By ZACH SMART
As one of the more hotly pursued bigs on the transfer market, former UAB forward Makhtar Gueye officially committed to Towson Wednesday afternoon.
Towson head coach Pat Skerry and his staff were among the most recent group to recruit the multi-positional Gueye.
Moving in swift fashion and enjoying several Zoom meetings with the 6-foot-10, 215-pound incoming senior this week, Skerry solidified a high upside and experienced commit.
“I liked the coaching staff, I liked the program and what they have to offer, and I like the opportunity to get better every day,” Gueye said.
“Coach (Skerry is going to hold me to a high standard and really give me the freedom to have a big impact.”
Gueye heard from a barrage of programs–including New Mexico, South Florida, Troy, Utah State, Fairfield, Boston College and even Duke– since re-opening his recruitment back on April 10.
Refining his post game and boasting an incrementally improved outside shot, the now seasoned senior brings versatility and a consistent rebounding presence.
He’s sustained his focus throughout the coronavirus pandemic, despite battling some limitations with parks and gyms being closed in Alabama for consecutive months.
Gueye has subscribed to a daily regimen which includes push ups, sit ups, arduous cardio work.
The workout typically culminates with him getting shots up alongside friends 6-foot-9 forward Bamba Dieng and 7-foot-2 Center Mamadou Gueye.
And so it is clear Gueye has sustained his conditioning and readiness, despite some sudden transition.
As a junior at UAB, Gueye registered nine games of seven rebounds or more.
As an elder statesman, he will ultimately shoulder a workload and savor the opportunity to be an impactful interior cog under Skerry.
He possesses a unique blend of motor, length, and physicality. Shot blocking/shot manipulating capabilities are also noteworthy factors for Gueye.
He averaged 6.8 points and 5.1 boards for UAB last season. As a sophomore in 2018-19, Gueye averaged 8.3 points and 6.7 boards while shooting it at a 45.5 percent clip from the field.
He’s devoted his focus to developing more of a wing’s skill set this past season, creating his own shot off the dribble and developing a dependable deep jumper.
While Gueye admitted he got a tremendous kick out of receiving a phone call directly from legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzweski back in early May, he said he “weighed all potential options” and vowed to not turn anyone away.
Before Towson became involved, it appeared that New Mexico and South Florida were jockeying for front runner position in the Senegal native’s recruitment.
“Towson was the right fit,” he said. “They kept everything honest with me and I am really excited about what the future holds.”
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