Interview Moussa Diabaté: “I have no particular tactics in the rebound, it's just instinctive”

In Charlotte, everyone expected Tidjane Salaün to be the most prominent French this season, but it is ultimately Moussa Diabaté which was most distinguished.

With its 5.4 points and 6.6 rebounds on an average of 18 minutes, but above all an impressive effectiveness in the offensive rebound, the 23 -year -old pivot has actually surpassed many expectations in the Hornets where his coaches, ” happy “Of him, tell him of” continue to move forward, work and show good things ».

What to open the doors of the French Team during the summer, thanks to all its great performances? Between ” energy and hardness “, Moussa Diabaté considers himself in any case capable of bringing positively to the Tricolore group, now led by Fred Faith.

One month before the end of the season, the 43rd choice of the Draft 2022 therefore draws up the (provisional) assessment of his third year in the League, on the sidelines of this stunning victory of Charlotte in Miami who had the merit of putting the whole locker room in good humor. Starting with Lamelo “Lafrance” Ball, never the last when it comes to disturbing an interview with the few words of French that he masters …

“I just have more opportunities here”

Moussa, you spent most of your time in G-League in the past two years (with the Clippers), and you are now a “real” player in NBA in Charlotte. Where was the difference?

I would say that I just have more opportunities here and I think that is what helps me enormously. I also had the chance to be able to progress of course, but I think that having more opportunities, it was the most important thing for me. It allowed me to make mistakes, understand them and learn from there.

How did you manage to impose yourself on the Hornets?

It's just my work and my professionalism. I did a good job, I stayed concentrated, I worked hard every day and I was regular … It's just the life of a professional, so I did what I had to do on a daily basis and this is where it led me.

It will have led you until this real guaranteed contract of three years and no longer a simple “Twoway Contract” …

[Les dirigeants] above all wanted to reward me with all my work, but for me, it is simply an additional accomplishment and I still have others [à réaliser]. So I just have to keep working.

“Well, without lying to you, I'm just going to look for the ball …”

You are certainly aware, but on social networks, some have fun comparing you to Dennis Rodman because of your rebound efficiency. Tell us about your rebound science, what's going on in your head at that time.

[Il sourit] Well, without lying to you, I'm just going to look for the ball … I don't have any particular tactics, it's just instinctive for me. I'm just trying to catch the ball and then that's it. Afterwards, I play hard, I work well and I play thoroughly, so it gives you even more chances [de tout capter] And you end up harvesting what is due to you.

Unfortunately, the Hornets will no longer play after April, but how do you intend to use the last weeks of competition?

By making sure to continue to move forward. Even if we are not qualified for the playoffs, I still have a lot to understand and learn. We wake up every day to progress, so I'm just going to try to move forward.

Speaking of progress, in which sectors have you progressed the most compared to last season and that of before?

I would say my reading of the game, on the “pick-and-roll” and in defense in particular. Yeah, my reading of the game in general, in attack or in defense is really the same for me.

And in which sectors do you want to progress during the offseason?

I still have to work on my shoot, whether at the level of free throws, halfway or even 3-point. But I must also work my “skills” because as “short roller” on “pick-and-roll” I have a lot of possibilities in attack. So I would say the shoot and my “skills”, with of course my finishes near the circle.

So everything is already perfect in the rebound …

[Il rigole] Yeah, yeah, well … we will always continue to give it!

“Of course I am interested in the French team”

Collectively, what gives you confidence for the rest of the project?

What I like is that everyone wants to progress. This is the most important and it helps a lot to have confidence in the future.

However, he missed things to the team to even do better than last season …

I think we have not been regular enough, that is especially it in my opinion. But we also had so many injuries … It's not an excuse and it's a bit cliché says like that, but it doesn't help at all either, so good …

Despite everything, if you should note your season out of 10 currently, how much would you give yourself?

Mmmh … I might give myself a 6 or a 7. Yeah, 6 or 7. It only looks at me of course, but I have accomplished the things I wanted to do, so it's good, even if there is still a lot to do as I repeat.

Finally, let's talk about the French Team, which has just officially qualified for Euro 2025. Where are you in your head at this level?

Of course I am interested, it would be an honor. Afterwards, these are things that do not depend on me and I will have to chat with the staff …

Precisely, were you able to discuss with the new coach for example?

No, I haven't spoken with anyone for the moment. But Boris Diaw [le manager général des Bleus, ndlr] sent me a message and I think he will come to Charlotte at one point. We'll see, I'm not sure how it will happen and I already focus on myself. Take things one by one.

Interview in Miami

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.