UCF Hoops Commit, No.28 Rank Player Showcases Defensive Upside in AAU Scene

The UCF Knights hoops team stumbled upon another defensive gem in Moustapha Thiam.

The four-star recruit of the class of 2025 has been making waves in the AAU scene these past weeks, posting terrific numbers, particularly on the defensive side of the court.

Elite 2025 big Moustapha Thiam staged a one-man block party in Birmingham last weekend, swatting 3.8 shots a game for @SE_Elite_3SSB.

The @UCF_MBB commit also posted 14.4 points (70% FG) and 6.2 rebounds a game.

The 7-2 center checks in at No. 28 overall in the ESPN 100.… pic.twitter.com/Xx4gVGR3oX

— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) May 10, 2024

The 7-foot-2 Thiam proved to be an exciting defensive prospect for the Knights as he averaged 3.8 blocks per game for Austin Rivers SE Elite a week ago in Birmingham. He also added 14.4 points on 70 percent FG% and 6.2 rebounds per contest, standing tall as the best big man in that tournament.

Thiam, the No.28 prospect in ESPN 100, will give the UCF Knights hoops program a blue chip player they can build around for their 2025 campaign, especially if he maintains his upward trajectory.