NC State basketball transfer Ismael Diouf is serving a two-game suspension for impermissible participation in the Canadian Elite Basketball League during the summer before signing on with the Wolfpack for his junior season. The 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward will miss the team's season opener and their contest against Presbyterian, but is expected to make a significant impact once he returns to the court.

Poised for a Breakout Year with the Wolfpack

Suspension Sidelines Diouf Temporarily

Ismael Diouf, the highly-touted transfer from Laval College, will have to wait a bit longer to make his official debut for the NC State Wolfpack. The 22-year-old from Quebec was selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 CEBL Draft by the Montreal Alliance, and suited up for five games with the team over the summer. However, this participation in the Canadian league has resulted in a two-game suspension from the NCAA, forcing Diouf to sit out the Wolfpack's season opener against USC Upstate and their matchup against Presbyterian."Ismael, because of the team he was on, somehow the NCAA decided that he was gonna serve a two-game suspension," explained Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts. "And so, after Friday, he will be fully cleared to play. But he won't be available Friday either."Despite the temporary setback, Diouf is poised to make a significant impact once he takes the court for the Wolfpack. The 6-foot-9 forward was the MVP of the CIAU Championship as a sophomore at Laval College last season, and is expected to carve out a prominent role in the paint for NC State in the 2024-25 campaign.

Diouf's Potential Shines in Exhibition Debut

While he may have to wait a bit longer to officially suit up for the Wolfpack, Diouf's potential was on full display in the team's recent exhibition win over Lees-McRae. The transfer forward played eight minutes off the bench, tallying two points, three rebounds, and one block, showcasing the versatility and impact he can bring to the team."Ismael is a really talented player, and we're excited to have him join our program," said Keatts. "He's got great size, athleticism, and a well-rounded skill set that will make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor."Diouf's debut for the Wolfpack is now slated for the home bout against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on November 13th, where he'll look to hit the ground running and establish himself as a key contributor for the team.

Wolfpack Poised for Success with Diouf in the Fold

With Diouf's suspension behind him, the Wolfpack are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season. The team is coming off a solid 97-66 win over USC Upstate in their season opener, and the addition of Diouf's size, skill, and experience will only bolster their chances of success."We're really excited about the potential of this team, and Ismael is going to be a big part of that," said Keatts. "He's a versatile player who can impact the game in a variety of ways, and we're confident that he'll make a significant contribution once he's fully integrated into our system."As the Wolfpack gear up for their matchup against Presbyterian and the rest of their non-conference schedule, all eyes will be on Diouf and his highly-anticipated debut. With his suspension behind him, the stage is set for the talented transfer to showcase his skills and help lead NC State to a successful season.