Elhadji Diallo is trending as one of the Carolina's top forwards in 2026

Elhadji Diallo is a fascinating prospect. However, he is one that you could have missed had you not been looking for him. Diallo is a lengthy class of 2026 forward who has soft hands and natural timing around the paint and the basket. Even as a freshman playing for nationally ranked Lincolnton (NC) Combine Academy, you would see very loud moments from the 6-foot-7 forward that would cause you to perk your ears up.

“I rebound it well, and I think I block shots the best,” Diallo told On3. “My game improved so much this year at Combine, I’m comfortable doing some wing things now. Since I came from Senegal, I couldn’t really shoot, and the game was really quick for me. Now I’m making lots of shots and controlling my pace.”

Diallo has been able to parlay his length and his timing to become a menacing presence for Team Curry on the UAA Next 15u Circuit. It is only June, and Diallo has already registered multiple double-digit block games on the circuit. Fluid movement comes naturally to him, he is also adept at opening his hips and sliding his feet with guard perimeter-based forwards or switch in ball screens.

Diallo is the younger brother of Ibrahim Diallo, a 6-foot-10 former Rutgers signee who finished his college career at Manhattan. Elhadji Diallo has been able to learn a lot from his brother throughout this process.

“I talk to my brother a lot,” Diallo said. “He doesn’t put too much pressure on me because he wants me to be great. He helps me a lot, but when I ask.”

Diallo’s recruitment

The recruiting process is still new for Elhadji Diallo. Not only is he just finishing his freshman year of high school, but this was also his first year in the United States. While he played a national schedule and is playing on the Under Armour Circuit, his name is still becoming known. However, he did scoop up two early offers.

“Right now, I have offers from Old Dominion, Wichita State,” Diallo said. “When I got my offers, it got me really excited. I work hard, and that just makes me want to work harder.”

Other than continuing to develop and being as good as he can be, Diallo has one thing on his mind for the remainder of this summer, “I want people to really know my name after this travel season. I’m coming to make my name known.”