National University Nazareth School found its difference maker in a soft-spoken giant from Mali.
Eager to bounce back from a fourth-place finish last year, the Bullpups leaned on first-year head coach Leo Pujante’s mantra of teamwork over star power.
Yet, the undeniable catalyst behind their flawless elimination round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament was clear: Malian center Moussa Diakite.
A late addition to the 16-and-under roster, Diakite quickly bought into Pujante’s system, averaging 17.5 points, 12.14 rebounds, and 3.36 blocks per game.
His presence anchored NUNS’ unblemished run, which saw the Bullpups win each contest by an average of 24.23 points.
With an outright Finals ticket at stake, Diakite delivered a career-defining performance: 29 points and 27 rebounds — both personal bests — along with four blocks and four assists, keeping NUNS’ championship hopes going.
“Swerte kami dahil may Moussa kami na who took over the game talaga. Nung nag-relax yung mga bata, buti nandoon si Moussa to take over,” Pujante shared.
“Sinabihan ko lang naman siya to get the rebounds always, and good thing, nakuha niya lahat. ‘Yon na talaga role niya ‘eh, kaya blessed kami to have someone like him.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
To outsiders, Diakite’s dominance over the highly competitive UAAP 16-and-under eight-team field might have seemed effortless, especially as the tournament’s lone foreign student-athlete. But adapting to Philippine basketball was initially a challenge.
With guidance from Pujante and key holdovers David Sabareza and Clark Khobuntin, as well as support from the entire roster and coaching staff, Diakite learned to impose his will against the likes of MVP frontrunner Goodluck Okebata of UE, FEU-D’s Prince Carino, and Adamson’s Kieff Iledan.
“I am very happy I have adapted to Philippine basketball at this point. I could not have done it without my teammates and players who guided me all throughout the season,” the 6-foot-10 center said.
Now fully acclimated to the physicality and intensity of UAAP basketball, Diakite has set his sights on a new mission: repaying the trust of the school that believed in him from halfway across the globe.
“This is my first UAAP. I will give a great performance in the Finals not only for me, but also for them who first believed in me,” he revealed.
“I just promise to be better and practice again so that I can focus on Finals only. I will talk to my team consistently and lead them in the Finals.”
