For many high school basketball stars, the transition to the college level is not an easy one. It is difficult for many such players to adjust to new situations where they are no longer at the top of the pecking order. To earn playing time, these college newcomers often have to develop aspects of their game neglected in high school.
"Most of the time in high school if you just worry about yourself, your team will win," Virginia freshman swingman Mamadi Diane said. "That's how it is. But out here you have to do all the other things."
For Diane, the area of greatest improvement has been in his rebounding. He has averaged 5.4 rebounds over Virginia's past five games and pulled down a career-high ten boards Feb. 4 against Wake Forest. Diane credits his improved rebounding skills to the fact that, playing alongside players such as Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds, he does not have to carry the burden of the team's offense like he did during his high school days at DeMatha Catholic in suburban Maryland.
"The last couple games I've realized that's something I can do to help my team and stay in there," Diane said. "Rebounding also helps me build confidence. I've been just trying to work within the offense."
Coach Dave Leitao has been pleased with Diane's all-around development over the course of the season. One of the toughest tasks for Diane has been maintaining confidence when his shots do not fall.
"I don't want him, and I think young guys do this, to define himself by whether a shot goes in or not," Leitao said after Saturday's win over Virginia Tech. "Two games ago he gave us 10 rebounds, and today he gave us eight points with a huge tip-in. He didn't turn the ball over, and he was much more involved in the game. As a result I think that helps build the confidence that now he can bring to his shooting rather than him shooting to define his game."
Diane's consistent strength throughout the season has been his defense. He displayed his defensive tenacity Saturday when he made a steal and dribbled the ball down court for a show time one-handed dunk.
"I saw the ball getting trapped in the corner and I knew the guy was under duress so he was going to throw some lazy pass," Diane said. "I was anticipating that lazy pass, and once it came out I knew I had it."
On and off the basketball court, Diane has generally enjoyed his first-year experience and is appreciative of the support given to him by the University community.
"It's been great," Diane said. "I've grown a lot up to this point. I think I'll continue to grow and learn a lot from both the coaching staff and the people around the school. It's really a great experience."
His roommate is fellow freshman Laurynas Mikalauskas, and the two of them have gone through the ups and downs together as they have adjusted to life in Charlottesville. Diane laughed when asked about Mikalauskas' growing cult following on Facebook.
"I remember when he first got the invite to the group, he was going crazy in the room," Diane said.
And who knows? Perhaps if Diane continues to develop as he has thus far, he will get a Facebook group of his own.
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