The transfer portal is heating up, and Kentucky is right in the thick of it. Former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate is officially on the move—and the Wildcats aren’t wasting time.
Sources confirm that Mark Pope has already spoken with Dioubate over Zoom, signaling real interest in bringing the high-energy forward to Lexington. He’s one of the more intriguing names in the portal and quickly drawing national attention.
Dioubate’s Rise at Alabama
Dioubate took a major leap this past season. After a quiet freshman year, he became a legitimate contributor for the Tide, averaging 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting over 61% from the field. Even more impressive? He knocked down 46.2% of his threes in 2024–25—a massive jump from just 9.1% the year before.
That kind of development, especially from a forward with his motor and physicality, has coaches across the country circling. He also had 13 points (5/6), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament.
A Popular Name in the Portal
Ranked as the No. 104 overall transfer and a 4-star portal prospect by 247Sports, Dioubate is hearing from a long list of suitors. Among them:
Kentucky
North Carolina
Villanova
NC State
Oklahoma
Louisville
Michigan
That’s not just a list—it’s a who’s who of high-major college basketball. And according to a KSR tweet, Dioubate is looking to make a quick decision. This isn’t going to drag out for weeks. The staff that makes the best pitch—and the clearest case for playing time—will likely land him.
Why He Fits at Kentucky
Let’s be honest: Kentucky needs another forward. The projected 2025–26 roster is guard-heavy, with solid options at the 1 and 2 in Jaland Lowe, Acaden Lewis, Jasper Johnson, and Travis Perry. There’s potential depth at the 5 with Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno. But at the 3 and 4? That’s where a player like Dioubate becomes essential.
He can rebound, defend multiple positions, and brings SEC experience that would allow him to contribute immediately. He’s not just a hustle guy—his improved shooting makes him a real threat in Mark Pope’s system, which thrives on spacing and movement.
With Trent Noah penciled in at the 4 and Otega Oweh at the 3, and Kam Williams able to play either; Dioubate could be a key piece off the bench. He could also slide into the starting 4 spot depending on matchups and performance in fall camp.
What’s Next?
All eyes are on Dioubate’s decision, and it sounds like it’s coming soon. With Mark Pope already in contact and a clear opportunity available, Kentucky could be in prime position to land him.
In the ever-shifting world of the transfer portal, fit and timing are everything. And right now, Kentucky just might check both boxes.
Stay tuned—this one could break any day.