Diarra Coming on Strong
One player who has improved considerably in the past year is 6-8, 220 pound sophomore power forward Dramane Diarra of Cloud County C.C. of Concordia, Kan.
Diarra was terrific in the Thunderbirds' opener at the Jayhawk Shootout, pouring in 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Cloud's 81-74 victory over Fort Scott C.C. back on Dec. 7.
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For the season, Diarra has averaged 16.5 points and eight rebounds per game as the T-Birds have compiled a 10-4 record in 2002-2003.
Rivalshoops.com caught up with Cloud County Head Coach Kevin Muff recently. He said that Diarra took fall official visits to St. Louis University and Cleveland State.
Others who have shown interest include Iowa State, Old Dominion, New Mexico State, UT-San Antonio, Southern Illinois, UNC-Wilmington, Eastern Illinois and San Diego.
A native of Paris, France, Diarra impressed us with his skills and smart play at the Jayhawk Shootout. Diarra is economical with the basketball, in that he doesn't hold on to it too long without either passing it or looking to score.
Diarra posts up assertively and reacts quickly, has good hands and touch, and scores consistently on the low block thanks to his footwork and patented moves. He doesn't try to do things that he can't do, and that perhaps is his greatest asset.
Diarra was recommended to Coach Muff by Duquesne Head Coach Danny Nee, but the Dukes aren't currently involved in Dramane's recruiting process.
Rivalshoops.com will keep you posted on Diarra's play and recruitment this winter, so keep it here for the top coverage of JUCO basketball on the internet.