LOOK: 4-star C Arafan Diane poses with Mark Pope on official visit to Kentucky

Arafan Diane wrapped up his weekend trip to Lexington on Sunday.

The four-star center spent a few days on the University of Kentucky’s campus for his official visit. Ranked No. 9 overall in the 2026 class by Rivals, Diane reportedly received the red carpet treatment from Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and his coaching staff. As part of his stay, the seven-footer was spotted with a couple of current Wildcats at Kroger Field for the football team’s win on Saturday and, of course, suited up in a Kentucky jersey for the traditional locker room photoshoot.

Diane posted a handful of pictures from his official visit to his social media pages. The big man looks good in blue and white, doesn’t he, BBN? The last Wildcat to wear #34 was pretty good, too.

Kentucky was the first of five official visits on the schedule for Diane, who is expected to announce his college decision on his birthday, Nov. 19 — a little over two months away. The native of Guinea will head to Arkansas to meet with John Calipari and Co. this weekend before making stops at Virginia (Sept. 26-28), Indiana (Oct. 17-19), and Houston (Oct. 24-26). Those five schools also happen to be his finalists, with Houston the perceived favorite going into these visits.

Diane’s trip to Kentucky was actually bumped up by two weeks, giving Pope the first chance to make a pitch. He even popped in for an in-person visit to check on Diane a couple of weeks ago. Of note, going into his senior high school season, Diane will be coached by Pope‘s brother-in-law, Damon Archibald, at Iowa United Prep.

After following Diane closely throughout the adidas 3SSB circuit over the summer, the Kentucky staff extended him a scholarship in July and has quickly made up ground on the talented big man. Diane averaged a double-double across five games played at the 3SSB Championships in the summer, posting 21.6 points, 13 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per outing. Soon after, he announced an offer from the Wildcats.

Diane isn’t the only big man who will make their way to Lexington this fall. Four-star centers Ethan Taylor (No. 25 overall) and Josh Irving (No. 68) will officially visit UK for Big Blue Madness the weekend of Oct. 10-12.

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