LOS ANGELES – LMU men's basketball has signed their first transfer for the 2024-25 season with the addition of Matar Diop from the University of Nebraska.
"I have been completely blown away by the passion Matar has for the game," said Head Coach
Stan Johnson. "He fits the personality we want our team to have when it comes to being relentless. His motor, physicality, and athleticism will impact our front line tremendously. With three years to play, his best basketball is ahead of him. I'm excited about the edge he will bring to the program. His character is off the charts. I'm thrilled that he decided to be a part of what we are doing at LMU."
Diop, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward from Dakar, Senegal, spent last season at Nebraska, where he appeared in 19 games for the Huskers. Prior to his year in Lincoln, Diop spent a season Keystone (Pa.) Athletic Academy for his first year in the United States. He previously played at the NBA Academy Africa for two years.
NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Senegal for the top male and female prospects from throughout Africa and the first of its kind on the continent. Diop played for the Cape Town Tigers in the Basketball Africa League in 2022, as part of the Basketball Africa League Elevate program which placed 12 NBA Academy Africa players with BAL teams.
"I choose Loyola Marymount University because of their strong program and an amazing coaching staff," said Diop. "The location is great! I feel like it is the best fit for me to grow as a player and succeed both on and off the court. The school's program and coaching staff will provide me with the right guidance, training, and support to enhance my skills as a basketball player. I'm excited to see how they can help me improve on the court. Let's roll Lions!"
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