From Foes to Teammates: Otega Oweh Welcomes Mouhamed Dioubate to Kentucky with High Praise
College basketball has always thrived on intense rivalries, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression on players and fans alike. But sometimes, those same rivalries produce unexpected partnerships. That’s exactly what has happened in Lexington, where Kentucky star Otega Oweh now finds himself sharing a locker room with a former SEC rival he once dreaded facing — Mouhamed Dioubate.
Dioubate, who spent the last two seasons at Alabama, recently joined Kentucky through the transfer portal, adding more depth and versatility to a Wildcats roster already loaded with talent. And if anyone knows what Dioubate brings to the court, it’s Oweh, who has firsthand experience competing against him. On Tuesday, Oweh didn’t hold back when discussing his new teammate.
“I know what he brings, and I didn’t like playing against him,” Oweh said, flashing a mixture of respect and relief.
Their most memorable battle came on February 22, when Alabama handed Kentucky a tough 96-83 loss. While Dioubate’s stat line from that night was modest — 4 points in 16 minutes — his presence was felt in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. One particular moment still stands out: after drawing a foul on an and-one play, Dioubate confidently pulled out the infamous “too small” celebration, sending a message not just to Oweh but to the entire Kentucky roster. It was a flash of the competitive fire and swagger that made him a thorn in the side of SEC opponents.
Now, that same edge will be working in Kentucky’s favor.
“I know he’s going to have that same effect on other people and other teams,” Oweh added.
That is exactly what Kentucky fans are hoping for as head coach Mark Pope continues to retool and strengthen his squad for another run at national glory. Dioubate’s arrival comes at a perfect time for a program that’s already riding a wave of momentum following its Sweet Sixteen appearance last season, Pope’s first at the helm.
During the 2024-25 season, Dioubate averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 37 appearances with Alabama, logging about 16 minutes per contest. But beyond the numbers, his calling card has been his physicality, energy, and defensive versatility. Whether battling for rebounds, defending multiple positions, or bringing toughness to the paint, Dioubate has consistently made life difficult for opposing teams.
That relentless style of play now becomes one of Kentucky’s assets as they look to elevate their game in an increasingly competitive SEC. The Wildcats finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 24-12 record, breaking into the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in six years. With Dioubate in the fold and Oweh returning after briefly testing NBA Draft waters, expectations are soaring in Lexington.
Oweh’s decision to return for another season was a massive win for the program, as he led Kentucky in scoring last season and emerged as one of the team’s emotional leaders. His familiarity with Dioubate’s game may also help the pair quickly build chemistry on the court, as both players bring toughness and a competitive edge that should fuel the Wildcats’ aspirations.
For head coach Mark Pope, Dioubate’s addition provides even more options as Kentucky eyes another deep tournament run. The transfer portal has once again proven to be a valuable tool in college basketball’s new era, allowing programs to reload quickly and stay competitive at the highest level.
And for Dioubate, the move to Kentucky offers a new chapter filled with opportunity. No longer the opponent trying to disrupt Kentucky’s rhythm, he now joins a roster built to contend for SEC titles and make serious noise on the national stage.
From rivals to teammates, Otega Oweh and Mouhamed Dioubate are ready to turn their past battles into future victories. As the Wildcats continue to build a roster capable of challenging for championships, fans can expect plenty of fireworks — and plenty of that same competitive fire that once made Dioubate such a tough opponent.
The 2025-26 season is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated in recent Kentucky basketball history. With Oweh and Dioubate now fighting for the same goal, Big Blue Nation has every reason to believe that something special is on the horizon.
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