Ibrahima Diallo, a 6-foot-10, 225-pound center originally from Senegal, has verbally committed to Rutgers, becoming the fourth pledge for coach Eddie Jordan as the school enters the Big Ten next season.
Diallo, 18, is now at Quality Education (N.C.), the same school that produced St. John’s junior Sir’Dominic Pointer, among others.
“Yes, sir,” Diallo, who took his visit to Rutgers in November, told SNY.tv by phone. “I looked at the team situation. I really like the way Eddie Jordan coaches. I really like the team situation the way they treat me. I really like the school academically.”
Diallo said he also had interest from Marquette, Oklahoma State and Nebraska, among others.
Diallo said he’s excited about joining the Big Ten next year.
“Most definitely I want to go there,” he said. “I was excited about the competition. I know it’s a tough division but I really was excited about that.”
Quality Education coach Isaac Pitts said Diallo recently went for 13 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks in a win against 7-foot Thon Maker and the Carlisle (Va.) School. Maker is the No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2016 according to ESPN.com.
“He definitely has a tremendous upside and a great attitude,” Pitts said. “He’s a great kid and will be an asset to Rutgers University.”
Diallo joins Bishop Loughlin guard Mike Williams, ASA College guard Bishop Daniels and Massanutten Military forward D.J. Foreman in Jordan’s recruiting class and gives them a big man going forward.
“He thought they were a young up-and-coming team and that he could bring his ability to block shots and rebound and score in he post to the program,” Pitts said.
Asked if Diallo could contribute right away or if he would be more of a project, Pitts said: “I don’t think he’s gonna be anybody’s project. He’s got a tremendous upside.”
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Former Georgetown transfer Greg Whittington is no longer coming to Rutgers, and told SNY.tv he hopes to find a school by the spring…Jordan was at Christ the King on Sunday watching 2014 big man Adonis Delarosa and 2016 guard Rawle Alkins.
