Star Memphis Transfer Moussa Cisse to Announce Commitment Thursday

Standout Memphis transfer big man Moussa Cisse, a former five-star recruit who was ranked No. 10 a year ago in the 247Sports Composite rankings, announced Wednesday that he will make his college transfer decision on ESPN on Thursday.

Cisse is a 6-foot-10 high-flier who chose the Tigers as a Memphis standout. He is expected to choose between OSU, Florida State, Creighton, Cincinnati and Georgia. OSU has gained steam in recent weeks as rumors of a potential transfer to Stillwater have became more buzzy, but nothing seems imminent leading into his decision.

Last season as a true freshman for Memphis, Cisse ranked top 25 nationally in block percentage nationally at 10.5% on the year. He ranked 41st nationally in offensive rebounding rate and 77th in defensive rebounding rate. He finished the season averaging 6.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, primarily being used as a rebounder and defender.

OSU could desperately use his size and his skill set to apply to next season’s roster. Kalib Boone made a huge leap last season and likely slots in as a frontcourt starter, but Cisse’s abilities as a rebounder and shot-blocker could give the Pokes a Boone-Cisse frontcourt that has the potential to be dominant defensively. It’d also give OSU some needed foul insurance, as Boone led the team in fouls committed per 40 minutes among guys who played in the regular rotation. Backup big man Bernard Kouma led all players with nearly two more fouls committed per-40 than Boone.

Landing Cisse would give OSU an all-transfer incoming class led by two five-stars in Bryce Thompson (Kansas transfer) and Cisse. OSU this offseason has also added key frontcourt depth in Syracuse’s Woody Newton and Texas Tech’s Tyreek Smith.