Massamba Diop transfer rumors include Gonzaga, St. John's after 7-foot-1 rising star

Massamba Diop transfer rumors include Gonzaga, St. John's after 7-foot-1 rising star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Massamba Diop has an absurd amount of talent, and he only just began to show that in his freshman season at Arizona State.

Now in the transfer portal, the 7-foot-1 Diop has a chance to make a big impact on next college basketball season depending on what destination he chooses.

St. John's is in the picture, according to insider Adam Zagoria.

And on Saturday, Zagoria reported that Diop is on a visit to Gonzaga.

That's definitely not your normal battle in recruiting, the West Coast power against the New York City favorite.

But that's apparently where Diop finds himself.

"Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop has no idea how good he can be," writes Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports in his transfer rankings. "The 7-foot-1 center had an impressive rookie season in the Big 12, using his length, fluidity and burgeoning skill to transform into one of the best big men in the league. Diop runs the floor so smoothly and owns a terrific catch radius around the basket. Playing with an unselfish, set-the-table point guard like Moe Odom certainly helped, but Diop has an advanced skill set that's not far from blossoming. He can hit face-up jumpers or the occasional pick-and-pop trey. He can put the ball on the deck for drives. He can protect the rim or guard in space. He can be a weapon on the glass and as a lob threat. Once the game slows down, Diop can be a terror. There's All-League potential in 2026-27 if it clicks with room for so much more."

Diop averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a freshman for the Sun Devils, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor.

He also had an incredibly impressive 7.7% block rate.

Diop is special. Someone is going to get an incredible addition.

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