Latest news with #Diaby
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Buccaneer' Yaya Diaby: Tampa Bay's Most Underrated Defensive Player
While the spotlight on the Buccaneers' defense often revolves around Antoine Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, or Lavonte David, edge rusher Yaya Diaby quietly emerged as one of the most impactful and underappreciated players in 2024. Diaby didn't lead the team in sacks, finishing with 4.5 and down from 7.5 in his rookie year, but his impact was evident in game-changing pressure numbers. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted an 18.1% pass‑rush win rate, which is good for the top 10 among NFL edge rushers, and generated 70 total pressures over 18 games. These metrics tell the real story: Diaby was consistently disrupting backfields, collapsing protection schemes, and converting pressure into production. PFF even named him the Buccaneers' most underrated player, noting that while his sack totals didn't explode, his pressure metrics clearly pointed to a breakout year. Diaby's contributions weren't limited to the pass rush. He recorded 13 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits, tying for 18th in the NFL in both categories. Not only was he impacting passing downs, but he was also a consistent disruptor in run defense, too, setting the edge and making plays behind the line. In the Buccaneers' defensive scheme, which historically relied heavily on blitzing, Diaby's progression allows greater flexibility. Tampa Bay can now generate pressure from its front four more often, easing the reliance on blitz-heavy looks and giving secondary players more recovery time. Despite his consistent effectiveness, Diaby's value hasn't been reflected in highlight reels or mainstream media as a rising star. Yet his presence is vital to a defense that ranked in the NFL's top 10 for total pressures and sacks in 2024. As the Bucs aim to transition the defense toward a more balanced style and generate pressure without overblitzing, Diaby stands to play an even bigger role. With improved sack totals and continued disruption, he's poised to break through into more national recognition. In a defense packed with star power, Yaya Diaby is the unsung hero. His relentless pressure, behind-the-scenes consistency, and proven growth make him the most underrated defensive player on Tampa's roster in 2025.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA Rookie Receives Departing Message After Being Released on Wednesday
WNBA Rookie Receives Departing Message After Being Released on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. WNBA teams across the league have been active as of late, making roster changes after several players returned to their respective organizations. Advertisement The last few days have been extremely active, especially for a 2-15 team that's looking to make some noise. On Wednesday, the Connecticut Sun added Leila Lacan to the active roster. In an ensuing move, the Sun released rookie Kariata Diaby. The former Sun center was playing in her first season in the WNBA, participating in 13 games for Connecticut. After she was released, the Sun took to social media, sharing a departing message for Diaby. While she was waived from her first WNBA opportunity, Connecticut bid her farewell with a kind note. "Thank you, Kariata," posted the official social media account of the Connecticut Sun. "With the waive of Kariata Diaby, The Connecticut Sun activate Leïla Lacan." Kariata Diaby has been playing professional basketball since 2014. Before playing with the Connecticut Sun, Diaby spent time with the Charnay Basket Bourgogne Sud, Landerneau Bretagne Basket, ESB Villeneueve-d'Ascq and Tango Bourges Basket. Advertisement The 6-foot-4 center will now look for another opportunity after getting her first look at the WNBA. During her rookie season in the WNBA, Diaby posted 1.9 points, 1 rebound and 0.4 assists per game. Connecticut Sun center Kariata Diaby. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Diaby was released from the Connecticut Sun for Leila Lacan after Lacan took part in the 2025 FIBA Women's EuroBasket tournament for the French National Team. She was on temporary leave from the Sun during the international games. Related: Patrick Mahomes Receives Unfortunate News on Monday Related: WNBA Reacts to Caitlin Clark's Sideline Moment During Indiana Fever Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants' 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph
LONDON: Al-Ittihad are champions of Saudi Arabia. The Tigers clinched their 10th title on Thursday with two games of the season remaining after a 3-1 win at Al-Raed. It has been a long campaign, and here are five reasons behind the latest success for the yellow-and-black half of Jeddah. Benzema, Aouar and Diaby provide an irresistible attacking force For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Tigers roared back to shine in big games Early in the campaign, Al-Ittihad lost 3-1 at Al-Hilal and were well beaten, going 3-0 down by the break. After finishing fifth the season before, a long way behind the champions, it looked as if Hilal were going to be too strong once again. Yet it seemed to be exactly the result needed. From then, there was a resilience about the Jeddah giants and they never lost again to any of their title rivals. The King's Cup victory over Al-Hilal in January, albeit on penalties, was a sign that they could beat the champions. Other powers were also dispatched. Six points were taken off Al-Nassr and Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli provided four. The big one was, however, that 4-1 win over Al-Hilal in February in front of an ecstatic home crowd. From that point on, Al-Ittihad looked like champions, while Al-Hilal did not. Local talent provided the foundation One lesson, not that it was really needed, from Al-Hilal's title win last time around was that while foreign players have a huge part to play, any potential champion need a solid local contingent and Ittihad certainly had that this time around. Abdulrahman Al-Oboud has come into his own, especially in the second