GLENDALE, Ariz. — Hassan Diala affectionately called Muhamed Diubateh his brother.
When asked about their bond, Diubaté smiled and described Diarra as someone he had admired for many years.
On Saturday night, our friends from Queens will meet on college basketball’s biggest stage, as No. 1 Connecticut State takes on No. 4 seed Alabama at State Farm Stadium in the Final Four.
“It’s funny, I never imagined it would be like this, playing against a player that I thought of in the basketball world,” Diubatte, a freshman reserve forward for the Crimson Tide, said Friday. “I’m confused. Words can’t explain how I feel. It’s crazy.”
Diarra, a gritty sixth man from Connecticut, has known Diubatte since seventh grade.
Both played in Rob Diaz’s NYC Finest AAU program, eventually moving up to the powerhouse PSA Cardinals, and attended prep school at Putnam Science Academy (Connecticut).
The two were highly touted four-star recruits who ended up teaming up together in local park tournaments when Diubaté, nearly three years Diarra’s junior, got older.
When Diubatte committed to Alabama, Diarra was present at the ceremony.
“I’ve watched him grow since seventh grade, so it’s great to see him here,” said Diarra, a 6-foot-2 senior guard who leads UConn’s second unit. Told. “I always felt there was talent in him. His athleticism was always there. He’s just becoming a complete player.”
He added: “I’m sure people will be very happy back in Queens and everyone will enjoy Saturday.”
They had avoided speaking on the phone since the game was scheduled, but they did see each other Thursday inside the bowels of State Farm Stadium.
Diarra sent Diubate, 6-7, a glance and a smile, and Diubate responded.
Rob Diaz’s NYC Finest AAU program. Provided by Rob Diaz
Catch up after the national semifinals.
Diarra plans to give her best friend a hug.
But before that, there’s some trash talk.
“He’s going to hear it from me during the game,” Diarra quipped. “He knows it’s coming. I don’t know. [what I’m going to say], whatever comes to mind. ”
Asked what message he would like to send to Diarra, Diubaté replied: “I hope you are ready.”
There’s an additional wrinkle to this reunion.
Diarra’s older brother, Mamadou, is Connecticut’s director of player development.
He also got the start from Diaz.
“For me, it’s a triple honor,” said Diaz, a former police officer. “It makes it even more special to have three of him in the Final Four game.”
Diaz will watch the game as a neutral spectator.
He wants to see close games and wants both former players to do well.
Seeing them on this stage is a victory in itself.
“They were always dedicated to improving. That’s why I knew their journey was going to be fun and could be a long one,” he said. “It would be great to see both of them play against each other.”
