Class of 2027 center Teke Deng is starting to turn heads in a big way.
The 7-foot VWBA big man has gone from flying under the radar to drawing real high-major attention, and the latest wave of interest includes Kentucky and USC, both of which recently reached out. Deng has put together what looks like the strongest stretch of his prep and AAU career, and he’s done it with the kind of presence that jumps off the floor: rim protection, shot blocking with timing and tenacity, and the ability to force drivers to think twice before attacking the lane.
What makes Deng stand out, though, goes beyond the defensive stuff. He’s showing a catch-and-finish game, transition dunks, and a polished offensive package that separates him from a lot of young centers. That full skill set was on display during the Recruitlook Nashville Live in Frankin, Tenn. recently.
“ Kentucky and USC, they recently reached out,” said Deng, a stabilizing influence and double double threat who helped guide Olathe North to a Kansas 6A state title during his junior season.
Deng also said he recently made an unofficial visit to Kansas State and came away impressed.
“I recently visite Kansas State (unofficially). I really enjoyed my visit, as well as the campus.
The coaches basically told me they have a plan for me and showed how they want to develop me. I also received an offer from UNLV (last month).”
Kansas State’s new staff appears to be making Deng a priority. Head coach Casey Alexander, hired in March after going 166-60 at Belmont, was recently in Chicago to see him.
UNLV, which offered Deng a little over a month ago, is also working to bring the long, lithe and versatile recruit in for a visit. And for a player who was previously unranked, the rise has been fast.
“Oh yeah, recruiting wise, things are definitely turning,” Deng said.
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