Oklahoma State Announces Signing of 6-foot-8 Power Forward Prospect from Mali

Days after earning the commitment of 6-foot-8 power forward Souleymane Diakite, the big man from Mali made it official and signed his letter of intent on Wednesday — the first day of the NCAA early signing period for 2017 prospects.

Pistols Firing! Welcome our newest Cowboy Souleymane Diakite of @LionsBasket. One of Spain's top rebounders thanks to 7-1 wingspan. #okstate pic.twitter.com/H8YzDJUpGr

— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) November 9, 2016

Diakite is Underwood’s second overseas big man to sign in consecutive classes, joining 7-footer Lucas N’Guessan. Being an overseas prospect, he’s somewhat of an unknown, and recruiting services like 247sports don’t even have profiles on him. But he is an all-around big man who can protect the glass, has really good mobility and length and appears to be a guy with a high basketball IQ. Those qualities are certainly appealing to any coach, and Underwood seems to think he can be an everyday guy.

“We’ve all been just fascinated with Souley’s ability to pass and how it fits into what we do from an offensive standpoint,” Underwood said of his new big man. “He’s going to be a great fit for Cowboy basketball for the next four years.”

I think I agree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4VsWQ_aprc#action=share