On Monday, the Pitt basketball staff extended an offer to 2023 forward Ladji Dembele out of New Jersey.
Dembele is a 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward with offers from Pitt and Wake Forest. He is originally from Bamako, Mali, but now plays for St. Benedict’s prep alongside Pitt guard target Ty-laur Johnson. Although he is currently unranked, Dembele has shined lately on both the Adidas and Nike circuits, splitting time with NY Jayhawks and NY Renaissance.
While recently playing for the Jayhawks in South Carolina event, Dembele caught the eye of On3 National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw.
“The 6-foot-8 forward is a big body, and you notice his 245-pound frame immediately,” Shaw said in an article. “Once the game tips, you see his skill. Not afraid to grab and go, he confidently handles the ball in the open floor. He knocked down multiple threes in this one, and he rebounds as you expect someone with his frame to do.”
Dembele told Pittsburgh Sports Now that he does not yet have any plans to visit Pit., However, that very well may change in the near future as Pitt is one of the lone division one schools recruiting him.
Pitt currently has two players committed in the 2023 class with Marlon Barnes and Carlton Carrington verbally pledged to the Panthers.
