Hassan Diarra: “Bull dog”: Liam McNeeley, Alex Karaban and more react as UConn’s Hassan Diarra leaves Dan Hurley’s team

Hassan Diarra has bid farewell to UConn, and his teammates and fans shared their reactions. Diarra, who spent the past three seasons with the Huskies after starting his collegiate career at Texas A&M, has exhausted his eligibility.

Diarra posted a highlight reel and photos on Instagram on Wednesday.

"Journey continues on 💎 10 out ✌🏾💙," Diarra captioned.

Many of Diarra's UConn teammates hyped him up in the comments section.

"Bull dog," Liam McNeeley wrote.

Liam McNeeley shows love to Hassan Diarra (image credit: instagram/hasdiarra)

"The general🫡," Alex Karaban said.

Alex Karaban uses his nickname for Hassan Diarra (image credit: instagram/hasdiarra)

"2x champ forever love you brodie, " former UConn center Donovan Clingan said.

"Husky legend," Jayden Ross commented.

Hassan Diarra's former teammates show their support (image credit: instagram/hasdiarra)

Huskies fans commended Diarra for his successful college career.

"Thank you for everything Has🙏🏻🐐 You are forever a Husky🔥🐺," one said.

A fan thanks Hassan Diarra (image credit: instagram/hasdiarra)

"Miss u already Big Hass," another commented.

An IG user says they will miss Diarra (image credit: instagram/hasdiarra)

"Thank you for the memories!! Can't wait to see what is next for #10!! Love & peace!" one wrote.

What UConn will lose in Hassan Diarra's absence

With Hassan Diarra out of college eligibility, UConn loses a talented point guard who has good court vision and can set up shots for his teammates. He was an essential depth piece for the Huskies when the team won back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024 and transitioned into a starting role last season.

Diarra was a four-star prospect coming out of high school and committed to Texas A&M. His freshman season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as a sophomore, he appeared in all 40 games for the Aggies. Diarra recorded double-digit points 11 times and helped Texas A&M to the NIT championship game.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round-Connecticut at Florida - Source: Imagn

In high school, Diarra attended Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut and committed to play for Dan Hurley's team ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Over three seasons at UConn, Diarra became a valuable sixth man and a two-time national champion. He led the Huskies in assists with 5.7 and in steals with 1.6 per game last season.

What's next for Diarra remains unclear, but UConn will lose an excellent passer with two-way abilities.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez