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Mouhamed Dioubate. Photo by Thomas Netzer
You may have had a good week, and if so, Mouhamed Dioubate is happy for you. But nevertheless, he’ll see your good week and raise you his.
The Putnam Science Academy postgrad basketball player had arguably the best week in PSA history, one that left a lot of people, including Dioubate himself, shaking their heads.
In the span of four days, Dioubate:
-was named the Power 5 Conference Player of the Year
-was named New England Player of the Year
-became PSA’s all-time leading rebounder
-became just the fourth player in PSA history with 1,000 career points
-won a second national prep school championship
-was named Most Valuable Player of the National Tournament
“This is the best week of my life,” Dioubate said. “I’m doing the impossible, just working hard, staying focused, being hungry. I’ve had a tough journey. I didn’t have any handouts, I just went out and earned everything I’ve got. Strong people make it through.”
Dioubate averaged 14.4 points and 9.6 rebounds this year in leading the Mustangs to a 39-3 record and their second straight national title, and fourth overall.
That came on the heels of averaging 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds off the bench last year when PSA went undefeated. He was nowhere near as productive when he first got to PSA in January of 2021 from John Bowne High School in Queens, N.Y., barely playing in the 20 games of the COVID-shortened season.
“I’ve said it before but it’s true, I wouldn’t trade Mouhamed Dioubate for any prep school player I the country this year,” coach Tom Espinosa said.
He added: “I think he’s the best player in the country. And all the credit goes to him. He worked for it. He earned it. His game got better every year. He became a better shooter, passer, defender. Even a better rebounder. His teammates love him and were so happy for him. We are going to miss him, obviously. I couldn’t be happier for – or prouder of – him.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
.