Mamadou Diarra Becoming a Student Assistant Coach

UConn forward Mamadou Diarra will become a student assistant coach for the Huskies, according to a release from the school. Diarra made the difficult decision to end his playing career, at least at the college level, and has been granted a medical disqualification after multiple knee injuries sidelined him for the majority of his career since arriving in Storrs as a member of the Class of 2016 from Putnam Science Academy by way of New York.

“Unfortunately, Mamadou has endured some difficult circumstances physically since he arrived at UConn,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “We cannot, in good conscience, ask him to continue attempts to rehab to the point where he could compete at this level, knowing it could severely impact him later in life.

“We are extremely pleased that he will remain with the program as he pursues his degree, mentoring our student-athletes on a daily basis.”

The move frees up a scholarship for the team, which gives head coach Dan Hurley an opportunity to add to the roster for the 2019-2020 Huskies. Hurley had been pretty openly saying he was still recruiting for this year even after Howard transfer R.J. Cole took the last remaining spot. Now we know why. UConn will likely look to a big man to fill this one.

The Queens native has a younger brother, Hassan, who is part of the 2020 recruiting class and has heavy interest from UConn as well as offers from Indiana, St. John’s, and more.