When NC State landed Ismael Diouf this offseason, I was pretty excited.
I saw how great this system ran with a long, versatile, and dynamic 4 man just a season ago. Mo Diarra was a huge reason NC State was successful last March. His versatility, aggressiveness, size, and work on the boards were nearly as important as either DJ.
Diarra was 6’10, 215lbs, giving State great size and length, while still being able to spread the floor with his shooting ability. Losing him to the French Pro-League stunk, but getting Diouf seemed like a decent consolation prize.