Number one 2026 center Arafan Diane sets his sights on Kentucky

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, one thing is certain—it’s that time of year again when college basketball recruiting heats up! Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for a whirlwind of visits, hoping to secure their next blue-chip talent. With a lineup of high-profile recruits making their way to Lexington, anticipation is palpable. Who’s the latest prospect to lock in an official visit? None other than the remarkable Arafan Diane, the No. 1 center in the Class of 2026, hailing from Iowa United Prep, according to Kentucky Sports Radio.

Diane has officially scheduled his visit to the Bluegrass on September 26-27. This announcement follows an impressive summer where he captured attention during the live evaluation periods, particularly on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Kentucky extended an offer to him back in July, and it’s clear that his stock has soared since then. With over 20 offers already in hand, it’s no surprise that Diane is now a prime target for several elite programs.

Make no mistake; this recruitment battle is heating up! On September 12, Diane will also take officials with John Calipari at Arkansas—a former Wildcat coach turned rival. Additionally, he’s set his sights on Houston, where he’ll be visiting on October 10. As we speak, he’s exploring the Lone Star State for an early look at what promises to be an explosive season with the Cougars.