ITW Mohamed Diawara: « Ideally, an NBA franchise would see my true potential and want to develop it »

He’s one of French basketball’s high-potential prospects. After only playing partial seasons with Paris, Mohamed Diawara (6’8″, 19 years old) is experiencing his first full season in Betclic ELITE with Cholet. As the sixth man in Fabrice Lefrançois’s rotation, he provides good services while still being restricted. In 20 minutes per game in the championship, he averages 6.0 points on 40% shooting (including 34.5% from 3-point range), 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists, plus lockdown defense across multiple positions. These statistics are below those of his close friend Noah Penda (6’6″, 20 years old), who is expected to be a first-round draft pick. « I could do much better, » he admitted to us.

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Tom Compayrot

A 3&D player with creator instincts

« He’s a real Swiss Army knife, » explains his coach to define Diawara’s role. This could be useful at the highest level: « In the NBA, they need players who make the game flow around stars. » Lefrançois particularly highlights his player’s creative abilities, who often puts the team before individual play. This selfless side has sometimes worked against him in youth basketball, as he didn’t showcase himself enough. « It’s true that sometimes you need to play for yourself because it will open up the game. It’s something I’ve taken into account, I’m trying to work on it, » explains the main interested party.

Mohamed Diawara 🇫🇷 (2005) makes drive-and-kicks… For a 6’9″ power forward that’s quite unusual

I wonder if he’ll get his chance in the Draftpic.twitter.com/HRLSEJLA8W

— Tom Compayrot (@Tom_Cprt) March 12, 2025

His defense has always been his strong point and the evolution of his outside shot (34.5% from 3-point range with 2.5 attempts per game) adds the string that had long been missing from his bow. Two satisfactions that could take him to the highest level, particularly in the NBA. Because that’s ultimately what the wing player from Paris’s 13th arrondissement is aiming for. « Last year I entered the Draft before withdrawing some time later. It was to gauge franchise interest… But this season it’s definitely going to be a declaration. Then we’ll see based on interest and workouts whether I’ll withdraw or not. » For now, he rarely appears in mock drafts, or only in the second round. He tries not to pay attention to it, explaining that everything can change very quickly. Bilal Coulibaly’s 2023 playoffs are a good example.

According to our information, a Western Conference franchise is very interested in Diawara’s services. « I would prefer to develop there rather than being ‘stashed’ in Europe, » he confides. Re-entering in 2026 could also be an option, as he has always said he wants to remain patient. His signing with Cholet is for two seasons, after all.

What future?

As for his inspirations, the wing measured at 6’9″ with a 7’5″ wingspan sees several examples to draw from in the NBA. Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam particularly for defensive play (« tall guys with long arms who can shoot and defend all positions »). When younger, he admired players like Kevin Durant or Paul George. But he realized that the offensive capabilities of such superstars were unattainable. At 20, the U20 European champion is still far from his full potential. His ideal scenario for next season? « It would be to enter the Draft, have workouts, and find a franchise that really sees my potential and wants to develop it. Being drafted and starting another project in the NBA, being able to play and develop in the United States. »

But before that, a season finale awaits him at Cholet. Still in the Top 4 behind the three EuroLeague teams, the Mauges club has secured its playoff ticket after a final victory against Nanterre. A « magnificent victory, worthy of our season » as Coach Lefrançois said. Diawara, who was elected best young player of the first half of the championship, will have an important role to play in the playoffs and until then, especially given the injuries affecting the roster.

Coach Fabrice Lefrançois’s opinion

« Defensively, that’s where he’s most stable. But for me, he’s a Swiss Army knife. I can put him from position 1 to 5, he’ll play, and without making mistakes. He’s a truly good creator with the ball in his hands, on pick-and-roll. But he can also play as a big, because after setting screens he finds all the openings, passes, finishes… It’s difficult to find an area in offense where he’s an expert, because he does everything […]

He’ll be a very high-level player, with I think a Swiss Army knife role. Capable of doing many things and facilitating the game. He’s really oriented toward the group, not himself. It’s like Boris Diaw, he was criticized for not taking enough control of the game, but it’s a quality. I’m very happy to have him with us, and I wish him the best for the future. »

2005-born 6’9″ 🇫🇷Mohamed Diawara (Cholet) put up an impressive double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against Zaragoza. His combination of size, activity, and versatility makes him an intriguing wing prospect for this year’s NBA Draft.@Modwra pic.twitter.com/VeohAiRII8

— Scouting lab (@scouting_lab) March 6, 2025