On November 19, 2025, Arafan Diane, a highly regarded senior in high school basketball, announced his commitment to the University of Houston. Diane, a physically dominant player, is recognized as the No. 2 center in the 2026 recruiting class.
Top 2026 Class No. 2 Center Commits to Houston
Diane’s decision came after a series of official visits to five schools: Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and Houston. He concluded his visits with Houston, where he had an impactful experience with head coach Kelvin Sampson.
Coaching Influence and Commitment
The 7-foot-1 center praised Coach Sampson for his coaching style and values. “Coach Sampson pushes you hard with tough love. Off the court, he cares about his players and emphasizes strong family values,” Diane stated. He also highlighted Sampson as the best defensive coach in the nation, aligning with Diane’s values of dedication to winning.
Recruitment Process
Houston was viewed as a frontrunner during Diane’s recruitment. “He and his staff recruited me hard,” Diane said. His connection with Coach Sampson developed through regular communication, meeting every Sunday, and messages after games. The commitment was also influenced by the Cougars’ passionate fan base and impressive facilities.
Arafan Diane’s High School Performance
Diane played for Iowa United Prep and was a standout in the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Last spring and summer, he led the league in rebounds, averaging 10.8 per game. His stats also included:
- 18.6 points per game
- 1.5 blocks per game
- 74% shooting from the field
During the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships in July, Diane further showcased his skills, averaging:
- 21.6 points
- 13.0 rebounds
- 3.2 assists
- 1.8 blocks
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Arafan Diane is notable not only for his skills but also for his size. At 290 pounds, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he is a formidable presence on the court. His playing style is characterized by:
- Strong post-up abilities
- Finishing drop-offs with powerful dunks
- Excellent offensive rebounding
As a center, he excels in screen-and-roll situations and possesses a decent shooting touch, occasionally making three-point shots.
Future Prospects for Houston
Diane becomes Houston’s first commitment for the 2026 class, adding to the team’s already impressive recruiting efforts. Coach Sampson has secured four top-25 recruits over the past two recruiting cycles, following their highly ranked 2025 class.
Houston is also in contention for Ikenna Alozie, a guard from the SC Next 100, who may make his commitment soon, further strengthening the Cougars’ future recruiting class.
