Hamidou Diallo mobbed by teammates in postgame celebration

Hamidou Diallo has endured a tough year, but he’s emerged from it to become a key player for a Final Four contender.

After starting the season off with a bang — highlighted by 10 double-digit scoring efforts in his first 13 games — Diallo lost his confidence as the schedule wore on. Entering the Round of 32, Diallo had failed to score in double digits 15 times in his last 18 games.

That is, until Diallo erupted for 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting in a 95-75 win over Buffalo. While the final score indicates a blowout, it was actually a four-point game in the second half, but Diallo helped put the Bulls away for good with 10 points in the final seven minutes.

Diallo also grabbed eight rebounds an blocked two shots in the best college game he’s had.

But the most special part was the embrace he got from his teammates in the postgame celebration:

This team is special, partly because their love for each other has become special. There’s no questioning this team’s will to win for each other anymore.

Now, the only question is how far that can take the Cats in the NCAA Tournament.

So far, it’s gotten them to the Sweet 16, and it feels like it’s going to take them even further.

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