Jan. 29, 2005
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Mamadou Diakhate (Manhasset, N.Y.) has enrolled as a student-athlete at Fairfield University, and will join the Stags men's basketball program. Diakhate transfers to Fairfield University after one year at Eastern Kentucky University. In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Diakhate will not be able to play in games for the next two semesters.
"I am excited about Mamadou joining our program, and look forward to coaching him," Head Coach Tim O'Toole said. "He is an excellent student, and a talented basketball player who will contribute to our program."
As a member of the Eastern Kentucky basketball team, Diakhate played in 14 games and started six of those contests. He registered 54 points (3.9 ppg) and 33 rebounds (2.4 rpg) in his 14 appearances, shooting 31 percent from the floor, 29 percent from three-point range, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
Diakhate tallied a season-high 12 points against Ohio Wesleyan University, netting three for six field goal attempts. All three of his baskets came from behind the three-point arc that game. He secured a season-best eight rebounds in the season opener against St. Louis University, playing 38 minutes in that contest. The forward just missed double figures with nine points against the University of Florida.
He attended St. Mary's High School in New York before attending Eastern Kentucky University. Diakhate averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists as a senior. He was named the NYSCHSAA Player of the Year, and was chosen for the Madison Square Garden All-Metropolitan team that year. A two-time New York All-Star, Diakhate earned two Nassau County Player of the Year awards from New York Newsday.
His basketball resume also includes berths to the 2003 All-Wendy's Classic Team, the 2002 Adidas ABCD Camp team, and was a first team selection for the 2001 All-Island Eight. He participated at the 5-Star Basketball Camp in 2003, and earned the camp's most valuable player award.
