https://basketballrecruiting.n.rivals.com/news/starting-five-illini-land-4-star-legacy
It happens every year around this time. Previously unknown seniors surface out of the blue and generate a buzz. Often times, these late-bloomers are a bit over-recruited and weren't previously well-known for good reason. Could Cheickna Dembele be breaking that mold?
A native of Mali who Rivals.com watched at the 2014 Adidas Nations in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-9 Dembele has surfaced at the Scotland (Pa.) Performance Institute and he's developed quite a buzz over the last month.
Since word got out that he was available and looking to play college ball in the States, Dembele has gotten offers from N.C. State, Missouri, Iowa State, St. Joseph's, St. John's, Providence and La Salle to name a few, while Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland and Charlotte have been in touch or through to take a look.
Dembele is definitely a high-major level athlete and he has some scoring tools around the rim. His jump shot is workable and for a guy that is just bursting onto the scene he looks like he could be a legitimately viable option for those programs looking for help along the frontline.
I had read different articles about him earlier and I don't remember seeing any mention of St. John's being involved. And I was surprised. Well, now, here is the mention. Don't know why I should be surprised. And I'm not. Go Small and Prohm...reel him in!