Tommy Lloyd has constructed his best recruiting class at Arizona with domestic players, a change from his time at Gonzaga and first seasons in Tucson. But no Tommy Lloyd recruiting class would be complete without some finishing touches from the “International Whisper.” On Wednesday, Arizona landed a commitment from Senegalese forward Sidi Gueye.
The 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal is just 17 years old and is one of the top international players in his age group according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. Gueye has a 7’4 wingspan and is know for his rim protection and shot blocking ability. He started playing for Real Madrid in October, and has also been a member of Real Madrid’s U18 roster since the 2023-24 season. According to Euroleagebasketball.net, Gueye averaged 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting over 59 percent from the field in 19 minutes per game during his time with Real Madrid’s U18 squad.
Gueye told ESPN following his commitment, “Coach [Tommy] Lloyd is one of the top coaches in college, and he has coached many international players before. He made me feel comfortable and showed me how I can improve and produce in his system.”
Gueye will be the fourth international player on Arizona’s 2025-26 roster, joining Anthony Dell’Orso (Australia), Motiejus Krivas (Lithuania), and Dwayne Aristode (Netherlands). Tommy Lloyd has also developed a number of other international players, which Gueye says made an impact on his decision to become a Wildcat.
“It will help a lot. They have had Oumar Ballo, Christian Koloko, Benn Mathurin, and many other international players, which helps to see others have done the same journey. I am excited to meet my new teammates and become close as a team.”
With a commitment from Sidi Gueye, Arizona now has some depth in the front court behind Mo Krivas, Tobe Awaka, and top freshman prospect Koa Peat. How quickly he can see game action will depend on his ability to translate his game to college, which is traditionally a more physical style of play. The lone question mark on the Wildcats’ roster is whether or not Carter Bryant will return to Tucson for a second season. If he does not, Tommy Lloyd and Co. will need to turn to the transfer portal to fill the hole left by Bryant.
[…] “International Whisper,” Tommy Lloyd, his second African big man of the week, joining Sidi Gueye from Senegal. At 6-foot-11, Mawut gives the Wildcats another developmental big that can stretch the […]