Iowa Basketball: Ladji Dembele commits to Hawkeyes, Fran McCaffery

Ladji Dembele, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Newark (N.J.) St. Benedict Prep has committed to Iowa.

Dembele, the 93rd overall prospect in the 2023 class according to On3, chose the Hawkeyes over Wake Forest, Rutgers, DePaul, Seton Hall, and others.

He joins four-star wing Pryce Sandfort (No. 91), three-star big man Owen Freeman (No. 163), and three-star point guard Brock Harding (No. 254).

Dembele on his commitment to Iowa

“I would say the main reason I chose Iowa was that I watched how they let their bigs make plays as long as you don’t turn it over,” Dembele says. “That was one of the main reasons I chose Iowa. Coach McCaffery came to see me and when I went I on a visit, he was the one showing me the campus and we had a great talk. There is like six seniors leaving next year so I know I’ll be able to play when I get there.”

What type of player is Iowa getting in Ladji Dembele and what message does he have for the fans?

“I’m a dog and I’m a winner,” he says. “I will do whatever I have to to accomplish that.”

Scouting Summary

Ladji Dembele is a strong forward with long arms. He has a strong base with great balance. Dembele can handle the ball in the open floor and plays within himself. He is a very strong rebounder. Lateral quickness while defending will be a question. He is a strong area rebounder. He can knock down a catch and shoot three with consistency. Dembele competes on both ends and makes plays, does a lot of the little things. – On3’s Jamie Shaw