Ex-ASU center Massamba Diop commits to Gonzaga

Massamba Diop has committed to Gonzaga after a standout freshman campaign for Arizona State men’s basketball, according to The Field of 68.

Diop entered the transfer portal following ASU’s season.

The 7-foot-1 center blocked 69 shots across 33 games (all starts) to set a new program record for blocks by a freshman in a single season, set the previous year by Jayden Quaintance (63). Diop’s 69 blocks ranked sixth by any Sun Devil in program history.

His 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game were both second on the team, behind point guard Moe Odum and forward Santiago Trouet, respectively.

Originally from Senegal, Diop arrived in Tempe as an under-recruited gem out of the Spanish professional basketball ranks.

He likely has an NBA future if he lands in a good developmental spot, in large part because of fluid movement skills and a smooth jump shot. He made 8-of-26 3-point attempts on the year, and he attempted many more mid-range jumpers than his 56.9% overall shooting numbers (second in Big 12) might indicate.

Diop joined several other Sun Devils, including Noah Meeusen, who eyed the transfer portal after ASU did not extend Bobby Hurley beyond 11 years as head coach.

Hurley was replaced by 25-year Saint Mary’s coach and Valley native Randy Bennett.

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