Conflicting Reports Emerge as NC State Basketball Key player Serves Multi-Game Suspension

NC State basketball is currently missing a key player due to a multi-game suspension.

The team will be without the services of a Canadian newcomer until next week. This player is serving a two-game suspension for participating in the Canadian Elite Basketball League over the summer prior to joining the Wolfpack for his junior season.

As a result, the 6-foot-9 forward sat out NC State’s season opener, where the team achieved a 97-66 victory over USC Upstate. He will also miss the upcoming game against the Presbyterian Blue Hose in the Lenovo Center.

In April, he was selected with the first overall pick in the CEBL Draft and previously earned the MVP title during the CIAU Championship while playing at Laval College. He suited up for the Alliance in five games and is expected to fill an important role for the Wolfpack this season.

Following the season opener, head coach Kevin Keatts stated that the NCAA mandated the two-game suspension due to the player’s previous team. After the Friday game, he will be fully cleared to participate.

In a recent exhibition game against the Lees-McRae Bobcats, he played eight minutes, scoring two points and recording three rebounds and one block.

His anticipated regular season debut for the Wolfpack is set for the match against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

“Ismael Diouf, because of the team he was on, somehow the NCAA decided that he was gonna serve a two-game suspension,” Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts explained following the opener. “And so, after Friday, he will be fully cleared to play. But he won’t be available Friday either.” – Kevin Keatts stated