Diane prepares for pro career

As he embarks on a professional career, Mamadi Diane has discovered a new mentor. The former Virginia swingman has been in close contact with new coach Tony Bennett and his staff.

“He’s been real nice,” said Diane, who finished his college career in March. “He’s really been trying to help me out — all the coaches. They’ve been really, really trying to help me.

“Since Day 1, they came up to me and told me that just because it’s a new coaching staff, that doesn’t mean I’m no longer here. The door’s always open for advice.”

Diane, who has spent a lot of time with assistant coach Ritchie McKay (formerly of Liberty), was on hand at Virginia’s Elite Camp on Monday. The two-day event features a number of top high school prospects from around the country, including incoming UVa freshmen Tristan Spurlock and Jontel “Bub” Evans.

Diane once took part in the very same camp. Now he is focused on taking the next step in his playing career.

Last week, Diane was invited to participate in a workout for the NBA’s Washington Wizards. The former DeMatha Catholic (Md.) standout played against Louisville’s Terrence Williams, who is expected to be a first-round pick in the draft later this month. Diane said he held his own against the heftier Williams.

Afterward, Diane received positive feedback from members of the Wizards’ front office, including general manager Ernie Grunfield.

“They all said pretty good things,” Diane said. “I think they were all pleasantly surprised because of how this last year went. They didn’t expect me to play like I did.

“They said they liked my shooting. There were a couple of tough drills, especially toward the end. They said they liked the way I fought through the drills and the fatigue. Usually it’s a four- to six-man workout, so it was a lot harder conditioning-wise.”

Diane can probably thank former UVa coach Dave Leitao and former strength and conditioning coach Shaun Brown for his prowess in that department.

The main thing that Diane said he was told was that he needs to improve his ball-handling.

While Diane isn’t expected to be selected in the two-round proceedings, he hopes to play on an NBA summer league team and then land a deal in Europe. The 6-foot-5 swingman, who is still in the process of selecting an agent, has picked the brains of several former teammates about what life is like as a European pro.

“I’ve talked to J.R. [Reynolds]. I’ve talked to Jason Cain and Adrian [Joseph],” Diane said. “They’ve just been telling me how overseas has been, and good things and bad things that they went through with their agents and stuff.

“Most of them really like it over there.”

Diane, of course, had one of the biggest rollercoaster senior years in recent memory. The captain began the campaign on the cover of the school’s media guide, fell into Leitao’s doghouse for most of the year, then bounced back in miraculous fashion with a game-winning shot on Senior Day against Maryland and a solid performance in the ACC tournament.

As surreal as the season may have seemed, Diane said he’s trying to move forward.

“It’s not like I’m living through this past year for the rest of my life,” he said. “I’m in the position that I’m in right now and I’m just working hard to improve myself.”