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Mamadi Diane is a senior guard/forward on the 2008-09 Virginia men’s basketball team. The 6-5 Diane is the Cavaliers’ leading returning scorer and one of the team’s most experienced players. He was second on the team in scoring last season with an average of 11.8 points a game and led the team in three-point field goals made (60), three-point field goal percentage (41.4 percent) and blocked shots (22). Diane, who was sidelined with a foot injury this past summer, has started 65 games for Virginia the last three seasons. He played his high school basketball at DeMatha Catholic.
Diane answered the following questions during the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Operation Basketball media day activities in Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 26.
Question: How has the early portion of preseason practice gone?
Diane: Practice has gone very well. As expected, there have been some good moments and some low moments, but overall it’s been real good.
Question: Does it feel different to you this season now that you’re a senior?
Diane:Not only do we not have many older guys, but we don’t have many guys with my level of experience that you can go to and rely on in the sense that they’ve been through what I’ve been through. It’s been different in that way. I’ve been trying to help out the younger players.
Question: Are you back to 100 percent physically?
Diane: Yes, everything really feels good. It’s a matter of getting back into playing shape and getting my mind right too, not just my body.
Question: What are your thoughts as you look ahead to the season?
Diane:I’m definitely excited. This is a new season that is very different from any other season since I’ve been here. I’m excited to get into the season.
Question: How has your first Atlantic Coast Conference Operation Basketball experience been for you?
Diane: It’s been good. I’ve dealt with a lot of questions, a lot of the same questions, but it’s fun coming out for a day.