Arizona State's Massamba Diop enters transfer portal

Freshman center set program record for blocks in a single season.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric forms and movement of a basketball player, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the fluidity and energy of the sport.Diop's departure from Arizona State leaves a significant void in the Sun Devils' frontcourt as the program undergoes a coaching change.Tempe Today

Arizona State center Massamba Diop, who set a new program record for blocks by a freshman in a single season, will enter the transfer portal after his standout debut campaign. The 7-foot-1 Senegalese big man averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game for the Sun Devils.

Why it matters

Diop's decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant loss for Arizona State, as he was a key contributor and record-setter as a freshman. His departure comes amid broader changes for the Sun Devils, including the departure of longtime head coach Bobby Hurley.

The details

Diop blocked 69 shots across 33 games (all starts) to set a new program record for blocks by a freshman in a single season, surpassing the previous mark of 63 set the year prior by Jayden Quaintance. Diop's 69 blocks ranked sixth by any Sun Devil in program history. He also averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, both second-best on the team.

  • Diop set the program record for blocks by a freshman during the 2025-26 season.
  • Diop has entered the transfer portal as of April 8, 2026.
  • The transfer portal window is open through April 21, 2026.

The players

Massamba Diop

A 7-foot-1 center from Senegal who set the Arizona State program record for blocks by a freshman in a single season with 69.

Jayden Quaintance

The previous Arizona State record holder for blocks by a freshman in a single season with 63.

Moe Odum

The Arizona State point guard who led the team in scoring, averaging more points per game than Diop.

Santiago Trouet

The Arizona State forward who led the team in rebounds per game, averaging more than Diop.

Bobby Hurley

The former head coach of Arizona State men's basketball, who was not retained beyond his 11th season.

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What they’re saying

“Diop has a do not contact tag.”

— Pete Nakos, Reporter

What’s next

Players can enter their names into the transfer portal through April 21, 2026. Diop will look to find a new program that can help develop his skills and potentially prepare him for a future in the NBA.

The takeaway

Massamba Diop's decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant loss for Arizona State, as he was a standout freshman who set a new program record for blocks. His departure comes amid broader changes for the Sun Devils, including the hiring of a new head coach, and highlights the fluidity of the modern college basketball landscape.