Rutgers Earns Commitment From Four-Star Power Forward Mamadou Doucoure

Mamadou Doucoure (Photo via HoopGroup.com)

First year Rutgers men’s basketball head coach, Steve Pikiell has been spending lots of time recruiting as he has begun to turn the Scarlet Knights program around.

On Tuesday, Pikiell landed his biggest recruit so far.

2018 4-star power forward Mamadou Doucoure of Our Savior New American (N.Y.) announced his verbal commitment to continue his basketball career at Rutgers. Doucoure is averaging around 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks per game for Our Savior New American so far this season. He has also starred on the AAU scene for the PSA Cardinals of the Nike EYBL circuit.

In basketball, athleticism, size and effort cannot be taught. At 6’9″, 220 pounds, Doucoure has a large frame, is very athletic and has been a strong rebounder. He runs the floor extremely well for a big man and can finish strong in the paint. On the defensive end, Doucoure has become proficient at blocking shots.

He is rated a 4-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN, and 247 Sports, as well as 3-stars by Scout and Future 150.

Once considered a St. John’s lean, Doucoure chose Rutgers over offers from Seton Hall, St. John’s, UConn, Providence and Pittsburgh, among others.

Along with Pikiell, Rutgers assistant Brandin Knight played a role in swaying Doucoure to the Scarlet Knights. SNY’s Adam Zagoria spoke with Doucoure’s high school coach Eric Jaklitsch who was very clear about the role Knight played in his recruitment:

“I have been doing this for 15-plus years and there has never been a better recruiting job than what Rutgers and coach [Brandin] Knight did with Duke. The kid is on Cloud Nine right now. He is so happy. And coach Knight deserves credit for that. He developed the trust. The kid believes Rutgers is a perfect home.”

Rutgers is off to the program’s best start in over 40 years with an 11-1 record. The Scarlet Knights are clearly and quickly moving in the right direction.

247sports.com was the first to reporter the commitment by Doucoure.