International prospect Sidi Gueye has committed to Arizona, the 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal told ESPN on Wednesday. Gueye made his EuroLeague and Spanish ACB league debuts for Real Madrid in October at just 17 years old.
“Coach [Tommy] Lloyd is one of the top coaches in college, and he has coached many international players before,” Gueye told ESPN. “He made me feel comfortable and showed me how I can improve and produce in his system.”
Gueye brings elite defensive capabilities to the Wildcats. He possesses a 7-foot-4 wingspan and has demonstrated versatility guarding smaller players on the perimeter.
Tommy Lloyd established his reputation recruiting international talent during his time at Gonzaga. His track record includes developing NBA players Domantas Sabonis, Rui Hachimura, and Kelly Olynyk.
“It will help a lot,” Gueye said. “They have had Oumar Ballo, Christian Koloko, Benn Mathurin, and many other international players, which helps to see others have done the same journey.”
The Senegalese forward started playing basketball at age 12 in 2019. He arrived in Spain in November 2021 after his youth coach connected him with Real Madrid.
Arizona’s roster already features international talent including Anthony Dellorso (Australia), Motiejus Krivas (Lithuania), and Dwayne Aristode (Netherlands). This environment factored into Gueye’s decision to choose college basketball.
“To play for Real Madrid was amazing,” Gueye said. “They are a great organization and have helped me so much in my basketball development. It is exciting to go to the United States for college.”
The Wildcats are rebuilding after losing leading scorer Caleb Love to graduation and several key players to transfers. The incoming freshman class now includes Gueye, Aristode, center Koa Peat, guard Brayden Burries, and Bryce James, son of NBA star LeBron James.
