] and watching some film with him,” he said. “He helped me work on my hook and trying to stay as consistent as I can on my hook shots. Everything around the basket, also my moves too. I am a little bit quicker than other bigs that are in front of me. So it gives me an advantage when I face up. Just working on a little bit of everything. Trying to be as refined as much of an all-around player as I can.”
Diabate is also labeled a workout warrior by his teammates and someone they have trouble keeping out of the gym. He was not ready to divulge any of his plans, but feels he has struck the balance between work and giving himself time off.
“It depends. I’m not trying to give too much of my secret, but I’ve been in there. I’ve been doing my own things. I believe that sometimes you have to understand how to relax. You have got to find when the right time is to work and what to work on. I get my time in there though.”
Diabate has played in 18 games this season for Michigan, averaging nine points, 6.3 rebounds in just under 27 minutes player per night.
