Mark Pope and Kentucky continue targeting size and skill with the newest offer to rising big man Arafan Diane.
Kentucky basketball is staying aggressive on the 2026 recruiting trail, officially offering 4-star center Arafan Diane.
Diane announced the news on Wednesday via Twitter.
The 7-foot-1, 260-pound big man out of Norwalk, Iowa, has quickly gained attention this summer from his strong performances with Iowa United on the Adidas 3SSB circuit.
Diane’s physical presence and advanced offensive game have made him a standout at multiple events. At the Palmetto Road Championships, Jamie Shaw of On3 and Rivals had high praise for the big man.
“He is very offensively skilled, able to score consistently over both shoulders, make reads out of the post, and utilized balance and footwork when his initial move was cut off,” Shaw of On3 and Rivals says. “A big who plays big is always intriguing, but one who can take space and create an advantage becomes unique.”
Diane’s production backs up the scouting reports. Over the weekend, he posted dominant stat lines, including:
- 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists vs. Lu Dort Elite
- 20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 assists in another game
247 Sports ranks Diane 15th overall and first among centers.
His recruitment has quickly heated up. Along with Kentucky, Diane holds offers from Arkansas, BYU, Houston, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Purdue, and several others.
With his size, skill, and physicality, Diane fits the mold of what Mark Pope is looking for in his frontcourt. Kentucky continues to build a strong 2026 board, and adding Diane to the mix shows the staff’s commitment to securing elite talent at every position.
Diane’s recruitment is expected to gain even more traction following the Kentucky offer, with blue bloods now firmly in the mix.
Blessed to receive an offer from @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/ytPixFJjdo
— Arafan Diane (@DianeArafan1) July 16, 2025
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