Cartier Diarra will transfer to ACC school, reunite with former K-State assistant
Cartier Diarra has found a new basketball home.
A week after announcing plans to transfer away from Kansas State and finish his college career elsewhere, the junior guard has selected a landing spot. Next season, he will play for Virginia Tech, where he will reunite with former K-State assistant coach Chester Frazier.
He made the announcement via social media Tuesday.
Diarra entered the transfer portal following a roller-coaster junior season with the Wildcats that saw him average 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists ... and 3.2 turnovers. He was in and out of the starting lineup as the season progressed and often seemed to be at odds with K-State coach Bruce Weber.
He was expected to test the professional waters as an early entrant in the NBA Draft this spring before exploring transfer options. But he now appears ready to remain in the college ranks and impress pro scouts with the Hokies next season.
Diarra is on track to graduate from K-State and then become immediately eligible to play at Virginia Tech as a grad transfer.
Virginia Tech makes sense as a transfer destination, because that is where Frazier currently works as an assistant coach under Mike Young. Frazier tutored Diarra during his first three seasons with the Wildcats before Frazier switched jobs last offseason.
Last week, Diarra said farewell to the Wildcats in an Instagram post.
“Thank you for the last four years,” it read. “We had some great moments from the Elite Eight run to the Big 12 championship. I am proud to be a part of those. As I continue to chase my dreams I feel it’s best that I find a fresh start. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and, most importantly, the fans that supported through the ups and downs.”
Weber wished him well.
“I’m supportive of Cartier’s decision and appreciate the time he has given this program the last four years,” Weber said. “He has been a part of many great memories here. We look forward to him graduating this spring and pursuing his dream of playing pro basketball.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Cartier Diarra will transfer to ACC school, reunite with former K-State assistant."