Five-star Moussa Cisse commits to Memphis basketball, bolstering Penny Hardaway's frontcourt

Moussa Cisse, the No. 9 recruit in the Class of 2020, announced Wednesday on Instagram that he picked Memphis over offers from LSU, Florida State, Kentucky, Georgia and Georgetown.

The five-star center was once considered a lock for LSU, but most recruiting analysts switched their predictions to Memphis last week.

"I am trying to find the best way to the NBA," the 6-foot-11 Cisse told ESPN in May.

As he made his decision, Cisse placed a Memphis cap on his head while sitting on a couch. He then unveiled a portrait of himself in a Memphis Tigers basketball jersey.

Cisse, who reclassified to the Class of 2020 in May, played his junior season at Lausanne in Memphis, leading the Lynx to a DII-A state title in March. He was named Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball in that division after averaging 18.4 points, 15.3 rebounds and 9.2 blocks.

Prior to moving to Memphis, the native of Guinea spent time at St. Benedict’s Prep in New Jersey (where he was teammates with former Tigers star Precious Achiuwa) and Christ The King in New York. Cisse moved to the United States in late 2015.

By adding Cisse and his 7-4 wingspan and 9-4 standing reach, Memphis’ frontcourt becomes one of the most formidable in the American Athletic Conference, especially on the defensive end.

He joins sophomore Malcolm Dandridge, Isaiah Stokes and junior college transfer Ahmad Rand on the interior. Memphis is also awaiting an NCAA ruling on transfer wing DeAndre Williams’ eligibility status for the upcoming season. If the versatile Williams is eligible, he could see time in the frontcourt. 

The Tigers also return a deep backcourt, which includes junior Alex Lomax and sophomores Boogie Ellis, Lester Quinones and Damion Baugh. Junior Lance Thomas and sophomore D.J. Jeffries return on the wing for a group that could also add Virginia Tech transfer Landers Nolley II, depending on the NCAA’s decision on his eligibility.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the only official visit Cisse took was to Florida State, although he made multiple unofficial visits to Memphis and Kentucky.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.