On Friday, BYU coach Mark Pope announced the signing of Atiki Ally Atiki, who had committed to the Cougars two months prior.
Atiki comes to Provo from Ontario, Canada, where the 6-foot-11 center moved to in 2018 to play at the London Basketball Academy, where he was coached by Angelo Provanzano.
“We are incredibly excited to announce Atiki as the newest member of the BYU basketball family,” Pope said in a statement. “Growing up in Tanzania, Atiki will bring to our team a fresh world view and added diversity in our continued pursuit of the best locker room in America. He is humble, hungry and has an overwhelmingly special work ethic that Cougar Nation will fall in love with. He is a gifted athlete with length, athleticism and touch around the rim. He is sure to become a fan favorite and have a major impact on BYU basketball and our entire community for years to come.”
Back in his hometown of Mwanza, Tanzania, Atiki would travel 45 minutes to play basketball at the nearest court. The determination payed off as Atiki was ranked the No. 5 college basketball prospect in Canada by Canada’s National Preparatory Association.
While Atiki’s senior season was heavily impacted by COVID-19, he averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds in his junior season.
Atiki, who weighs in at 220 pounds and has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, is rated a 3-Star prospect by Rivals.
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