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.
Le Cercle Saint-Pierre achève son mercato avec l'arrivée du JFL Mohamed Diarra (23 ans, pivot, 2m07) 💚L'article 👉 https://t.co/pzgHFr3CZe pic.twitter.com/xtpeRsq6Xt
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."
Diarra's Journey to France
Mohamed Diarra's path to professional basketball has been anything but conventional. Originally from the Paris region, Diarra didn't start playing basketball until the age of 15. He honed his skills in training centers in France, showcasing his athleticism and potential. In 2019, he took a chance and ventured to the United States, but his journey was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, Diarra found a new home at Garden City Community College, a junior college in Kansas. His impressive performance there caught the eye of NCAA programs, and he eventually landed at the University of Missouri. However, limited playing time prompted him to transfer to NC State, where he would truly make his mark.
Diarra became a crucial part of the Wolfpack's success in the 2023-24 season. He averaged 6.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim. But it was his performance in March that truly stood out. During the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament, Diarra recorded double-doubles in five of NC State's 10 postseason games, proving his worth on the biggest stage.
Despite his impressive college career, Diarra went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He received a chance to showcase his skills in the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers, but limited playing time left him searching for a new opportunity. That opportunity arrived in the form of a two-year contract with Limoges CSP in France, a team led by Crawford Palmer, a former Duke star with Final Four experience.
Limoges CSP: A New Challenge Awaits
Diarra's move to Limoges CSP marks a new chapter in his basketball journey. He'll be joining a team with a history of success in the Betclic Elite League, the highest tier of professional basketball in France. The club finished 13th out of 18th last season, but they're hoping Diarra's arrival will inject some much-needed energy and talent into the roster.
Limoges CSP is known for its emphasis on athleticism, defense, and rebounding – traits that Diarra possesses in abundance. Palmer, the club's director, believes Diarra fits the team's profile perfectly and that his presence will be a significant addition to their lineup. He sees Diarra as a player who can contribute on both ends of the court, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Diarra's time in the Betclic Elite League will be a test of his abilities against experienced professionals. The league is known for its high level of competition, and Diarra will have to adapt quickly to the different style of play. However, with his athleticism, work ethic, and the support of a seasoned coach like Palmer, Diarra has the potential to make a significant impact in France.
Diarra's Future: From Undrafted to Pro
Diarra's journey from undrafted to pro is a testament to his perseverance and determination. He has faced challenges along the way, but he has always found a way to overcome them. His success at NC State and his decision to pursue professional basketball in Europe reflect his commitment to the game. While his path may have taken an unexpected turn, Diarra's focus remains clear: to make a name for himself as a professional basketball player.
The Betclic Elite League offers Diarra a unique opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage. It's a chance to prove himself against some of the best players in Europe, and to build a successful career overseas. While his future may be uncertain, one thing is certain: Mohamed Diarra is a player with a bright future, and his journey is far from over.
