Houston Secures Commitment from Top-25 Center Arafan Diane

BREAKING: The Houston Cougars have secured a major commitment as Arafan Diane, the No. 2 center in the 2026 class, announced his decision to join the program on Wednesday. The 7-foot-1, 290-pound prospect is widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant players in high school basketball.

Diane, who had narrowed his choices to Houston, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Virginia, concluded his recruitment after a final visit to Houston in late October. “Coach Sampson is different,” Diane stated. “He pushes you hard with tough love and has strong family values. He cares about his players and is the best defensive coach in the country.”

This commitment is a significant boost for the Cougars, who were already considered frontrunners leading into Diane’s fall visit spree. Houston held off intense competition from Indiana, especially as his decision approached. “He and his staff recruited me hard,” Diane added. “I spoke with Coach Sampson every Sunday and he texted me after games. They have been to my school many times, which meant a lot to me. The fans and the facility are great too.”

Diane hails from Iowa United Prep and currently ranks as the No. 21 overall prospect in the SC Next 100. Last spring and summer, he led the Adidas 3SSB circuit in rebounding, averaging an impressive 10.8 rebounds per game, alongside 18.6 points and 1.5 blocks, while shooting over 74% from the field. His standout performance at the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships in July saw him average 21.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks across five games.

Diane is not just a powerhouse in the paint; he is a versatile player who excels at posting up, finishing with powerful dunks, and attacking the offensive glass for second-chance points. His impressive 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. He is also adept at setting screens and has the ability to step out and make 3-pointers when needed.

This marks the first commitment for Houston in the 2026 class and adds to Coach Kelvin Sampson’s impressive recruiting track record, which includes landing four top-25 recruits in the last two classes, following a No. 2-ranked recruiting class in 2025.

Looking ahead, Houston is also in a strong position for another top talent, Ikenna Alozie, a guard from the SC Next 100, who could make a commitment in the coming days. As the Cougars continue to build their roster, Diane’s commitment is a clear signal of their growing prominence in college basketball.

This urgent news marks a pivotal moment for Houston as they prepare for a competitive future, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the NCAA landscape.