By ADAM ZAGORIA
Papa Kante, the 6-foot-10 Class of 2023 center from South Kent (CT) and the Expressions Elite AAU program, recently picked up scholarship offers from Seton Hall and Iowa, and hopes to take some visits later this season.
The Pirates will have a need in the middle after big men Ike Obiagu, a graduate student, and Tyrese Samuel, a junior, leave the program.
“Seton Hall told me they really want me,” Kante said. “Coach Grant [Billmeier] is a really a good coach and told he can help me to pursue my goals at the highest levels.”
As for Iowa, he said, “Iowa’s message was great. They say I have a lot potential to be good and they really love my energy on and off the court.”
Kante also holds offers from Michigan, Rutgers, Tennessee, Syracuse, Kansas, Pittsburgh and UConn, while Michigan State has shown interest.
“No other unofficial visits planned yet,” he said. “We have so many games left, practices and school. I’m focused on getting better with my team right now.”
South Kent coach Raphael Chillious outlined Kante’s upside.
“Papa Kante had turned himself into one of the most sought after, yet underrated front court players in the country in the 2023 class,” he said. “His motor, physicality and burgeoning skillset makes him college ready today!”
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