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It is one of the high potential prospects of French basketball. After playing only seasonal ends with Paris, Mohamed Diawara (2.04 m, 19) lives its first full season in Betclic Elite on the side of Cholet. Sixth man of the rotation of Fabrice Lefrançoisit does a lot of services to it, while remaining restrained. In 20 minutes on average in the championship, he compiles 6.0 points to 40% successful shots (including 34.5% at 3-point), 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 assist, with the added bonus of an iron defense on several positions. Statistics below those of his great friend Noah Penda (1.99 m, 20 years old), which was expected in the first round of the draft. “I could do much better” he confessed to us.
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A 3 & D but with creative instincts
“It's a real suck knife” explains his coach to define the role of Diawara. Which could be useful at the highest level: “In the NBA they need players who streamline the game among the stars. »» Lefrançois notably highlights the qualities of creating his player, who often passes the collective before the individual. An altruistic side which has sometimes served him among young people, since he did not put himself enough. “It is true that sometimes you have to know how to play for yourself, because it will open the game. This is something I took into account, I try to work on it” explains the principal interested.
Mohamed Diawara 🇫🇷 (2005) He comes out of Drive-And-Kicks… for a 2m05 winger is still not common
I wonder if he will have a chance at the draftpic.twitter.com/HRLSEJLA8W
— Tom Compayrot (@Tom_Cprt) March 12, 2025
His defense has always been his big highlight and the evolution of his outdoor shot (34.5% at 3-point with 2.5 attempts per game) adds the rope that has long missed to his bow. Two satisfactions that could bring it to the highest level, especially in the NBA. Because this is what the winger is ultimately aims at the 13th arrondissement of Paris. “Last year I introduced myself to the Draft before retiring some time after. It was to see the interest of franchises.… But this season is sure that it will be a statement. Then we will see according to interest and workouts, if I will withdraw or not. »» For the moment, it rarely appears in the Mock Drafts, or in the second round. He tries not to pay attention to it, explaining that everything can move very quickly. The Playoffs 2023 of Bilal Coulibaly are a good example.
A western franchise would be very interested in Diawara services, according to our information. “I would prefer to develop there rather than being” stash “in Europe” he confides. Representing itself in 2026 could also be an option, which has always said it wanted to remain patient. His signature in Cholet is also in two seasons.
What future?
As for his inspirations, the winger measured at 2.05 m for 2.25 m in scope sees several examples of which inspire in the NBA. Scottie Barnes et Pascal Sakak especially for the defensive game (“Large with long arms that can shoot and defend on all positions”). Younger, he admired players like Kevin Durant or Paul George. But realized that the offensive capacities of such superstars were unattainable. At 20, the European U20 champion is in any case still far from its full potential. Its ideal scenario for next season? “It would be that I introduce myself to the draft, that I have workouts, and that I come across a franchise that really sees my potential and wants to exploit it. Be drafted and start another project in the NBA, be able to play and develop in the United States. »»
But before that, an end of the season awaits him in Cholet. Still in the top 4 behind the three Euroleague teams, the Mauges club validated its ticket for the playoffs after a last victory against Nanterre. A victory “Magnificent, up to our season” As Coach Lefrançois says. Diawara, who was elected best young people in the first leg of the championship, will have an important role to play in playoffs and by then, especially in view of the injuries that shake the workforce.
The opinion of coach Fabrice Lefrançois
“Defensively, this is where he is the most stable. But for me, it's a suck knife. I can put it from post 1 to post 5, he will play, and without doing nonsense. He is a real good balloon in hand, on Pick-And-Roll. But he can also play like a big one, because after having laid screens he finds all the openings, passes, finishes … It's difficult to find an area in attack where he is an expert, because he does everything (…)
It will be a very high level player, with I think a role of a suck knife. Capable of doing a lot of things and facilitating the game. He is really oriented towards the group, and not towards himself. It's like Boris Diawwe criticized him for not taking the game enough on his own, but it is a quality. I am very happy to have it with us, and I wish him the best for the future. »»
2005-born 6’9″ 🇫🇷Mohamed Diawara (Cholet) put up an impressive double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against Zaragoza. His combination of size, activity, and versatility makes him an intriguing wing prospect for this year’s NBA Draft.@Modwra pic.twitter.com/VeohAiRII8
— Scouting lab (@scouting_lab) March 6, 2025
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