College Basketball
Moustapha Thiam Transfer Portal: Why Indiana Leads Alabama, NC State
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Get to know David Evans betterPublished16 Apr 2025
Moustapha Thiam is in the transfer portal after an impressive freshman season at UCF. The 7-foot-2 shot-blocker averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game and immediately became one of the most intriguing bigs available. While several Power Five programs are circling, Indiana looks like the favorites to land the big man—followed by Alabama and Duke.
Why Indiana Basketball Is the Right Fit
Indiana’s need at center is urgent. The Hoosiers have seen Oumar Ballo, Langdon Hatton, and Dallas James depart, and there’s no one taller than 6-foot-9 returning. That’s a problem in the Big Ten.
Thiam would walk into a starting role. He gives Indiana immediate rim protection, rebounding, and size—three things they simply don’t have on the current roster. Under new head coach Darian DeVries, who has a strong track record of player development from his time at Drake, Thiam would have the chance to grow offensively without being rushed.
Indiana’s style under DeVries will likely be more modern and spacing-friendly, which could help Thiam on both ends—letting him patrol the paint while working in simple rim-run and pick-and-roll actions on offense.
Why Alabama Is Still in the Picture
NBA Draft. The Tide will need interior defense and rebounding help in the SEC, and Thiam fits the mold.
Still, Alabama has other irons in the fire and might prioritize a more polished scoring threat if Nelson leaves. Thiam would be a complementary piece there, not a centerpiece.
Where NC State Fits In
NC State has room for Thiam to play right away as they lack a reliable rim protector. Kevin Keatts values defensive toughness, and Thiam fits the profile.
The path to starting minutes is clearer than at most other programs. And stylistically, Thiam’s shot-blocking and interior presence could immediately raise NC State’s floor in the ACC.
Verdict
If Thiam wants to play right away, Indiana is the spot. They have the need, the minutes, and the development environment. Alabama and NC State offer upside, but not the same clear runway to a lead role in the frontcourt.
