Mamadi Diakite named ACC Player of the Week

For the first time this season, a Virginia Cavalier is the men’s basketball ACC Player of the Week as fifth year Mamadi Diakite earned the honor. Virginia picked up two wins over the past week, and Diakite was instrumental in both.

Against Notre Dame, Diakite scored 20 points on 7-for-15 (47%) shooting, and grabbed five rebounds as the Hoos needed OT to take down the Irish. At North Carolina on Saturday, Diakite scored 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting with four rebounds. Diakite put the Cavaliers ahead 60-57 with a tough jumper and the old-fashioned three-point play. He went a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line in the game.

He also added two blocks, two steals, and an assist across the two games.

For the season, Diakite is averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. With his block against North Carolina, Diakite moved into a tie with Chris Alexander for second place (148) for career blocks in Virginia history. Although he won’t catch Ralph Sampson (462), he has plenty of remaining opportunities to move into second place.

Miami’s Isaiah Wong was named the ACC Freshman of the Week.

Next up, Virginia hosts Boston College on Wednesday night.