DiagneSigns

     When recruiting for the 2001-2002 season began in earnest, Fran Fraschilla made it no secret which junior college center he wanted to see in cherry and silver next year. Fans have waited all season for the decision of 7 foot, 235 pound Moustapha Diagne. The waiting game is finally over.
       Hailed as "one of the top two junior college post players in the country" by Bob Gibbons of the All Star Report, Diagne has had a host of top programs courting him. Of late North Carolina and Illinois have made a big push to sign the big man, but they joined the hunt too late. The Trinity Valley Community College center narrowed his list down to three final canidates for his services. The finalists were New Mexico, Missouri, and Cincinnati.
       The race ended on Friday April 27 with Diagne signing a letter of intent to play for coach Fraschilla's Lobos. This signing marks the culmination of Fraschilla's effort to improve his team's weak frontline. In front of television camera's at a new conference at Trinity Valley Diagne made it official. He is the 4th player 6'6" or taller to sign with the Lobos for next season.
       Part of the apparent attraction for the Senegal native was the fact that Fraschilla has coached several NBA prospects during his carreer, most recently forward Ron Artest now with the Chicago Bulls, and guard Eric Barkely, now with the Portland Trailblazers. Diagne believes that Fraschilla is the best coach to prepare him for a shot at the pros.
       Another factor that helped sway him was the Lobos desperate need for a center, leading him to believe he could make a difference right away with his new school. Lobo fans have rejoiced with his recent signing, hoping that he is the player to take them to the "next level."