"Arizona secures commitment from global prospect Sidi Gueye"
Senegal\'s Sidi Gueye, a highly sought-after international prospect, declared his commitment to the University of Arizona on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-11 power forward revealed to ESPN that his connection with Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd played a significant role in his decision.
\"Coach Lloyd is among the elite coaches in college basketball and has successfully coached numerous international players in the past,\" Gueye stated. \"He made me feel at ease and demonstrated how I can thrive and contribute in his system.\"
Arizona already boasts three other international players on their roster, including Anthony Dellorso from Australia, Motiejus Krivas from Lithuania, and Dwayne Aristode from the Netherlands.
\"This will be beneficial for me,\" Gueye shared with ESPN. \"They have previously had international players like Oumar Ballo, Christian Koloko, Benn Mathurin, and many others, which gives me confidence in my decision. I am eager to meet my new teammates and establish a strong bond as a team.\"
At just 17 years old, Gueye made his debut in the EuroLeague and Spanish ACB league with Real Madrid last October. He will be one of the youngest players in college basketball next season.
\"It was an incredible experience to play for Real Madrid,\" Gueye expressed to ESPN. \"They are a top-notch organization and have played a crucial role in my basketball development. I am thrilled to embark on this new journey in the United States for college, especially with the influx of talented international players. It made my decision much easier. I am determined to continue improving, and college seemed like the perfect next step.\"
Known for his defensive prowess and impressive 7-foot-4 wingspan, Gueye joins a star-studded 2025 recruiting class for Arizona, which includes two five-star prospects in forward Koa Peat and guard Brayden Burries, along with Aristode and Bryce James, son of NBA legend LeBron James.
