Ousmane N’Diaye (OOSE-mahn EN-jye), a 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal, has signed a deal to join the Kentucky men’s basketball team for the 2026-27 season, according to an announcement made on Thursday.
N’Diaye has performed all across Europe, notably in Germany, Italy, and Spain. His most recent club was Vanoli Cremona, which plays in Italy’s highest league, Liga Basket Serie A, the same league where Kentucky products Nate Sestina (2020) and Kyle Wiltjer (2012-13) now play.
In 28 games with Vanoli Cremona, N’Diaye is averaging 9. 8 points, 6. 8 rebounds, and 0. 9 steals. He is hitting 40. 7% from the field and 30. 5% from three-point range. N’Diaye recorded a season-high 24 points and 11 rebounds in a victory against Trieste in November. In December, he recorded 12 points, a season-high 17 rebounds, and three blocks against Varese. Overall, N’Diaye has scored in double digits in 15 of 27 games, with four double-doubles.
N’Diaye, who recently turned 22, is one of five candidates for the Liga Basket Serie A’s “Best Under 22” player award this season.
Prior to joining Vanoli Cremona, N’Diaye played for numerous Spanish clubs, including Baskonia, Granada, and Palencia. He started his career with Dragons Rhöndorf in Germany.
N’Diaye was also a member of Senegal’s national team, earning a bronze medal for his country at the FIBA AfroBasket 2025. He was also on the team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers first round this past winter, averaging 6. 0 points and 5. 3 rebounds in three games to help Senegal to a 2-1 record.
