Cincinnati Basketball: Mamoudou Diarra decides on Bearcats

Cincinnati Basketball: Former Washington signee Mamoudou Diarra commits to Mick Cronin and Cincinnati.

2017 three-star small forward Mamoudou Diarra has committed to Cincinnati over UConn, Washington, and others. Diarra was once a Washington signee, but followed in the footsteps of Michael Porter Jr and others by being granted a release of their Letter of Intent from Washington.

Diarra is the No. 190 senior in the nation, according to 247Sports. He is the third-best senior in the state of South Carolina as well.

According to ESPN’s scouting report on Diarra, he is a “very long and athletic forward that has a great motor and excellent versatility.” At 6’9″, there is very little the Mali native cannot do on the hardwood. In transition, he runs the floor extremely well, while in the half-court he creates mismatches on both ends of the floor. ESPN adds that though he is a rather raw prospect, he has plenty of upside in the coming years.

Mick Cronin adds his fourth senior commitment with the addition of Diarra. With Diarra, the Bearcats now have the third-highest rated senior recruiting class among AAC members, according to 247Sports. Three-star shooting guard Keith Williams, three-star shooting guard Trevor Moore, three-star center Eliel Nsoseme, and Diarra look to be the quartet of freshmen additions next fall. Seemingly no other uncommitted prospects have serious interest in Cincinnati.

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Though Cincinnati has established themselves as a great recruiting program, this senior class is the worst since 2012. Nevertheless, the Bearcats should anticipate a placement on the preseason AP Top 25 next year.