With three scholarship spots still available for Syracuse basketball, the Orange’s focus right now seems to be on adding depth at the center position. Cheikh Sadibou Ndiaye, a 6’10” center from the class of 2024, is reportedly visiting SU next week, according to NYCHoops.net. That was confirmed by Ndiaye’s current prep school.
Ndiaye is an interesting case. He was originally rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN in 2023, but decided to reclassify to 2024 and go to attend prep school for a year at Prestige Sports Academy. Since then, Ndiaye’s grown from 6’9” to 6’10” and currently weighs in at 230 pounds.
Size-wise, there’s some to be desired. Eddie Lampkin, Syracuse’s likely starter next season, is 6’11” and 265 pounds. Naheem McLeod, the assumed backup, is 7’4” and 265 pounds. That means Ndiaye would be the shortest and lightest center on the roster, but for a freshman that has time to develop as a third-string player, that’s not the end of the world.
In terms of Ndiaye’s actual play, it’s been impressive thus far. In his prep year, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds a game. Zach Smart, who originally reported the visit, calls Ndiaye an “interior scorer with a high motor.” He also referenced that the center has a solid three-point shot as well.
Does Ndiaye sound like the next great Syracuse center? No, probably not. However, with the losses of Maliq Brown, Peter Carey, Mounir Hima, and William Patterson to the transfer portal, it wouldn’t hurt to add another center. That’s even more true when you remember that Naheem McLeod has had injury issues in the past.
Prestige Academy did announce that Ndiaye will be visiting another ACC school next week, so there is some competition. Bringing him in would be a nice sign that Syracuse is a leg up on its conference competition, while also filling out the roster with a developmental piece for the future.
