By Dallas Jones

IOWA CITY, IA – Ladji Dembele, a 6-foot-9 forward from Newark, New Jersey announced his commitment to the Iowa men’s basketball team on Wednesday and he joins a much anticipated 2023 recruiting class.

Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery said recently to the media that he planned to add another player to the 2023 class, which also includes 6-7 small forward Pryce Sandfort, 6-0 point guard Brock Harding, and 6-10 center/forward Owen Freeman.

“I would say the main reason I chose Iowa was that I watched how they let their bigs make plays as long as you don’t turn it over,” Dembele told on3.com’s Joe Tipton. “That was one of the main reasons I chose Iowa. Coach McCaffery came to see me and when I went I on a visit, he was the one showing me the campus and we had a great talk. There is like six seniors leaving next year so I know I’ll be able to play when I get there.”

Dembele, who is ranked as the No. 93 prospect in the 2023 class by On3, chose Iowa over multiple power five schools, including Seton Hall, which Iowa defeated 83-67 on Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey, Rutgers, Wake Forest and more.

Congratulations to our Captain , Class of 2023 Forward @ladji_kalilou on his commitment to the University of Iowa @iowahoops #gohawks #graybees pic.twitter.com/M5yFhySXFT

— St. Benedict’s Prep Basketball (@GraybeeHoops) November 16, 2022