“If You Can’t Beat Him, Bring Him In”: Kentucky Players Embrace Mo Dioubate After Last Season’s Frustrations
Last season, Mo Dioubate was the player Kentucky fans—and players—loved to hate. The 6-foot-7 forward from Alabama gave the Wildcats fits every time he stepped on the floor. Whether it was locking down star guards, dominating the glass, or simply setting a relentless tone with his physicality, Dioubate quickly earned a reputation in Lexington as one of the SEC’s most annoying matchups.
Now? He’s wearing Kentucky blue, and those same players who dreaded facing him are thrilled to finally be playing alongside him.
Dioubate joins the Wildcats via the transfer portal for the 2025–26 season, a major offseason pickup for new head coach Mark Pope. Though his stats weren’t gaudy, his impact on the court was undeniable—especially when it came to Kentucky. The Crimson Tide swept all three meetings against the Wildcats last season, including a crushing defeat in the SEC Tournament that ended Kentucky’s postseason run. And Dioubate was a key figure in every one of those victories.
“He punished us,” Pope admitted earlier this offseason, speaking bluntly about the trouble Dioubate caused in those matchups. “I don’t like to say it, but, man, he punished us three straight games this season. It was not a happy time for us.”
From Nightmare Opponent to Newest Teammate
For the Wildcats, it’s a welcome twist of fate. What was once a persistent obstacle has now become a key piece of Kentucky’s retooled roster. And no one seems happier than the players who had to face him firsthand.
Senior guard Otega Oweh didn’t sugarcoat how difficult it was to deal with Dioubate on the court last year.
“It’s gonna be lovely,” Oweh said, smiling when asked about the newest addition to the team. “I know what he brings, and I didn’t like playing against him, if I’m being honest. I know he’s gonna have that same effect on other people on other teams.”
That sentiment comes from experience. Oweh had been one of Kentucky’s most consistent scorers throughout the season—scoring in double digits in 26 straight games. Then Alabama showed up. In their second meeting, Oweh was held to just two points on 1-for-9 shooting. In the SEC Tournament, he managed only eight points in another cold-shooting performance. Two of Oweh’s only three single-digit games all season came at the hands of Dioubate and Alabama.
“He plays defense like me,” Oweh added. “But he’s a four/five, and he’s big and he can move his feet. It don’t matter who he’s guarding. He could guard a 5-8 guard or a 6-10 big—it don’t matter. He’s gonna go out there and just be a dog.”
More Than the Box Score
Dioubate’s numbers don’t leap off the page—he averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 combined steals and blocks in only 16 minutes per game last year—but those who watched him know how effective he was. His efficiency speaks volumes: 61.7% shooting from the field and a surprising 46.2% from three (12-for-26). His versatility on both ends of the floor allowed Alabama to exploit matchups, switch across positions, and dominate transition play.
Against Kentucky in particular, he was a consistent disruptor. In the SEC Tournament, he tallied 13 points and eight rebounds while shutting down multiple scoring threats and sparking transition breaks.
His ability to impact a game without demanding the ball is part of what makes him such a valuable addition to Pope’s roster. He defends, rebounds, runs the floor, and makes hustle plays that win games. It’s exactly the type of glue-guy energy that Kentucky needed to complement a roster loaded with talent.
Chemistry Building Already
Kentucky’s roster is undergoing a full transformation under Pope. With high-upside freshmen like Jayden Quaintance, Jasper Johnson, and Jaland Lowe joining the fold, and key returners such as Brandon Garrison and Oweh staying on, the Wildcats are creating a deeper, more dynamic rotation than in years past.
And Dioubate appears to be fitting right in.
Junior center Brandon Garrison, who’s expected to share the frontcourt with Dioubate this year, said they’re already establishing a solid connection.
“Physicality, great defender, fast, mobile… but I say really, just his physicality is gonna help this team out,” Garrison said. “We talked about a couple games, you know, because they beat us and stuff. So we talk about that, just playing around.”
More importantly, Garrison noted that their relationship is already growing beyond the court.
“I feel like me and him are gonna connect real well. We’ve already been chopping up a lot, we’ve been on the game a lot, talking outside of the facility.”
That kind of early chemistry bodes well for a Kentucky team that will need its new pieces to gel quickly. With so much roster turnover, every bit of camaraderie helps, and Dioubate’s energy and personality seem to be meshing perfectly with the group.
SEC-Ready Physicality
In a league defined by physical play, athleticism, and length, Dioubate’s presence gives Kentucky a much-needed defensive edge. He can guard multiple positions, fight for tough rebounds, and switch across screens without giving up space. His mobility allows Pope to experiment with lineups that include traditional bigs, undersized forwards, or positionless wings.
Most importantly, he brings a toughness that Pope has openly prioritized since taking the job.
With Dioubate, Pope now has a high-motor forward who doesn’t need plays drawn for him but still finds ways to influence the game. He’ll clean the glass, dive on the floor for loose balls, step in to take charges, and close out hard on shooters. That mentality can set the tone for a team that wants to compete deep into March.
From Villain to Fan Favorite?
Dioubate’s transformation from Kentucky’s most frustrating opponent to one of its most hyped newcomers feels almost cinematic. Just months ago, he was the reason for some of the Wildcats’ worst nights. Now, he’s part of their solution.
In many ways, it’s the perfect basketball storyline—the player who once caused nightmares now becomes a potential fan favorite.
And Kentucky fans, who pride themselves on passion and loyalty, are likely to embrace Dioubate quickly if he brings the same intensity and grit to their side. With his SEC experience, defensive versatility, and reputation as a matchup problem, he’s positioned to become a vital part of Pope’s first team in Lexington.
If the Wildcats are to return to national prominence this season, it will take more than just flashy scoring and star freshmen. It will require toughness, cohesion, and defensive commitment. Dioubate brings all three in abundance.
A Perfect Fit for the New Era
Mark Pope’s Kentucky isn’t a carbon copy of John Calipari’s. It’s not just about five-stars and one-and-dones anymore—it’s about building a roster with layers. And in that blueprint, Dioubate is a cornerstone.
He bridges the gap between experience and upside, effort and execution. And if the practice court is any indication, his new teammates are already feeding off the energy he brings.
From tormentor to teammate, from rival to Wildcat, Mo Dioubate’s arrival in Lexington could be one of the most impactful storylines of Kentucky’s offseason.
And if his history against the Wildcats is any guide, he’s ready to make life just as difficult—this time, for everyone else.
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