NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 12 uncommitted class of 2023 prospects

6. Papa Kante – No. 90

Kante is one of those prototypical athletic, rim-protecting centers that can change the game on the defensive end, while still being fairly raw on the offensive end. Still, seeing guys like Nathan Mensah be a defensive anchor on a San Diego State sqaud that went to the national championship game is a reminder of how important those guys can be.

Michigan was hoping that Kante, originally from the Connecticut area, would be that guy for them in the future. They beat out the likes of Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Memphis for his services. However, the program and prospect had to part ways, with academic testing requirements reportedly being the issue.

Kante becomes one of the top frontcourt defenders available this offseason and should have plenty of suitors. The Panthers are likely out of the mix after Federiko Federiko became a breakout starter for them this past season. Memphis could be involved after losing Deandre Williams and the Scarlet Knights also could be an option.

Another team that’s in pursuit is Alabama, who has another free scholarship after parting ways with transfer Jaykwon Walton this week. They could use a backup big for Charles Bediako for around 20 mpg and he’d be a nice addition to a frontcourt that’s lost a lot of pieces this offseason.