half of the season providing goals, assists and generally making things happen. It was noticeable that in the 3-1 win at Al-Raed which clinched the title, the 29-year-old was everywhere. Saleh Al-Shehri was more of a squad player and also in his first season but the experienced striker made a difference when needed especially with the only goal of October's Jeddah Derby. Further back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti has proven himself to be one of the best and certainly most consistent full-backs in Saudi Arabia while Hassan Kadesh has not only impressed for the national team, but been a huge presence in the middle of the defence. Blanc and Kante bring calm among the storm There is not just a strong French connection in attack but Laurent Blanc brought with him an air of calmness to the coaching hotseat after a tumultuous season last time with coaches. The former Lyon boss brings a pragmatic approach to get the best out of the players he has, rather than trying to impose a system regardless of what is available. Known in France for a defensive approach, there has certainly been an emphasis on stability at the back, but then, Ittihad have scored almost 2.5 goals per game. It helps that there is an intelligent coach on the pitch in the shape of N'Golo Kante. The midfielder is simply world class and ensures that Ittihad not only have more of the ball but also use it well. The former Chelsea star also rises to the big occasion and was immense in the vital win over Al-Nassr in early May that virtually sealed the title. Fans, schedule and the failings of others Al-Ittihad have some of the best — many in Jeddah would say the best — fans in the country and Asia. Having an average attendance of around 40,000 is hugely impressive, and not many other teams on the continent even come close. That brings pressure but can also inspire, and it has certainly done that this season. There have been other advantages. The relatively poor season last time around did provide some help as it meant no Champions League football. Title rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr had 10 or 11 extra games in Asia and that makes a huge difference. It gave Blanc time to train, rest and rotate. And then, there is the fact that the other teams all dropped points. Al-Ittihad had their stumbles but this season their rivals did not take advantage with Al-Hilal — a winning machine last time around — unusually fallible. But teams still have to make use of the hand they are dealt, and Al-Ittihad certainly did that to become deserving champions.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement
The club paid tribute in a heartfelt statement 'HEARTBREAKING' Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 14-YEAR-OLD footballer has died while playing in France. Ousmane Diaby collapsed on the pitch while in action for Jeunesse Aubervilliers against Auxerre. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A 14-year-old footballer has died while playing in a match in France He has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. A club statement read: "It is with immense sorrow that we announce the tragic death of our dear Ousmane Diaby, 14." Diaby received immediate attention following his collapse and efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was rushed to Dijon hospital by air ambulance before passing away on Wednesday. The club have launched a fundraiser to aid his family and help with funeral costs - it has already raised £7,600. They paid tribute to the youngster, saying: "This is a day of mourning for the city. Losing such a young child on a football pitch is a heartbreaking experience for all of us. "Ousmane was a child with a huge heart, with an exemplary upbringing. "He helped his mother every day with daily tasks, and volunteered with the youngest members of the club, including the Under-9s. "Always smiling, helpful, respectful - he leaves an indelible mark on our lives. "We will miss you Ousmane. You'll remain in our hearts forever. Football charity encourages Scots to donate old kits to help vulnerable people "We love you so much little brother. Rest in peace." The club will observe a minute's silence in Diaby's memory ahead of their Under-16's next match. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent his "most sincere condolences" to Diaby's relatives and the club management.
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement
A 14-YEAR-OLD footballer has died while playing in France. Ousmane Diaby collapsed on the pitch while in action for Jeunesse Aubervilliers against Auxerre. Advertisement 1 A 14-year-old footballer has died while playing in a match in France He has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. A club statement read: "It is with immense sorrow that we announce the tragic death of our dear Ousmane Diaby, 14." Diaby received immediate attention following his collapse and efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was rushed to Dijon hospital by air ambulance before passing away on Wednesday. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The club have launched a fundraiser to aid his family and help with funeral costs - it has already raised £7,600. They paid tribute to the youngster, saying: "This is a day of mourning for the city. Losing such a young child on a football pitch is a heartbreaking experience for all of us. "Ousmane was a child with a huge heart, with an exemplary upbringing. "He helped his mother every day with daily tasks, and volunteered with the youngest members of the club, including the Under-9s. Advertisement Most read in Football "Always smiling, helpful, respectful - he leaves an indelible mark on our lives. "We will miss you Ousmane. You'll remain in our hearts forever. Football charity encourages Scots to donate old kits to help vulnerable people "We love you so much little brother. Rest in peace." The club will observe a minute's silence in Diaby's memory ahead of their Under-16's next match. Advertisement Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent his "most sincere condolences" to Diaby's relatives and the club management.
