The tireless Moussa Diabate is not satisfied with jumps

Until Rivers forgot him. ” We knew that tonight, with this kid, he’s a great offensive rebounder », the Bucks coach said earlier in November when he faced the Hornets. The “child” in question is none other than Moussa Diabate.

« He already grabbed 10 offensive rebounds against us last year, and he did that tonight. He was phenomenal », openly qualified the technician, whose team lost to Charlotte, especially losing the rebound battle. Best balloon vacuum of the night? The Frenchman, with 13 tackles including… 8 offensive tackles.

It shows that the Frenchman is starting to make a name for himself in this region within the Grande Ligue. The numbers are there to show how much it excels in this sector. With 4.1 offensive rebounds per game, in 23 minutes, the Hornets player ranks 4th in the ranking of the most prolific players in the field. Only Steven Adams, the leader of this hierarchy (5), has better results with limited playing time (22 minutes).

Go to every battle

Between the two, we find Donovan Clingan and Jalen Duren, both starters on their respective teams. Grabbing nearly as many defensive rebounds, the Frenchman is flirting with a double-double this season with 10 points and 8.3 rebounds. The key to his sense of return? Fight at every opportunity.

« The more often you go, the more likely you are to get one. I don’t try too hard to read the path. I think it can make you think too much. Most of the time I try to push my guy under the basket if I can. Otherwise, I just try to move and find new ways to get to the ball as quickly as possible. In the end, I think it mostly comes down to reaction time and preparedness. “, he says.

The way he works and the mentality that accompanies him, which his coach considers rare. ” Musa is so tireless, so competitive. He wants to find a way to give our team extra possession, to influence the game. He understands what affects an opposing team’s morale when he attacks the rebound over and over again. So yes, he is one of the best in the NBA. I love the altruism that entails », greets Charles Lee.

Opponents must adapt

With this new scoring opportunity created, his interior can reserve it for himself and finish in the circle. But he can also take the ball out for 3-pointers to his partners. We have to believe that his activity inspires his whole team, because he is among the best teams in the league in terms of rebounds, offensive and defensive, according to advanced statistics.

Still, Moussa Diabate, who could be closing in on the franchise records held by Larry Johnson, now appears to be a target for opposing teams to watch when it comes time to regain his skin.

« Teams are focusing a lot more on really keeping me out of action. They will either play with two insides or put size under the basket to make sure everyone can get to the rebound. That’s how it is now and I have to adapt “, notes the Frenchman.

Despite this new context, the 23-year-old wants to continue his collection: ” I really try to do my best in every little action. I believe in my physical fitness and my will to achieve it. I hope so (these numbers) it will continue to grow, but I’m not satisfied yet. »

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.