NCAA Basketball: Analyzing the top 8 teams for 2023 forward Assane Diop

Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffs are technically the “home” option for Diop but there isn’t some long-term connection that would make the Pac-12 program any kind of a favorite for his services. The team definitely can use Dior early on after Jabari Walker’s departure to the pros this offseason. That leaves Tristan Da Silva as the lone true power forward, while four-star freshman Joe Hurlburt and Lawson Lovering at the center spot.

Diop can get a lot of playing time at Colorado and be a potential star in the Pac-12. Overall, the program is rebuilding and needs future impact players and this recruit, along with Fall, could be the focal players on the roster. And it would be the best opportunity for the brothers to not only play with one another but also possibly start.

Kansas State Wildcats

Former title-winning assistant Jerome Tang has gone from Baylor to Kansas State, taking over a complete rebuilding job now that Nijel Pack that transferred out. It presents a great opportunity for someone like Diop to come in and get big minutes early at the Big 12 level and there may not be a ton of competition to overcome.

The current frontcourt for the Wildcats features former four-star center prospect and LSU transfer Jerrell Colbert, as well as Abayomi Iyiola from Hofstra and David N’Guessan from Virginia Tech. The selling point for this option is obvious; get a lot of minutes and playing time here and hopefully be a building block for an eventual NCAA Tournament contender.