BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ
Saint Peter’s is adding two JUCO transfers to their program next season.
North Platte (Neb.) Community College transfer Mo Diao and Lee College (TX) transfer Josh Smith will join the Peacocks, they told ZAGSBLOG.
Diao was named second team All-Region IX in his last season with the program, averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. The forward out of Dakar, Senegal is listed at 6-foot-9.
“I chose Saint Peter’s because it feels like the perfect place for me to grow both on and off the court,” Diao told ZAGSBLOG. “Coming from Dakar, Senegal, I value hard work, loyalty, and being part of a strong community, and that’s exactly what I saw at Saint Peter’s. The coaches and the program believe in development, in building players up the right way, and I knew this was the environment where I could become the best version of myself.
“I believe I bring a skillset that can really help the team,” Diao continued. “At 6’9”, I take pride in protecting the rim and making an impact on the defensive end as a shot blocker. Offensively, I score efficiently in the paint and have worked hard to develop a fadeaway that’s tough to guard. But more than that, I bring a strong work ethic, a team-first mentality, and a real care for the people around me. I’m not just here to improve myself, I’m here to help Saint Peter’s win a national championship.”
Smith, a 6-foot-3 guard from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in his last season at Lee College.
Both transfers will have four years of eligibility remaining as they commit to play under Saint Peter’s head coach Bashir Mason.
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