Kyle Wiltjer, former Kentucky Wildcat, discusses Ousmane NâDiaye, a 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal joining the Wildcats. NâDiaye has experience playing professionally in Europe.
TURIN, ITALY - 2026/02/19: Kyle Wiltijer of Umana Reyer Venezia seen during the Quarter final match between Umana Reyer Venezia and Bertram Derthona Tortona at the Frecciarossa final Eight 2026 held at Inalpi Arena. Umana Reyer Venezia 87 : 95 Bertram Derthona Tortona. (Photo by Davide Di Lalla/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
As basketball has become increasingly global, international recruiting has become a big component of roster construction in college basketball.
Illinois just made a Final Four with a roster made up of mostly international players. While not using international talent to that extent, the Kentucky Wildcats have added at least one international prospect in three of the last four seasons, with at least one more coming this upcoming season.
Former Kentucky Wildcat Kyle Wiltjer, a member of the 2012 national championship team, recently spoke with Tom Leach on The Leach Report about new Wildcat Ousmane NâDiaye, a 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal, who will join the program after playing professionally in Europe.
NâDiaye most recently played in Italyâs top league, Liga Basket Serie A, the same league Wiltjer currently plays in, and the two played against each other twice this past season.
His first-hand experience?
âHe can shoot really well,â Wiltjer said of NâDiaye. âHeâs super athletic defensively, and finishes strong at the rim. So I think Kentucky fans should be excited because heâs playing at a high level â thereâs a lot of grown men and players who have played at a high level over here. Heâs not playing against kids. Heâs playing against men⊠I think heâs going to do great at the NCAA level.â
Ousmane NâDiaye is a 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal who has played professionally in Europe before joining the Kentucky Wildcats.
Kyle Wiltjer provided insights on NâDiaye's skills and potential impact on the Wildcats during his conversation on The Leach Report.
International recruiting has become crucial in college basketball, as seen with teams like Illinois making the Final Four with a roster of mostly international players.

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The 10-year professional veteran also called NâDiaye an explosive athlete who can knock down the three with consistency and plays with a lot of self-confidence, âan exciting player.â Factor in Mark Popeâs offense, where versatile bigs have strived, and there is a lot of potential.
âWhen you go to a college campus and you work with player development coaches, heâs only going to improve. His athleticism alone is something to be excited about as a fan of Kentucky hoops,â Wiltjer added.
Hereâs to hoping Wiltjerâs words prove to be true next season.