When Kevin Keatts landed Mo Diarra and Mike O’Connell in last year’s transfer portal, NC State fans were happy to have a little more depth, but that’s about where it ends.
Diarra was initially a JUCO player whose first year at Missouri was nothing to write home about. In fact, the 6’10 Diarra was used as a backup, back-to-the-basket big man, on a pretty good Mizzou team. He finished averaging 11 minutes per game, 3 points, and 3 rebounds for the Tigers. Some felt as if Diarra was misused and could show more promise if moved to a stretch 4 position, but there wasn’t a ton of competition for his services.