Recruiting Report: Yaya Keita (2021)
At 6’9” Desmet (MO) 2021 center Yaya Keita has a grown man’s body already as a junior in high school. From a physical standpoint he will be ready to go on day one in college. Offensively his best moves when…
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Continue ReadingAt 6’9” Desmet (MO) 2021 center Yaya Keita has a grown man’s body already as a junior in high school. From a physical standpoint he will be ready to go on day one in college. Offensively his best moves when we saw him at the recent Highland Shootout came on a powerful spin on the block and a put back on the glass. Like what he brings to the table as a rebounder with his ability to grab balls in traffic and crash the offensive glass. Defensively he is a shot blocker and has pretty good mobility for his strength.
How is the season going so far?
“We are playing well and having a great season so far. We are looking forward to winning more games. We won a big game against CBC. My junior year this has been a great season for me. Last year I didn’t go so far because I was hurt. This year we stepped up strong and it is going really good for me.”
Keita is known for his prowess on the defensive end, but what about his offense?
“Offensively as you know I always go for offensive rebounds. I don’t give up. When the shot goes up I know to go after the rebound. Offensively I would say if I get the ball in the post and am patient I will score. If I see my guard dribbling toward the rim I know if they get sucked in he will look for me down low. I get the ball and dunk it.”
The four-star post updated us on where his recruitment stands.
“The recruiting process is good. I have been talking to a lot of colleges and have a few offers. I talk to Iowa pretty much every day. Also Tulsa and Purdue. All the top colleges around here.”
He already holds quite a few offers.
“I have offers from Iowa, Missouri State, St. Louis, Illinois State, Southern Illinois, and Tulsa.”
Keita spoke about the three schools he says are pursuing him the hardest.
Iowa
“He is a really good guy. He came to watch my games. Since they are busy with their season they took time off to watch my game and my practice which surprised me. I didn’t know they were coming. That is a school I really like. They are really friendly.”
Purdue
“I visited there on an unofficial visit and have been there for their camp. I was very happy to be there.”
Tulsa
“Their coach is a really nice guy. He cares about me as a person which is a really big deal. Caring about a person for who they are is a really big deal for me. He cares about my school. They think about life in general.”
What schools that have not offered as of yet is he hoping to land scholarships?
“I know I am talking to Purdue every day, but they haven’t offered yet. I am looking forward to it. I am looking for Illinois. I am also looking for Kansas. I talk to Kansas coach, but haven’t got an offer yet.”