Iowa basketball offered the nation’s best center in the 2026 class, Iowa United Prep prospect Arafan Diane. It comes on the heels of a breakout showing in the NBPA Top 100 camp that caught the attention of the Hawkeyes and a number of top programs across the country.
Diane reported the Iowa offer on Sunday night. Originally from Guinea in West Africa, Diane also played in Canada before landing in Des Moines with Iowa United Prep. The 7-foot-1, 260-pound center is a dominant big man in the 2026 cycle that is a consensus four-star recruit.
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According to 247Sports, Diane is the nation’s No. 23 player, the No. 1 center and the No. 1 player from Iowa in the 2026 class. On3 ranks Diane as the 22nd-ranked player nationally and as the No. 2 center in 2026. Rivals rates Diane as the No. 54 player in the country, while ESPN regards him as the No. 12 center in 2026.
In addition to Iowa, Diane holds offers from schools such as Arizona, Creighton, Florida, Houston, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Oregon, Purdue and UConn.
Iowa is currently without a commitment in the 2026 class. If the Hawkeyes could land a pledge from Diane, that’s the type of transformative talent that could jumpstart the compass toward a championship future under first-year head coach Ben McCollum.
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Here’s a look at some of Diane’s recent highlights where he showcases his dominance, footwork and shot-making at a frame that can’t be taught:
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball offers elite 2026 in-state center Arafan Diane