Houston Secures Top Recruit Arafan Diane, No. 2 Center in 2026

BREAKING: The Houston Cougars have just landed a major recruit, Arafan Diane, the No. 2 center in the 2026 class. Diane, a 7-foot-1 powerhouse, announced his commitment to Houston on November 1, 2023, making waves in the college basketball scene.

Diane, who dominated the Adidas 3SSB circuit with an average of 10.8 rebounds per game last season, chose the Cougars over a final five that included Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Virginia. His commitment solidifies Houston’s reputation as a recruiting powerhouse, especially after ranking No. 2 in the 2025 class.

“Coach Sampson is different,” Diane stated, highlighting his admiration for Houston’s head coach, Kelvin Sampson. “He pushes you hard with tough love. Off the court, he has strong family values and cares about his players.” Diane further emphasized Sampson’s prowess, calling him “the best defensive coach in the country.”

The Cougars were seen as frontrunners throughout Diane’s recruitment, maintaining a strong connection with him. “I spoke with Coach Sampson every Sunday and he texted me after games,” Diane remarked. His visits to the Houston campus, alongside their impressive facilities and fan support, greatly influenced his decision.

As a standout player from Iowa United Prep, Diane averaged 18.6 points, 1.5 blocks, and demonstrated remarkable efficiency with over 74% shooting from the field. His performance peaked at the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships, where he averaged 21.6 points and 13.0 rebounds over five games, showcasing his immense talent and physical presence on the court.

Diane’s physical attributes are striking; at 290 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he is set to become a dominant force in college basketball. His ability to post up, finish with powerful dunks, and secure offensive rebounds will make him a key player for Houston.

Houston now turns its focus to securing additional talent, with strong interest in Ikenna Alozie, another SC Next 100 guard, who could announce his commitment in the coming days. The Cougars are looking to build on their already robust recruiting momentum.

With Diane’s commitment, the Houston Cougars not only strengthen their roster but also send a clear message about their ambitions for the future. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how this recruit impacts the upcoming season and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as Houston continues to make headlines in college basketball recruiting.