Moustapha Diarra Signs Professional Contract in France Pro A
International Don Returns Home to Compete for Pau-Orthez
(San Francisco) – USF's Moustapha Diarra has signed a professional contract to play basketball for the Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez in his native France. Diarra was a two-year letter-winner for the Dons and helped San Francisco to the quarterfinals of the 2011 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in his final season on the Hilltop.
"I am just really happy for Moustapha," USF head coach Rex Walters said. "This is a goal that I know Moose had when he first came to America four years ago and to see him now sign a professional contract must be very exciting and fulfilling for him. Congrats Moose, we are all so happy for you!"
Diarra turned in a strong senior campaign for the Dons, averaging 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. An excellent low post scorer, Diarra ranked seventh among West Coast Conference field goal percentage leaders converting on .498 (111-223) from the field. During league action, the 2009 NJCAA All-American at Sheridan College elevated his game, scoring 9.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
The Marseille native enjoyed a career scoring night with 26 points on .786 (11-14) from the floor at Pepperdine (1/29/11) and scored 16 points with seven rebounds against Loyola Marymount (2/26/11) in final regular season home game at War Memorial Gym. Diarra scored 11 points with six rebounds in 14 minutes at Santa Clara (1/8/11) and turned in an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double against Loyola Chicago (11/27/10).
Pau-Orthez is one of the top clubs in France and plays in Pro A (top division). The club owns a league-best seven Pro A Championships, but just missed the playoffs in 2011. The Pro A season runs from September to May.
