John Jakus and his staff’s international recruiting skills are officially on display as on Saturday evening the Owls received a commitment from Amar Amkou Diop, a 6’7 guard out of Senegal, Africa.
The 18-year-old has spent the last year playing on the NBA academy team in the Basketball Africa League, where he played alongside Khaman Maluach the top-rated C in the 2024 class who is currently committed to Duke. During this past season in the Road to BAL, Diop averaged 13 PPG on 52% shooting from the field in 3 games.
At 6 ‘7 along with his 7’ 3 wingspan he possesses the raw strength to frustrate opposing guards and combined with blow by speed and a solid handle, he has the ability to get past defenders and get to the basket when needed.
His large frame allows for him to rise up over defenders for a shot, which alongside his solid handle makes him a threat to pull up off of a dribble. He converted consistently from deep during his most recent BAL action, hitting at a 38.9% clip.
At only 18 years old, Diop displays a ton of raw talent with his tape showing an ability to score off the dribble and pass, while also being able to run the offense. Being able to be both a 1 or a 2 in the Jakus offense seems to be an important trait for Guards and while Diop was able to score at a high level, he was also able to facilitate, showing an ability to pass off the dribble and find his teammates.
In the same way that his length benefits him on the offensive end it’s also a huge factor in his defensive game. Smaller guards struggle to blow by him and break a press while his speed and size help him get back efficiently in transition.
Diop comes in raw, but not undeveloped and he has a lot more to work with than a typical 18-year-old, so it’s possible that he has the chance to make an impact in year one in Boca Raton. Look for him to make an impact in the second unit and provide a 1-2 punch with a big man that can come in off the bench alongside him.
Something that FAU never had over the past 2 years was the length at the guard position, however with the addition of Diop (6’7) and Aj Staton-McCray (6’5), the Owls have brought in 2 players that will be matchup nightmares for many teams across the country.
This is now the Owls 4th addition this offseason, as alongside Diop and Staton-McCray from Samford the Owls also landed Leland Walker from Eastern Kentucky, and Kaleb Glenn from Louisville.