Basketball Recruiting: JUCO center Bernard Kouma commits to Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State wrapped up its 2020 recruiting class with a commitment from three-star junior-college transfer big man Bernard Kouma late Monday night.

Kouma, originally from Chad, Africa, committed to Illinois but was unable to meet the requirements needed for the fall of 2019. He played his high school ball at Our Saviour Lutheran in Brooklyn, New York, the hometown of OSU coach Mike Boynton.

Kouma spent the last season playing at South Plains Community College in Levelland, Texas. Corey Evans of Rivals described him as physical but raw.

“Respected most for his rim-running abilities, physicality around the basket and presence on the glass, Kouma is not entirely refined but he does compete,” said Evans. “The loss of Anei leaves a few minutes left for Kouma to contribute in the energy-giving department. He appeared in 29 games this past winter for SPC where he made over 57-percent of his field goal tries.”

At 6-foot-10, Kouma becomes the tallest player on OSU’s roster, giving the Cowboys some much needed height. OSU was in need of a center after Yor Anei decided to transfer.

Kouma has three years of eligibility remaining and is expected to join the team for the upcoming season.