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3h ago

Houston Lands 7-Foot Center Arafan Diane, First Pledge of 2026 Class

The Iowa United Prep standout chose Kelvin Sampson’s program after visits to four other finalists and cited the staff’s persistent recruitment and defensive identity.

Arafan Diane, the nation's top-rated center recruit, has committed to Houston.

Overview

  • Diane announced his pledge on Wednesday after an October official to Houston, choosing the Cougars over Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky and Virginia.
  • ESPN lists him as the No. 2 center and No. 21 overall in the 2026 SC Next 100, while Yahoo Sports ranks him as the No. 1 center in the class.
  • The Guinea-born big man, now at Iowa United Prep, is listed at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and roughly 290 pounds, profiling as a true interior anchor.
  • He led the Adidas 3SSB circuit in rebounding at 10.8 per game and starred at July’s Palmetto Road Championships with 21.6 points and 13.0 rebounds per game.
  • The commitment is Houston’s first for 2026 and continues the program’s recent recruiting momentum, with ESPN also noting the staff is well positioned for guard Ikenna Alozie.