By ADAM ZAGORIA
Papa Kante, the 6-foot-10 four-star Class of 2023 big man from South Kent (CT) and the NY Rens, committed to Michigan on Thursday.
Ranked the No. 12 center in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports.com, Kante chose Michigan over Maryland, Memphis, Pitt and Rutgers. He visited Michigan in June.
“I decided that I’m going to take my talents to Michigan University,” he said on 247Sports with Adam Finkestein.
“First off, the relationship that I have with coach Juwan Howard, the first time he saw me he just loved my game….thought I was a good teammate, all those things, and we created a relationship.
“I went there the first time I visited, I didn’t love it. I said, alright I’m taking another one. I took another visit and I felt love and I see all the players there, kind of like a family. All the coaches there are kind of like family. It’s kind of family there, that’s why I choose Michigan. It’s a good fit where I can go develop, compete and get better. Coach Howard knows the game, so he will teach me and I’m willing to learn.”
The big man can run the floor, rebound, step out and shoot it and play inside/out.
“He has really good upside since this will be his 4th year of playing organized basketball,” South Kent coach Raphael Chillious told ZAGSBLOG.
.@NYRhoops & @SouthKentHoops Papa Kante @papaamadoukante was one of my top 2023 bigs in the EYBL.
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) July 29, 2022
▪️ Measurables with + size, strength, length
▪️ Defends, protects rim, can slide, & really rebounds
▪️ Rim-runner who is learning to seal inside
Full📝 https://t.co/cIQ7ka8oSI pic.twitter.com/k7k0i6QhvA
“He has a sharp mind for the game and picks up information quickly and immediately applies it to his game.
“He’s still learning how to be a more effective scorer with his back to the basket as he is still most comfortable facing up. Plays incredibly hard and with true toughness. Excellent passer out of the post and has really nice footwork from being a former soccer player.”
Kante is Michigan’s first 2023 commit and is expected to sign during the NCAA early signing period Nov. 9-16.
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