Mohamed Diarra is NC State's 'most complete player' coming out of offseason
Mohamed Diarra transferred to NC State from Missouri, picking the Pack as the third stop in his collegiate journey from France to junior college and, later, the SEC.
During a press conference at the program’s Sept. 21 media day, head coach Kevin Keatts interjected with his own question for the forward. He jokingly asked Diarra what team he was on during offseason workouts last week.
When the 6-10 junior acknowledged that he was on the losing team, everyone shared a laugh and Diarra said the Pack needed to play harder.
He joked about the effort in practice with his coach but, behind the scenes, he has been working tirelessly and building up confidence for this run with the Wolfpack. Diarra did not feel ready for high major basketball during his lone season with Missouri. That is going to change with the Wolfpack.
“Last year, I was not prepared for this level,” Diarra said. “This year, I think I approached it a different way.”
After wrapping up an NCAA Tournament Round of 32 run with the Tigers, he entered the transfer portal and committed to NC State April 24. He averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season and was not satisfied with that campaign.
For that reason, he approached the past few months with a motivation and drive that helped him stand out.
“Honestly, I think the offseason was a second chance of redemption,” Diarra said. “Okay, I didn’t play well last season, that’s cool. I’m going to work. I’m going to be in the gym every day.”
NC State officially starts practice Monday, Sept. 25. The transfer forward has already impressed Keatts. Diarra’s work ethic transformed when he joined the Pack, the head coach said.
The junior put together some successful practices, and the momentum built from there.
“He’s been our most complete player from the summer into now,” Keatts said. “He has been really good.”
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Diarra could play both power forward and center this season. The Wolfpack coach explained the forward’s skill set, saying he can shoot, rebound and handle the ball on the fast break.
“He thinks he’s a point guard,” Keatts said. “I know he’s not, but he thinks he is.”
The first-year member of the Pack said can defend any position, which will help fortify the team on that end of the floor. Diarra broke down his recent performances during offseason workouts
“I think I’m playing good, but I want to be the greatest of all time,” Diarra said. “I want to be the best version of myself every time. Even if I miss a shot, I’m going to be mad, but it is a part of the process.”
When Diarra played for Garden City (KS) Community College, he felt the intensity from every player who was determined to make it to the Division I level. He shared that mentality, which helped him average 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, earning the title of the nation’s top-ranked JUCO recruit.
Two years removed from that experience, he carries the confidence he gained with Garden City into his debut season with the Wolfpack. Diarra has lofty goals for the program ahead of a Nov. 6 tipoff against The Citadel, and he said the competitiveness within the team will help it reach those heights.
“We want to be the best team in the country,” he said. “If you compete in practice, the games are going to be easier.”
