MBB grabs Vandy forward from transfer portal

Photo Courtesy of Nikita Rohila/Vanderbilt Hustler Multimedia

After the early offseason shuffle of losing its players to the transfer portal, Belmont men’s basketball has made its first splash on the final day of the college basketball season.

The Bruins have picked up former Vanderbilt University forward Malik Dia, who will join the team as a sophomore in 2023-24.

Dia, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches tall, averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds while appearing in 20 games for the Commodores this season.

The Murfreesboro, Tennessee native had his best game vs the University of Kentucky on Jan. 24 when he scored 14 points on 4-5 shooting from behind the arc.

Ranked as a four-star recruit by ESPN during his prep years, Dia starred at the Ensworth School in Nashville where he averaged 22.7 points and 9.9 rebounds as a senior.

Dia, will likely step in as a big man who can space the floor for the Bruins next season.

He’ll look to make an instant impact for Belmont team that will be without, seniors Ben Sheppard and EJ Bellinger, graduate student Drew Friberg and three more forwards who announced their intent to transfer in March.

Dia’s official announcement can be viewed here:

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This article was written by Landen Secrest