Alabama basketball players talk visit from former teammate Mo Wague and Oklahoma

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Alabama basketball is ready for the return of former Crimson Tide teammate Mo Wague.

Mark Sears and Mouhamed Dioubate are eager to face off against Oklahoma this weekend to start conference play, but also to see an old pal among the undefeated Sooners.

“That’s my guy,” Dioubate said on Friday. “I can’t wait to play him.”

Mar 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Mohamed Wague (11) and Tide forward Grant Nelson (2) celebrate after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Dioubate said that Wague, a senior, was one of his “closest friends” during his freshman season at Alabama.

“He’s a competitor just like I am, so I can’t wait to play against him,” Dioubate said.

While he has yet to start since his transfer to OU, Wague started eight times in 33 appearances for UA last season. Although a knee injury limited him down the stretch of the Crimson Tide’s Final Four journey, he averaged 3.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists per contest.

“That was a good friend,” Sears said. “We had a lot of chemistry last year.”

Coming off the bench for the Sooners, Wague is still making a difference for a top-billed defense, averaging 2.6 rebounds with 2.7 points per game.

A new look for Alabama with four freshmen and four transfers of its own, Sears knows the experience will be “different.”

The recent teammates will still have fun being foes for a night.

Alabama and Oklahoma tip off at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday in Coleman Coliseum. Catch the broadcast on the SEC Network, or stream via  ESPN+ and Fubo.

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-basketball-players-talk-visit-192912411.html

Author : The Tuscaloosa News

Publish date : 2025-01-03 19:29:00

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