CT POST: Why CT 11-year-old will be UConn men's basketball assistant coach Mamadou Diarra's best man

[JT-55]

Why a CT 11-year-old will be a UConn basketball coach's best man: 'My guy'

The bond between Mamadou Diarra and Rylan Ellingwood, 11, is so strong that Ellingwood will be best man at Diarra's September wedding.

www.ctpost.com

 

[HooperScooper]

Why a CT 11-year-old will be a UConn basketball coach's best man: 'My guy'

The bond between Mamadou Diarra and Rylan Ellingwood, 11, is so strong that Ellingwood will be best man at Diarra's September wedding.

www.ctpost.com

Cool story.

That bond has only grown over the years. Rylan gets to as many UConn home games as possible, and Mamadou is always there to greet him with their "secret handshake." After games, Diarra gives Rylan the go-ahead to visit the postgame locker room — though not always.

"Sometimes," Rylan noted, "Mr. Hurley has his moments."

Lol

Alternate access:

Why CT 11-year-old will be UConn men's basketball assistant coach Mamadou Diarra's best man: 'My guy'​

 

[husky429]

I'm happy we kept Mamadou Hassan around. Seem like a couple genuinely good dudes. Have been told that Hassan does well in his classes too, unlike many players.

 

[HooperScooper]

The Ellingwoods were able to go out to the West Regional finals in Las Vegas in March and celebrate on the court with the team. Rylan even cut down a snippet of the net.

"That was quite special," he said. "Quite emotional."

Ah, I was wondering who that kid was. I thought maybe it was Luke Murray's kid or someone from the Hurley family.

 

[mauconnfan]

Wow what a great story and a great guy!!! What took so long for this story about Mamadou, the team and Ryan to be brought to our attention. Truly special stuff thanks for posting!

 

[jibsey]

Tremendous story.

 

[huskyinfl]

I went to high school with the fam good people. Ellington!

 

[NJHoops]

Wow what a great story and a great guy!!! What took so long for this story about Mamadou, the team and Rylan to be brought to our attention. Truly special stuff thanks for posting!

There’s been some other stuff posted, and Rylan has been around the team a lot. It’s all so good.

https://x.com/GoTeamIMPACT/status/1643331135928254467?s=20

Rylan Joins UConn Huskies for Memorable Championship Win - Team IMPACT

Rylan wins big with his UConn Huskies at this year's championship games.

www.teamimpact.org

 

[donyell34]

First I've heard of this and it's totally awesome. We have some good people and makes me so proud of our guy's.

 

[Storrs South]