Career: INSEP (France-3rd Div., 1997-99), Bondy (France-Pro B, 1999-2000), Paris BR (France-Pro A, 2000-05), Elan Chalon (France-Pro A, 2005-06).

The second scoring force behind Tony Parker while at INSEP – the famous French Institute of Sports where most of the most talented French youngsters work on their game before turning professional – Mamoutou has developed a bit slower than some other players from his generation. But after leaving Paris in the summer of 2005, he blossomed at Chalon under Coach Greg Beugnot. Diarra has found a reliable three-point shot the past two years and National Team coach Claude Bergeaud loves his unselfish attitude and his defense. Called to Japan's adventure just one day before the World Championship to fill out the spot left after Parker's finger injury, he gave everything he could – while seeing limited playing time – to help France reach a fifth-place finish. His brother, Oxmo Puccino, is a famous rapper in France.