Just when it mattered most, Mohamed Diarra emerged as a double-double machine and shot-blocking extraordinaire for the 2023-24 NC State basketball team in helping to ignite the Wolfpack's first ACC Tournament title since 1987 and first Final Four run in 41 years. Even so, following his lone campaign in Raleigh after transferring from Missouri, the 23-year-old Paris native went undrafted.
He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for last month's NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas but played sparingly.
Now, the 6-foot-10, 215-pound Diarra is heading back to his home country for his first season as a pro. He'll suit up in the Betclic Elite League on a two-year contract with Limoges CSP, the French professional basketball club announced on Friday.
Interestingly, the director of Limoges CSP was also once a post player on Tobacco Road and has Final Four experience. That former ACC center is 1991 Duke basketball national champion Crawford Palmer, a three-year backup to Blue Devil legend Christian Laettner before transferring to Dartmouth for his final season of eligibility.
"To complete our roster," Palmer noted in the press release, "the profile of the player we were looking for with [head coach] Jean-Marc Dupraz was quite easy to target: long, athletic, mobile, and with a motor. A rebounder, capable of covering spaces in defense, protecting the rim, and putting points in the basket on offensive rebounds or to finish pick-and-rolls. With Mohamed Diarra, we think we have found that, and more...
"Having seen him in Las Vegas this summer, I did not think that Mohamed Diarra would be available for us at this time in the market, but we managed to convince him and his representatives.
"Being able to welcome him for his return to France after a rich career in the NCAA was a real opportunity for us."
NC State’s Mohamed Diarra chose to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility to pursue his professional basketball dreams. Diarra has signed with Limoges CSP in his home country of France. Limoges CSP plays in the Betclic Elite League, which is the top tier Professional Basketball league in France.
Cercle Saint-Pierre announces the arrival of young pivot Mohamed Diarra (23 years old, 2m07) for two seasons (+ one optional).
Diarra's Journey to the Professional Ranks
His journey
A native of the Paris region, Mohamed only started playing basketball at the age of 15. After stints in the BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque and Orléans training centers, the athletic pivot decided to try his luck in the United States in 2019, but his adventure would be slowed down by Covid. In 2021, he joined Garden City (Junior College), after a good season he was approached by NCAA teams. His choice will fall on the Missouri Tiger. Lacking playing time, he decided to change university, so he joined North Carolina State and will be one of the leaders of the squad with an average of 6.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and more than one block per game for 12.9 evaluation. A 2023-2024 season for Mohamed which will be marked by an exceptional March Madness 2024 with a historic semi-final. Undrafted, Mohamed participated in the Summer League with the Lakers (3 games, for an average of 12 minutes, 5.4 points and 4 rebounds).
In high demand during this off-season, Mohamed Diarra chose Limoges CSP and will share position 5 with French international Alexandre Chassang. He will wear number 93.
Limoges finished 13th out of 18th last season, with a record of 14-18.
Diarra transferred to NC State from Missouri last offseason. He was a significant player for NC State all season long last year, averaging 6.3 points and 7.8 rebounds (team high), but his impact in March was tremendous, recording 10+ rebounds in 7 of the Wolfpack’s 10 postseason games, and five of those performances were double-doubles.
Diarra played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Summer League.
Diarra's Impact on NC State
Diarra’s impact on the Wolfpack was undeniable. His ability to rebound and block shots was crucial to NC State's success. His performance in the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament showcased his ability to perform under pressure. He helped lead the Wolfpack to an improbable Final Four appearance. His contributions were invaluable to a team that exceeded all expectations.
Diarra's Future in France
Diarra's move to Limoges CSP is a great opportunity for him to continue developing his game and to compete at a high level. The Betclic Elite League is a strong league with many talented players, and Diarra will be able to test himself against some of the best players in Europe. His time in the NBA Summer League has given him a taste of the professional game, and he is now ready to take the next step in his career. With his impressive skill set and athleticism, Diarra has the potential to become a star in France. His future is bright, and his decision to play professionally in France is a smart one. This move will allow him to continue growing his game while gaining valuable experience playing against top-tier competition.
A Return to His Roots
Diarra's return to France marks a homecoming of sorts. He is returning to his roots, and he will be playing in front of his family and friends. This move will also allow him to play in a league that is more familiar to him. He is comfortable playing in France, and he is confident that he will be able to succeed in the Betclic Elite League. This move will provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills to a new audience. It will also allow him to build his brand and to establish himself as a top player in France. His decision to return home for his professional debut is a testament to his desire to make a difference on the court, while connecting with his heritage and inspiring future generations of French basketball players.
A New Chapter Begins
As Diarra embarks on this new chapter in his basketball career, his journey from the Parisian courts to the NCAA and now to the professional ranks is a testament to his dedication and unwavering passion for the game. His journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes who dream of making it to the highest levels of competition. His success will be followed closely by fans both in the US and his home country. Diarra's story is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see what he achieves in the years to come.
