PSA alumni make their mark in 2026 March Madness
As the excitement builds for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, the influence of Putnam Science Academy continues to shine on college basketball’s biggest stage. The Mustangs’ nationally recognized program will be represented throughout the tournament by a number of former players and coaches who helped build the academy’s championship tradition.
Among the coaching ranks, former PSA standout Mamadou Diarra is currently on the staff of the UConn Huskies men’s basketball. Another familiar face from the Mustangs’ sidelines, Shane Doyle—who helped guide Putnam Science Academy to the 2018 national prep championship — now serves on the staff of the Hofstra Pride men’s basketball.
Several former PSA players will also take the floor during the tournament. Barry Evans, a member of the PSA Class of 2022, was part of the historic 38–0 undefeated national championship team at Putnam Science Academy. Evans is a senior wing for VCU. His team remains one of the most dominant squads in the program’s history.
Mo Dioubate, who played at PSA before graduating in 2023, is now competing for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball. During his time at Putnam Science, Dioubate helped the Mustangs secure back-to-back national prep championships in 2022 and 2023, cementing the program’s reputation as a national powerhouse.
Another former Mustang, Jaeden Roberts (Class of 2024), is now a guard for the Hofstra Pride men’s basketball. Roberts was part of last year’s national championship team at Putnam Science Academy and continues to carry that winning experience into the college game. In the frontcourt, Ugonna Onyenso, a center for the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball, represents the PSA Class of 2022. Onyenso was also a key member of the Mustangs’ undefeated national championship squad.
Another champion making his presence felt at the college level is Collins Onyeniaka, who helped Putnam Science capture the 2023 national championship. Onyeniaka now plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball and will look to contribute during the tournament run. From coaching staffs to starting lineups, the fingerprints of Putnam Science Academy can be found throughout this year’s March Madness field. The continued success of these former Mustangs highlights the academy’s role as one of the premier prep basketball programs in the country.

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Far left:  UConn Assistant Coach Mamadou Diarra with PSA head coach Tom Espinosa. Left: University of Virginia star Ugonna Onyenso.