Arizona State’s newest big man, Massamba Diop, is already turning heads in Tempe. The 7-foot-1 freshman from Rufisque, Senegal has made an immediate impact in his first two collegiate games, showing flashes of the upside that made him one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2024 class.
Through two games, Diop is averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 75% from the field (15-for-20). His size, mobility, and touch around the rim have given the Sun Devils an interior presence they haven’t had in years.
Diop made his debut against Southern Utah, where he posted 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and a steal — a well-rounded performance that showcased his versatility. In his second outing versus Utah Tech, he followed that up with 18 points, six rebounds, an assist, two steals, and two made three-pointers, displaying both his inside game and emerging perimeter range.
But the real test comes Friday night, when Arizona State hosts No. 19 Gonzaga. It will be Diop’s first chance to prove himself against one of college basketball’s elite programs and a frontcourt known for physicality and discipline.
Before arriving in the U.S., Diop developed in Spain with Real Madrid and Gran Canaria, two of Europe’s most respected basketball academies. Last season, playing for Gran Canaria II, he averaged 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, showing flashes of a complete offensive game. His blend of size, coordination, and ball-handling in transition is rare for a player his age and position.
Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley didn’t hold back his praise:
“He’s special. Chance to be really, really good,” Hurley said. “His future — it’s scary how good he can be.”
Diop’s journey also includes a strong showing at the Adidas EuroCamp, where at age 18 he averaged 8.3 points on 50% shooting and 4.7 rebounds in 18 minutes per game — holding his own against top international competition.
As the college basketball season unfolds, Diop could emerge as one of the most exciting freshman big men in the country. While much of the spotlight has been on names like BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Arizona’s Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, and Houston’s Chris Cenac, Diop is quietly making a case to join that elite conversation.
With his combination of skill, length, and maturity, Massamba Diop might just be the next international star to rise from the desert — and Friday’s matchup against Gonzaga will be the first major step in proving it.
