Just two days after highly-ranked big man Precious Sam announced his commitment to San Diego State basketball, the Aztecs received their 2nd highly ranked big man for the class of 2027.
Mahamadou Diop of the San Gabriel Academy in Southern California announced Monday afternoon that he had chosen to be an Aztec ahead of UNLV, Cal, USC, UCLA, and Virginia Tech among others reported.
The four star center stands 6′-10″ – 6’11” and has a 7’2″ wingspan. Let’s just say he’s an Aztecs basketball’s dream defender. Reminiscent of Nathan Mensah in size and athleticism, Diop appears to have a very nice flow to his game in finishing and handles for a big.
NBADraftRoom details him as: A powerfully built center who moves really well for a player his size. Is a high level rebounder and plays with good effort—Possible draft pick in the 2029 NBA Draft or 2030 NBA Draft.
Rivals rates him at a 93 score overall, with a #62 ranking nationally for his class. ESPN rates him at an 84 also at #62 nationally ranked, and 247 has him at a 90, ranked #102.
Rivals reporter Joe Tipton details how Diop, originally from Mali, West Africa, chose San Diego State for the best playing style for his game, the coaches he believes will get the best out of him, and the family atmosphere that aligned with what he experienced at San Gabriel Academy.
Overall this is the 3rd commitment for SDSU in the 2027 class that is piling on size and athleticism in a real way alongside fellow highly rated recruits Precious Sam and Davey Harris.
The addition of Diop is especially exciting when paired with those two. The amount of rim protection between he and Precious Sam should be elite, and the possibility of lob dunks, put backs and two man game action with Davey Harris is something to anticipate.
The work ethic and defensive nature that Brian Dutcher led teams possess is something the basketball culture is well aware of. So to pick up another highly talented big man to work alongside Sam will be the definition of iron sharpens iron.
The addition of Diop and his fellow 2027 commitments are paving the way for a new horizon at San Diego State and Aztec Nation can be excited knowing that the new PAC-12/NIL era is off to a hot start on the recruiting trail.
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