Aliou Dioum, a four-star center in the 2026 class, has committed to West Virginia, he told Rivals.

The 6-foot-10 senior out of Bella Vista Prep (AZ) ultimately chose Ross Hodge and the Mountaineers over Mississippi State and Wake Forest, but he also received offers from Illinois, UNLV, Syracuse, and others.

Dioum, originally from Senegal in West Africa, is ranked as the No. 80 overall player in the nation, according to Rivals Top-150 Player Rankings. He’s also the No. 11 center in the class.

Dioum on his commitment to West Virginia

Aliou Dioum went in-depth on his decision to choose WVU with Rivals.

“I chose West Virginia because they showed me a plan to be succesful from Day 1. I believe in Coach Hodge and the entire staff to develop me and help me become the best person and player I can be.”

What led to his trust in the coaching staff?

“Coach Hodge and the staff recruited me hard. They believe I can come in from Day 1 and impact winning. Coach Hodge is a defensive minded coach and he believes I can come in and defend from Day 1. West Virginia showed me a plan during the process and I trust they will help develop me and get better daily.”

In his own words, what type of player is WVU getting in Dioum?

“I am a defensive minded big. I love to protect the rim, play hard, and win. I’m a versatile big that loves to compete.”

He has a message for West Virginia fans.

“To the West Virgina fans, you will get a player that plays hard and wants to win. West Virgina fans can expect me to give it my all from day 1.”