Kentucky basketball adds Senegalese forward N'Diaye to 2026 roster

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky men's basketball program has signed Senegalese forward Ousmane N'Diaye to bolster its frontcourt ahead of the 2025-26 season, according to LEX 18 News.

Head coach Mark Pope added the 6-foot-11, 22-year-old international prospect Friday as Kentucky continues to reshape its roster following the NCAA transfer portal deadline for men's basketball, which closed Tuesday. The signing comes as the Wildcats have focused on acquiring guards to strengthen the backcourt while seeking additional depth in the post.

N'Diaye spent the 2024-25 season with Vanoli Basket Cremona in Italy's top professional league, appearing in 26 games. The Senegalese forward averaged 10.2 points per game and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 32.1% from three-point range, demonstrating versatility that could benefit Kentucky's modern basketball approach.

The addition marks Pope's continued effort to build through international recruitment channels. N'Diaye previously tested the NBA Draft process twice — withdrawing from the 2023 draft and going unselected in the 2025 draft — before committing to play college basketball at Kentucky.

Kentucky basketball has undergone significant changes during the offseason as Pope, hired before the 2023-24 season, continues implementing his vision for the program. The recruitment of N'Diaye adds frontcourt depth to complement the guards already brought in during the transfer portal window.