Florida State lands 7-2 center Alaaeddine Boutayeb

Alaaeddine Boutayeb, a 7-foot-2 center has committed to Florida State basketball for the class of 2022, he tells On3.

Boutayeb was born in Casablanca, Morocco but spent the last decade or so in France, where he most recently played for Le Mans Sarthe Basket U21 team. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game over 13 games.

Le Mans Sarthe Basket, commonly known as MSB or Le Mans, is a professional team in France.

The 20-year old arrived in the United States just over a month ago and is currently training in New York.

FSU adds to monster class

Boutayeb is the sixth commitment of Florida State’s 2022 class. The Noles have also landed four-star big men Cameron Corhen and De’Ante Green. Not to mention, four-star shooting guard Chandler Jackson, along with Tom House and Jeremiah Bembry (Boutayeb’s cousin).

Alaaeddine Boutayeb on his decision

“Everything at Florida State is made for you to be successful,” Boutayeb said. “Coach (Leonard) Hamilton is really kind and I have a good relationship with him. He has a good history. I liked the city of Tallahassee.”

Furthermore, Boutayeb continued by saying “I’m excited to get to work. Just to build my body to be ready to play at the highest level. I want to be in the NBA draft so I’m excited to get there and play and show the world what I can do.”

What can Boutayeb contribute to the team?

“I’m really coachable so everything Coach Ham wants me to do, I’ll do it,” Boutayeb said. “I’m a big 7-2 center. I can play forward too. I can shoot too. I see myself like on pick-and-pop. I’m not a selfish player. I’m a big that can pass the ball. I can fit really well on their game plans.”

Boutayeb says he has to “work on my body, with strength and conditioning.”

The history of 7-footers at FSU

The Florida State Seminoles have a history of 7+ feet big men. This year’s roster includes four players 7-feet or taller.

• Tanor Ngom (7-2, Senior)
• Quincy Ballard (7-0, Sophomore)
• John Butler (7-1, Freshman)
• Naheem McLeod (7-4, Junior)

Not to mention, last year’s Balsa Koprivica who stands 7-1.

Boutayeb says FSU’s history of 7-footers played a huge role in his decision. “That’s why I decided on Florida State,” he said. “They’re very successful with big guys.”