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I was only Able to catch part of the game. Obviously the competition was weak. Diarra looked good. Dan Hoard Said that everyone in the program is cheering for him.

I did not Hear more of what Dan was saying. Was his comment based on he’s a hard worker or because he’s a big-time talent? Anyone know. I may email Dan.

Any chance he starts to get more Playing time this year? If he could develop by the end of the year he could be a huge help in the tournament.

On the TV broadcast they were saying he's so well liked because he's got a phenomenal attitude. And he's got outstanding potential, only thing holding him back is strength. If he develops his strength hes going to be a big time player.

I heard a phrase on the radio that caught me by surprise as I did not expect to hear it.

"A skywalking Mamadou Diarra"

He still seems lost, I know we have had trouble with African/foreign players in the past because of the language barrier, but Inhave no idea if that is the case here. I am guessing we may see a little more of him next year but some pretty good minutes by his Junior year. He seems like a really good, happy dude which is always nice to have.

(12-23-2018 09:04 AM)jarr Wrote:  He still seems lost, I know we have had trouble with African/foreign players in the past because of the language barrier, but Inhave no idea if that is the case here. I am guessing we may see a little more of him next year but some pretty good minutes by his Junior year. He seems like a really good, happy dude which is always nice to have.

Good news is that he doesn’t have to be ready until he redshirt junior.

(12-23-2018 09:04 AM)jarr Wrote:  He still seems lost, I know we have had trouble with African/foreign players in the past because of the language barrier, but Inhave no idea if that is the case here. I am guessing we may see a little more of him next year but some pretty good minutes by his Junior year. He seems like a really good, happy dude which is always nice to have.

Here is a tweet from Mamoudou:

Mamoudou Diarra
‏ @mamoudou_d11
Dec 5

Mamoudou Diarra Retweeted JOKUNLE

Be careful with people that label you after a mistake, label you your circumstances and also if someone is hurting you then you keep hanging around that person that mean something is wrong with you!!


Mamoudou Diarra has been a Bearcat since September 2017. He speaks French and English and Bambara with a possibility of Fulani.
‏His country, Mali, is Africa's third largest producer of gold. Consider Maoudou to be a huge nugget of gold. All he needs is a little time.

He'll be great for the Bearcats. This year's team seems to have a great chemistry together.

So is the expectation he will blossom ala Kenyon Martin, in the last 2 years?

Martin Points 2.8 9.9 10.1 18.9
Rebounds 3.4 8.9 6.9 9.7

In two years, with Nsoseme, Diarra, Johnson, Hardnett, Gilliam, Moore, Williams and Curtis will be the year of the Bearcat final four run......

(12-23-2018 09:04 AM)jarr Wrote:  He still seems lost, I know we have had trouble with African/foreign players in the past because of the language barrier, but Inhave no idea if that is the case here. I am guessing we may see a little more of him next year but some pretty good minutes by his Junior year. He seems like a really good, happy dude which is always nice to have.

I doubt it's less of a language issue(except for maybe sports specific terminology), as most of the African players speak many more languages than their American counterparts. More of an issue of not playing much organized basketball, and not having the benefit of much if any coaching.

He played well. Actually surprised he didn't get more minutes in the second half.

(12-23-2018 12:06 PM)Romell Shorter Wrote:  He played well. Actually surprised he didn't get more minutes in the second half.

It looked like they actually let him play some at the 4 yesterday.

(12-23-2018 12:15 PM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  

(12-23-2018 12:06 PM)Romell Shorter Wrote:  He played well. Actually surprised he didn't get more minutes in the second half.

It looked like they actually let him play some at the 4 yesterday.

I know SC St was small (and sucked), but I liked the lineup when Mick went big with Brooks and Diarra.

He can absolutely jump out of the gymn. Jump shot is not too bad and he’s decent passing the ball. I would agree his strength is holding him back but he’s fun to watch out there.

Just curious, but does anyone know why there are ao many Mamadou Diarras that play Basketball? Or is it just a coincidence? I know there was one for UConn a few years ago and I believe there were a few others that may have played in the Pac12 recently.

(12-23-2018 03:54 PM)jarr Wrote:  Just curious, but does anyone know why there are ao many Mamadou Diarras that play Basketball? Or is it just a coincidence? I know there was one for UConn a few years ago and I believe there were a few others that may have played in the Pac12 recently.

His first name means "worthy of praise", it's a variation of Muhammad - "The praised one"; as many people are named after Muhammad, not surprising. Diarra is a common name for boys and girls in places that were under French colonial rule, and looking at Mali's Wikipedia page... they were once part of French Sudan. So, makes sense. probably a pretty typical "John Smith" sort of name for that region. Diarra means "gift" btw.