Virginia men’s head basketball coach Tony Bennett announced on Thursday (Sept. 3) that Mamadi Diakite is joining the Cavaliers’ program.
Diakite, a 6-10, 200-pound forward from Conakry, Guinea, has signed a financial aid agreement with Virginia after playing the past two seasons at nearby Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va., for former head coach Bill Ramsey. Diakite is enrolled at UVa for the fall semester and will redshirt the 2015-16 season.
“We are excited and fortunate to add Mamadi to the Virginia basketball family this season,” Bennett said. “Mamadi is an athletic forward with a big upside. We look forward to his development during his career at UVa.”
In 2014-15, Diakite averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots to lead Blue Ridge to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II state championship. Diakite earned All-Virginia Independent Conference second-team honors as the Barons also captured the VIC title en route to a 22-4 record in 2014-15. Diakite earned two varsity letters in basketball, track and field and soccer during his two years at Blue Ridge School.
Diakite is ranked No. 34 on Rivals’ 2016 Prospect Ranking list and No. 37 on ESPN’s 2016 Prospect Ranking list.
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Chris Graham
