From Sideline Spectator to Knicks Contributor: The Rise of Mohamed Diawara
Mohamed Diawara’s story is a refreshing one in the NBA – a tale of late blooming, quiet dedication, and exceeding expectations. Just months after being selected 51st in the draft, the Knicks rookie is proving to be more than just a developmental project, contributing to a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
A Sister’s Influence: The Unexpected Beginning
Diawara’s path to professional basketball wasn’t the typical one. His love for the game didn’t initiate with a childhood spent honing skills in the driveway. Instead, it blossomed while watching his older sister, Fatou, play. Around the age of eight or nine, he’d accompany her to grade school basketball practices, captivated by the action. He didn’t immediately jump onto the court himself; he was simply a supportive little brother. The feeling of the ball and the sight of his sister and her teammates sparked a passion that would eventually define his career.
Interestingly, the siblings never played one-on-one. According to Diawara, his sister stopped playing as he began to seriously pursue the sport. This unique origin story highlights the often-unseen influences that shape an athlete’s journey.
From Soccer to the NBA: A 12-Year-Old’s Decision
While basketball wasn’t initially his focus, Diawara’s athletic foundation was being built through soccer – or “football,” as he calls it. However, around age 12, coinciding with a growth spurt, he made a pivotal decision. He traded his cleats for sneakers, recognizing basketball as his true calling. Inspired by Kevin Durant, he set his sights on the NBA.
Exceeding Expectations: A Rookie’s Impact
Few within the Knicks organization anticipated Diawara’s rapid development. Initially, the expectation was limited playing time, potentially even extending into his second year. However, his performance in training camp impressed coaches and teammates alike. Josh Hart noted Diawara’s defensive capabilities and improving shooting, adding, “He’s a good decision-maker in the pocket…athletic and can finish at the rim.”
Coach Mike Brown echoed this sentiment, praising Diawara’s “uncanny feel” for the game, especially for someone so young and relatively inexperienced. Brown strategically gave Diawara opportunities, gradually increasing his role as he consistently passed each test.
In Wednesday night’s 138-89 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Diawara showcased his progress, scoring 14 points in 20 minutes off the bench. He’s currently shooting 40% from three-point range, with a remarkable 12 of 13 corner threes made.
A Supportive Environment and Future Potential
The presence of other French players on the Knicks roster, Pacome Dadiet and formerly Guerschon Yabusele, aided Diawara’s transition to life in New York. They provided a familiar connection and helped him acclimate to a new country, and culture. While Yabusele’s recent trade may leave a language gap, Hart believes it could encourage Diawara to further integrate with the team.
The Knicks’ limited financial flexibility makes developing draft picks even more crucial. Diawara’s unexpected contribution is a significant win for the organization, potentially impacting their long-term team-building plans and even their playoff prospects.
FAQ
Q: What position does Mohamed Diawara play?
A: Diawara is a 6-foot-9 player who contributes as a forward.
Q: Where is Mohamed Diawara from?
A: Diawara is originally from France.
Q: What was Mohamed Diawara’s draft position?
A: He was the 51st pick in last year’s NBA Draft.
Q: Who did Diawara look up to growing up?
A: Kevin Durant was his favorite player growing up.
Did you know? Mohamed Diawara didn’t begin seriously playing basketball until age 12, after initially focusing on soccer.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Diawara’s three-point shooting. His accuracy, particularly from the corner, is a valuable asset for the Knicks.
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